Student Resources
Honors Application
Honors Contract

About the Honors Program

The Honors Program offers a demanding and rewarding opportunity for selected students who are searching for a stimulating intellectual challenge. These students are prepared to invest extra effort to meet that challenge. Students from any major may participate. Honors courses may come from the University Core Curriculum and from the student’s major. Students can choose from three kinds of Honors courses (see below).

How to apply

•     Fill out and return an Honors Program application.  Pick one up from the Honors Program office or download from the link at the top of this page.

 Honors Courses – Three types

•     Stand-alone Honors Course. Only open to Honors students. Class is all Honors students, size is smaller than regular classes, and course work is more challenging and stimulating.

•     Cross-Listed Contract Course. Course is cross listed in the class schedule, meaning that it is listed twice, once as a regular section and once as an Honors section. Therefore, the class will be made up of Honors students and non-Honors students. Honors students are responsible for all the material on the course syllabus and an additional Honors component, for which they must fill out an Honors contract. In most cases, the professor has already designed the project for the Honors component.  

•     Ad Hoc Contract Course. A course that is not offered as a stand-alone or cross-listed Honors course may be taken for Honors credits by adding an Honors component to the course. The student will need to fill out an Honors contract with the professor that includes a description of a project that will satisfy the Honors component. A student taking an ad hoc contract course is responsible for all material on the course syllabus and an additional Honors component.

 To graduate as a University Honors Scholar

•     Complete undergraduate work with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher

•     Complete 21 minimum hours of Honors credit with an A or B grade

  -   Three of the 21 hours must come from completing HONS 101: Issues for the 21st Century with an A or B grade

  -   Three of the 21 hours must come from completing an Honors component to the senior synthesis course or an approved substitute with an A or B grade

 Recognition given to University Honors Scholars

•         University Honors Scholar designation on diploma

•         Notation on official transcript for each course with Honors credit

•         Special Honors cords presentation ceremony

•         Distinctive Honors cords worn at Commencement

The Honors designation is highly regarded by potential employers and graduate or professional schools where students may want to continue their education. If you have other questions about the Honors Program, you can refer to the FAQ web page or contact the Honors Office 812/464-1833.

“Being part of the Honors program is a way to distinguish yourself.”

Danielle Cundiff