The Honors Program is open to qualified students from all majors. It consists of Honors sections of the “Inner Core” courses (24 credits) of the Core Curriculum: Honors HY 101 and 102 Western Civilization I and II (first-year), Honors TH 100 Introduction to the Judeo- Christian Tradition (sophomore year), Honors PH 200 Philosophy and Ethics (sophomore year), Honors ES 300 Ecology and the Environmental Challenge (junior year), and Honors HP 402 the Capstone Seminar (senior year).

NOTE:  Effective for the class of 2020 and after, the Honors Inner Core will also include honors EH101 College Writing.

The Honors Core Curriculum courses allow the faculty to teach, and the students to learn, at a challenging depth and breadth. The classes enhance discussion, encourage wide reading and deep study, promote individualized instruction, and engage in field research and class trips.

The Honors Program provides students with numerous opportunities for personal enrichment, including concerts, plays, museum exhibits, and other cultural events. It also sponsors social and recreational activities.

Selection

The Admission Office, working with the Director of the Honors Program, considers for the Honors Program every incoming first-year student. Invitations are extended on the basis of a student’s record of achievement and potential for academic success as indicated by such factors as high school GPA, SAT scores, etc. It is also possible to be admitted into the Honors Program by individual request after a student has completed one semester of course work. The Honors Committee will consider each request, placing particular emphasis on college performance and faculty recommendations.

Minimum Standards

Honors students are expected to excel with grades of B- or better in the Honors courses. A student with a grade lower than a B- will be placed on probation. A student with a second grade below a B- will no longer be eligible to remain in the Honors Program.