About the Honors Program

• What is the Honors Program?
• What qualifications do I need to be accepted into the Honors Program?
• What benefits will I receive from being in the Honors Program?
• How is the Four-Year Program different from the fifteen-hour program?
• How are Honors courses different from non-Honors courses?
• How do I find out about Honors courses?
• How do I apply for the Honors Program or find out more information about the program?

What is the Honors Program?

The Honors Program is designed to challenge students and provide opportunities for creative exploration and intellectual development. The program allows motivated students to fulfill fifteen hours of core requirements in a more challenging, interdisciplinary environment. Additionally, the Honors Program offers a four-year option for students who wish to continue in the program during their junior and senior years.

What qualifications do I need to be accepted into the Honors Program?

Generally, a student should rank in the top ten percent of his/her high school class, have a minimum ACT Composite Score of 26, and have a commendable high school record. These requirements are flexible, however, and any student with a strong academic background and an interest in more challenging, creative courses should apply.

What benefits will I receive from being in the Honors Program?

The principal benefit comes from experiencing the courses themselves. Honors students have close interaction with the Honors faculty and enjoy the atmosphere of being in courses with other Honors students.

Additionally, students who successfully complete fifteen hours of credit in the Honors Program will receive an Honors Certificate and a notation of this achievement on official transcripts. Furthermore, students will receive the designation of Honors Scholar upon graduation. Students who complete the Four-Year program will be designated as Four-Year Scholars on their certificates and transcripts, and will be recognized at graduation as Honors Scholars with Special Distinction.

As an Honors Student, you may apply for residence at Harvill Hall, where you will be in an environment with other high-achieving students. Also, you will be invited to become a member of the Laurel Wreath Society, an honor society which has the distinction of being the oldest student organization on campus.

How is the Four-Year Program different from the fifteen-hour program?

Students in the Four-Year Program complete the work of the fifteen-hour program, which is comprised of courses in the general education core. They go on to do Honors work in upper-level courses. These courses are determined by individual departments in consultation with the Honors Director, and may take many forms. At the end of each academic year, students doing work in upper-level courses present their work at an Honors Symposium.

How are Honors courses different from non-Honors courses?

Honors courses are not simply regular courses which are harder or more work-intensive; the approach is different. Honors faculty are encouraged to adopt an interdisciplinary approach, and to create an atmosphere which challenges students. This may take many forms, such as bringing in outside speakers, encouraging lively classroom discussions, attending performances and other functions, and pursuing intensive research interests.

How do I find out about Honors courses?

Honors core courses will be designated with an "H" in the course schedule. Only Honors students will be in those courses. For upper-level Honors courses, students should contact individual departments and ask to speak with the department's Honors liaison.

How do I apply for the Honors Program or find out more information about the program?

Applications are available in the office of the Honors Director, Dr. Linda Barnes, in Harned 215. Information about the program will be posted on the Honors bulletin board beside the door. You may contact the director by emailing honors@apsu.edu or calling (931) 221-7119 or (931) 221-7891.