What You Need to Know About College Honors Programs
For high school seniors who are reviewing their college options, the decision between a small liberal arts college and a large university can be a difficult one. However, many universities offer honors programs that can provide students with the best of both worlds - a rigorous academic program with a tight-knit community and access to resources and opportunities found at larger universities. In this article, we will discuss what college honors programs are, the benefits they offer, and what students should know about them.
What are College Honors Programs?
Honors programs are selective academic programs offered by many public and private universities that provide enhanced opportunities for students. These programs often include smaller, more intimate classes, opportunities to interact with top professors, special honors classes, and access to resources and opportunities not available to the general student body. Some honors programs also provide financial incentives, such as scholarships or grants, and/or offer special housing for honors students.
Benefits of Honors Programs
Smaller Classes and Interaction with Top Professors
Honors classes attract top professors who enjoy teaching bright, motivated students. In most programs, students are not required to take all honors courses, but rather can choose to take one or two honors classes each semester along with their other classes. These classes are smaller, allowing students to delve deeper into a subject and engage in more meaningful conversations with their classmates and professors.
Access to Resources and Opportunities
Many honors programs provide students with access to advising and enrichment programs that help students find research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs. Honors advisors can also assist with course selection, career planning, and other academic and personal challenges.
Special Housing
Many schools offer separate honors housing, which can be especially important at schools that have a party atmosphere. Honors students are not always required to live in honors housing, but they do have the option.
Examples of Honors Programs
University of Arizona and Arizona State University
The University of Arizona and Arizona State University both offer honors programs. At such large universities, with over 30,000 students each, an honors program provides a sense of community and the assurance of real contact with professors. The Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University creates a living-learning community, featuring classrooms, an advising center, a computer room, and residence halls.
Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College
Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University offers a renewable scholarship of $5,000 to all first-year students and grants to students who study abroad. The college also offers over 300 honors courses each year and boasts of high placement rates in graduate and professional schools.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a liberal arts college that is not religiously affiliated, is the state of Maryland’s honors college. With approximately 2,000 students, this college offers a private school-type of education at public school prices, with small classes and a strong sense of community.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University in Boston offers an honors program that provides students with separate honors sections of courses, as well as interdisciplinary honors seminars. Honors students also have the opportunity to live with other honors students, attend excursions to the theater and symphony, and participate in other enrichment activities.
Final Thoughts
Honors programs are an excellent opportunity for high school students who want to get the best of both worlds – the intimacy of a liberal arts college and the opportunities and experiences of a large university. With preferential class registration, special honors classes, and enhanced advising and enrichment programs, honors programs offer students the chance to pursue their passions in more depth and make the most of their college experience. However, it's important to remember that not all honors programs are created equal, so it's crucial to do your research and choose a program that aligns with your academic and personal goals. With the right honors program, you'll have the chance to challenge yourself, connect with other high-achieving students, and receive a well-rounded education that prepares you for success beyond college. So, take a closer look at honors programs and see if one is right for you.