College of Undergraduate Studies Honors Program

The Honors Program offers talented students an opportunity to focus their attention on courses that encourage flexibility and integration of knowledge in an atmosphere of collaborative learning. The small honors classes foster inquiry and scholarship among students and faculty. The Honors Program is designed to nurture student involvement in the education process. Courses emphasize independent scholarship. All honors courses are identified on student transcripts.

Honors Program Invitations

Invitations are awarded to high school students who meet the following criteria:

SAT composite score (Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics and Writing ) of 1650 or better.
High School GPA of 3.50 or equivalent and/or
Top 25% of high school class.

Invitations are awarded to transfer students and Immaculata University sophomores who complete a minimum of 24 college semester hours with a GPA of 3.50. Students who complete fewer than 24 college semester hours must meet the same criteria as freshman applicants.

Requirements for Completion

The Honors Program requires 21 credits distributed over three levels. A student must complete a minimum of 15-18 credits at Levels I and II, and 3-6 credits at Level III. In addition, the student is required to maintain a 3.50 GPA. Sophomores and transfer students must complete 9-12 credits between Levels I and II and 3-6 credits at level III for a total of 15 credits.

Student Generated Honors Option

This is an opportunity for students to propose additional readings, papers and/or projects which would add an honors component to an already scheduled course in order to give it honors status. Students present their proposal to the Honors Committee in the semester prior to the start of the course and present their final project at the college Honors Colloquium in the spring.

Curriculum

Requirements: 21 credits from Level I (Honors English Composition I & II, Honors World Civilization I & II, and BIO Honors course in Problems in Environmental Biology I & II); Level II (Liberal Arts Core electives); Level III (Honors Colloquium or Advanced Departmental Research).

Recognition

The Honors Committee awards certificates of achievement. The student transcript reads “Honors” before the course number. The graduation program indicates that the student has completed the Honors Program.

Cultural and Social Activities

Honors students meet socially with faculty each semester at the Honors Seminar. The Honors Program sponsors speakers and intercollegiate symposia on campus; encourages students to attend lectures, films, and museums off campus; and involves students in the meetings of the National Collegiate Honors Council and regional honors conferences.