Academics in the Honors Program
How Honors Fits Into Your Degree
The Honors Program is designed to work alongside your major, not compete with it. Honors students complete a sequence of interdisciplinary seminars and a culminating project while progressing through their primary field of study.
Rather than adding a heavy course load, Honors enhances your academic experience by:
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Replacing or complementing general education courses
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Creating smaller, discussion-based learning environments
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Connecting ideas across disciplines
The Honors Curriculum at a Glance
Honors students complete:
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A set number of interdisciplinary Honors seminars
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A culminating experience (Thesis or Capstone)
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An Honors portfolio that reflects their intellectual growth and work across the program
Honors Seminars
Honors seminars are the foundation of the program. These small, discussion-based courses bring together students from across majors to explore big questions and complex ideas.
Unlike traditional lecture courses, seminars emphasize:
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Close reading and discussion
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Collaborative learning
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Interdisciplinary perspectives
Topics vary widely and are designed to challenge students to think beyond the boundaries of their primary field of study.
Culminating Experience: Thesis or Capstone
All Honors students complete a culminating experience that allows them to apply what they鈥檝e learned in a meaningful, in-depth way.
Students choose between two paths:
Option 1: Thesis Track
The Thesis Track is ideal for students interested in sustained independent research or creative work within their discipline.
Students:
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Develop a research question or creative project
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Work closely with a faculty advisor
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Produce a substantial written or creative work
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Present their work publicly
This path is especially well-suited for students considering graduate or professional school.
Option 2: Capstone Track
The Capstone Track offers a collaborative, interdisciplinary alternative to the traditional thesis.
Students:
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Work as part of a cohort
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Explore a shared theme or question
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Collaboratively develop and help teach a first-year student seminar
- Present their work publicly
This track emphasizes collaboration, communication, and the ability to connect ideas across disciplines.
Choosing Your Path
Students typically decide between the Thesis and Capstone tracks later in their Honors experience, after they have explored their academic interests.
Both paths:
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Require sustained intellectual engagement
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Involve close faculty mentorship
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Culminate in a public presentation or shared work
There is no 鈥渂etter鈥� option鈥攅ach path supports different goals and learning styles.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Academic work in Honors is often enriched by experiences beyond the classroom, including:
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Research funding opportunities
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Study abroad programs
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Co-curricular events and programming