Special Academic Programs and Services

University Honors Program

104 University Hall, 372-8504
www.bgsu.edu/offices/honors/

The University Honors Program provides enriching and intellectually stimulating classes, at no additional cost, for academically talented students who are interested in participating. The program is open to any eligible student in any academic discipline.

Most honors classes satisfy general education requirements for all students. Others satisfy college and/or major requirements or qualify as electives. Though some honors courses are regularly offered, the list of honors course offerings changes each term.

Honors classes are small and taught by professors with high academic standards who are particularly interested in working with highly motivated students. Most honors courses are interdisciplinary: that is, the content is approached from the perspective of at least two different disciplines. Because the classes are small, more responsibility is placed on the individual student and more individual attention is given to each student. There is also a consistent emphasis on the development of critical thinking and communication skills. The atmosphere in honors classes tends to be free and interactive; typically there is more discussion than lecturing.

The Honors Program accepts incoming first-year students based upon the following criteria:

1. Placement in, or exemption from, ENG 112 as determined by a written essay judged by the English department;
2. An ACT composite score of 27 or above or an SAT composite score of 1200 or above;
3. A high-school grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 point scale, and
4. Two favorable letters of recommendation from teachers.
   

Different admission criteria apply to transfer students and students already enrolled at the University. Students transferring from honors programs at other universities must have GPA's of 3.5 or above and submit transcripts demonstrating that fact. Continuing students and other transfer students must have a minimum 3.5 college/university GPA, submit the name of a college or university faculty member who can serve as a reference, and submit an essay explaining why they wish to be considered for admission. Continuing and transfer students who are admitted to the program should make an appointment with the director, associate director or assistant director to discuss the course enrollment process and the many opportunities available through the program.

The application deadline for entering first-year students is May 1, but the program offers rolling admission. Students who submit their completed applications at an earlier date will be notified of their status within two weeks of the receipt of their applications. In order to remain in the program a student must complete a minimum of 15 hours of Honors coursework by the end of his or her fourth semester at the University.

Graduation with University Honors is one of the highest honors awarded by the University. The requirements are

1. A minimum 3.5 GPA overall, as well as a 3.4 or better in University Honors courses;
2. The completion of at least 20 semester hours of University Honors courses (including an interdisciplinary seminar) with at least a "B" in each course and no more than 10 of the 20 hours in any single University general education knowledge domain, and
3. The completion of a three-hour interdisciplinary Senior Honors Project (normally HNRS 499) in addition to the 20 hours mentioned above.
   

Application for graduation with University honors must be made to the Honors Program director no later than the tenth class day of the term in which the student plans to graduate.

Some departments offer departmental honors programs, which complement the opportunities available through the University Honors Program. Any student interested in departmental honors should discuss the possibilities with his or her department.

Honors housing is available in Darrow Hall in Kreischer Quadrangle. Students interested in this option must apply through both the honors office and the Office of Residence Life.

The Honors Program offers service opportunities, informal reading groups, discussions led by honors faculty, programs on topics of personal interest to students and excursions off campus to museums, musical and theatrical productions, and other events. A monthly newsletter informs students of activities, scholarships and other opportunities, and provides general information. Academic advising and short-term personal counseling are also available through the program.

The Honors Student Association, a large and lively group, is associated with the Honors Program. It is open to all University students and sponsors activities ranging from informative programs to philanthropic projects and social events.

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