Is honors coursework in addition my regular course load?
No. The honors course work is an integral part of your semester schedule, and credits for honors courses are counted toward your graduation requirements. The courses can be General Education courses (GA, GN, GH, GQ, GS, GWS) or electives, or they can satisfy requirements in your major, if appropriate. Think of it as simply turning one of your regular courses into an honors course.
How do I earn honors credit?
There are multiple ways to earn honors credit:
- You may take an "honors option" in a regular course, which means modifying the course in consultation with the professor to accommodate a more in-depth experience. This doesn't mean adding quantity; rather, it means offering a more intensive, often research-oriented experience at an appropriate level. An honors option in a 100-level course will not require you to write a 400-level paper. The assignment or assignment sequence will be tailored within the established framework of the course to provide a more in-depth engagement with the subject.
- You may work on your own or with another student in an honors independent study course, which is individually designed by the student(s) and professor around the particular research interests of the individuals involved. All independent study courses must be approved by the honors coordinator and the faculty supervising the independent study.
- You may engage in research with a faculty member of your choice, and this can be shaped in numerous ways to accommodate your academic interests. All research experiences must involve a faculty member and be approved by the honors coordinator.
- You may engage in a service-learning project supervised by a faculty member, staff member, or outside supervisor in consultation with the honors coordinator.
Can I enroll in honors coursework in any subject?
Essentially, yes. Honors coursework is offered in a range of general education subjects each year.
Honors options and independent study courses can be completed in any subject, the only restriction is that this honors work must be completed in consultation with a full-time faculty member. Any coursework that is demonstrably germane to your academic program can be completed for honors credit. However, it's important to first determine if a faculty member is willing to work with you on an honors option/project. Students typically pursue this option once deeper into coursework.
What requirements must be met to be considered for honors coursework?
Honors students must maintain a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.3 or higher to remain in the honors coursework.
Is the Penn State Beaver honors coursework related to the Schreyer Honors College?
They are related, but they're not the same. The Schreyer Honors College is the parent organization of the honors coursework offered at the campus.
If you're interested in becoming a Schreyer Scholar, please consult Dr. Kristen Olson regarding all aspects of the admission procedure for the Schreyer Honors College.
With whom should I speak if I have more questions or need additional information about the honors program?
Please contact Michelle Kurtyka, assistant director of academic affairs, at [email protected] .