The Honors Advantage

Honors is a journey, a privilege, and a commitment. The University Honors Program at CSU brings gifted students together with terrific teachers who will encourage them to identify their intellectual interests and pursue them as deeply as they can.

AN ENHANCED UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION through small, interdisciplinary Honors seminars and separate Honors sections of regular courses. Smaller classes mean there are more opportunities for one-on-one interaction with Honors faculty and peers. In addition, the Honors staff and faculty are great resources when you need help or advice with your college experience.

A SUPERIOR WAY to fulfill the University's graduation requirements. Completion of the Honors Track 1 Curriculum satisfies the All University Core Curriculum (AUCC) requirements in the following five categories: written communication, arts/humanities (3 of 6 credits), social/behavioral science, historical perspectives, and global and cultural awareness. Read more about the Honors Curriculum here.

CHALLENGING CLASSES AND ACADEMICALLY MOTIVATED CLASSMATES promote an enriched learning environment that fosters stimulating class discussions, communication skills, and small group interaction. Honors seminars and classes encourage you to learn material at a deeper level of understanding that pushes your boundaries of knowledge. See a list of Honors classes here.

EARLY REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES means that you have greater success in getting the classes you need, when you need them. Getting into the proper classes at the right time will help you complete your degree in a timely manner, as well as accommodate double majors, minors and participation in study abroad programs.

OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON AN ORIGINAL RESEARCH OR CREATIVE PROJECT under the guidance of a faculty adviser. The Honors thesis presents the chance to personalize your education by pursuing a topic in an area of interest to you. You can use your thesis experience to enhance your application to graduate school, medical school and other post-baccalaureate programs, or to give you a competitive edge when applying for a job. An Honors thesis serves as the capstone of the Honors experience. Find more information about the Honors Thesis here.

THE HONORS RESIDENTIAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES AND THE ACADEMIC VILLAGE provide a sense of community for Honors students. Entering freshmen have the opportunity to live in the Honors Residential Learning Community (RLC) located in the Academic Village (AV). The AV contains the Univiersity's newest residence halls and the Ram's Horn, the new Dining Commons. The Honors office, classrooms, Honors faculty offices, and the Fireside Lounge are all located in the Honors Residence Hall in the AV within easy reach of Honors students. A second Honors RLC is located in Edwards Hall, a traditional residence hall next to the Ram's Horn. Find more information on the Honors Residential Learning Communities.

HONORS SCHOLAR DESIGNATION on your transcript and diploma Participation in the Honors Program and designation as an Honors Scholar signals your outstanding academic and personal achievements, as well as the strength of your work ethic. This can give you an advantage on graduate, medical, vet or law school applications, or when seeking employment after graduation.