University Honors Program

The University Honors Program (UHP) is one of Colorado State University 's top academic priorities.  The program's half century of excellence has been developed further by introducing exciting innovations such as the University Honors Scholar curriculum (Track 1), the Honors Living and Learning Community (HLLC), and the new Track 2 Discipline Honors Scholar program of study. Both tracks offer outstanding students challenging and enriching programs of academic studies, while the HLLC gives students support, a sense of community, special events programming, and learning experiences outside of the classroom.  We call this experience a "public ivy" education because students are able to receive a world class education, enjoy the personalized attention typically found at a small college, and benefit from the resources and diversity of an outstanding research university. The two Honors tracks are outlined below. UHP advisers will help you choose which track is the best option for you.

University Honors Scholar (Track 1)

Track 1 is composed of four interdisciplinary honors seminars, two honors courses in the major, and a faculty-mentored senior year creative activity.  The four honors seminars foster life-long learning by integrating skills such as written and spoken communication, critical thinking, and intellectual perspectives such as historical analysis, arts and humanities, and global and cultural awareness.  The four seminars fulfill up to seven categories of the University's general education requirements, which allows students the opportunity to take more elective courses, complete a minor, or study abroad for a semester.

The two honors courses in the major and the senior year creative activity (Honors thesis) connect students one-on-one with faculty mentors.  The senior Honors thesis is the culminating learning experience and is commonly cited by honors graduates as one of the most rewarding aspects of their academic studies.  Students who complete the Track 1 requirements are recognized as University Honors Scholars at graduation, a designation that appears on their diploma and transcripts.

Discipline Honors Scholar (Track 2)

Transfer students and first year students with abundant AP or IB credit may prefer the Discipline Honors Scholar option, which utilizes upper division honors courses in the major rather than interdisciplinary seminars to provide a challenging academic experience. Academic departments determine the requirements for this track, which requires the completion of three to four Honors courses in the major and a faculty-mentored Honors senior year creative activity or thesis. Disciplinary Honors Scholars receive all the benefits of participation in the University Honors Program.

Honors Classes

The Honors seminars and classes range from 15 to 25 students and are taught by the University's finest teachers.  These small classes create a classroom atmosphere that is characterized by a passion for learning, more personal interactions among students and faculty, and lively discussions.

Co-curricular Opportunities

The Honors Program approaches education from a holistic perspective, striving to nurture and develop well-rounded individuals capable of succeeding in a complex, global society. Honors students have many opportunities to participate in learning experiences that occur outside the classroom.  Study abroad and international education, independent research with faculty mentors, and community service activities develop students' cultural awareness, research skills, leadership abilities, and sense of social responsibility. In addition, Honors students have the opportunity to participate in the many activities offered through the Honors Living Learning Community in the Honors Residence Hall and the Honors Student Association.

Admission to the Program

Students who have been admitted to Colorado State University and who have strong records of academic performance are invited to apply to the UHP. Each year, approximately 275-300 first-year students with excellent records of academic achievement, special talents or experiences, and co-curricular accomplishments are selected to enter the University Honors Program. The official application deadline is March 1, 2007 . Automatic admission is granted to National Merit Finalists, Boettcher Scholars, Monfort Scholars, and students who have at least a 135 CCHE Admission Index and a 3.6 GPA. For a profile of entering Fall 2006 freshman, click here.

Students are encouraged to apply to Colorado State University by December 1 because they must be admitted by early spring to receive full consideration for the University's top merit scholarships. (Please refer to the Colorado State University web page and the Student Financial Services web page for more details.)

Newsom Residence Hall

Newsom Residence Hall is currently home to the Honors Living and Learning Community (HLLC), a new educational initiative that links in-class and out-of-class learning experiences for Honors students. A new residence hall which will house the Honors Living Learning Community is currently under construction and will be ready to welcome the Fall 2007 Honors class. The goals of the HLLC include supplementing in-class learning experiences with co-curricular programming; developing community among honors students, faculty, and staff; and creating a supportive environment for honors students. Honors students, especially new first-year students, are encouraged to take advantage of this special opportunity. Approximately 50% of first-year honors students choose to live in the HLLC, but all Honors students have access to all of the resources and experiences provided in the HLLC.

The Honors Program office, which includes the offices of Bob Keller ( Director); Diane Burton (Assistant Director), Louise Breyer ( Program Assistant), Judi Bryant (Program Coordinator), and Cindy Adamy (Administrative Assistant) is currently located in Newsom Hall and will be moving to the new residence hall this summer. The Honors Program has two special classrooms in the HLLC that are used for seminars, special workshops, invited lecturers, and various study sessions.

Honors FAQ

Are Honors classes more difficult than regular courses?
Honors courses are enhanced rather than accelerated. They focus on in-depth coverage, active participation, and interactive learning experiences. Honors students' grades in honors courses are slightly higher on average than grades in their regular courses.

Do students take all Honors courses?
Students typically take one or two Honors courses each semester. A student who completes Track 1 and/or Track 2 and takes advantage of honors elective courses will complete approximately thirty percent of all academic work in the Honors Program.

May I join the Honors Program my sophomore year or later?
Yes. Transfer students with a demonstrated record of academic success are encouraged to apply to the Honors Program when they apply as full time students at CSU. High achieving CSU students with declared majors will be invited by their department to apply for the program.

How much does it cost to join the Honors Program?
There is no additional cost to join the Honors Program.

Honors Reflections

“The Honors Program makes Colorado State University a complete package for me. I get the high-tech facilities of a large university, as well as the small classes, approachable professors and helpful, friendly faculty of a small campus. It makes a large campus have a small campus feel, so I really enjoy having the best of both worlds.”
- Gina Gonzales, Junior

“As a student in the Honors Program, I have been part of a fantastic community within the University. The opportunity to work with exceptional faculty and like-minded students has been an invaluable addition to my education at Colorado State University.”
- Justin Moninger, Senior

“For me the Honors Program has extended far beyond the borders of the classroom and the curriculum, into the realms of social interaction, character development, real challenges, and the ability to move into my world after college a more prepared, well-rounded person.”
- Lindsay Sell, Senior