Academics

FAQs

 

  1. What kinds of students join the program?
  2. What are the benefits of membership in the Honors Program?
  3. How are the Honors requirements related to General Education requirements?
  4. Will joining the Honors Program interfere with my commitment to my major, or with my taking a double major?
  5. What is the relationship between seeking honors in my major department and membership in the University Honors Program?
  6. I am a high school student. How should I prepare to apply?
  7. I am a continuing student at UMB, and my friend is a transfer student. How will Honors requirements fit into our programs of study?

1: What kinds of students join the program?

Honors students are distinguished by their willingness to undertake a challenging program that spans the arts and sciences. They are ambitious, intellectually curious, and often socially committed. At the same time, they are a highly diverse group, reflecting to a significant degree the University's student body as a whole. Honors students are women and men, computer programmers, violinists, ballet dancers, Peace Corps volunteers, parents, and researchers in biology. Students in the Honors program enjoy learning from one another.

2: What are the benefits of membership in the Honors Program?

Honors students benefit from specially arranged, small, interdisciplinary classes led by committed professors who are often teaching the fields of their own research. Students in the Honors Program receive extra advising and help in planning their university careers, and Honors course work strengthens a transcript. The Honors "neighborhood" in the University's Campus Center includes a study area with computers and a seminar room. Annual events include a special reception for graduating seniors, and the state-wide Undergraduate Research Conference.

3: How are the Honors requirements related to General Education requirements?

The Honors Program is an alternative way of completing your General Education requirements. Honors courses may be counted towards distribution requirements. Thus it is possible to complete all the General Education requirements and almost all of the Honors requirements simultaneously, with the same set of courses.

4: Will joining the Honors Program interfere with my commitment to my major, or with my taking a double major?

No. Because Honors and General Education requirements overlap, you will have almost the same number of credits available for majors and other options as do students generally.

5: What is the relationship between seeking honors in my major department and membership in the University Honors Program?

The Honors Junior Colloquium is intended to give you some advantages in preparing for the Senior thesis that is typically required for departmental honors. Usually the Senior thesis simultaneously earns you honors in your department and satisfies the last requirement of the Honors Program.

6: I am a high school student. How should I prepare to apply?

In general, take college preparatory classes and, if possible, some Honors or AP classes, and take the SAT or ACT tests. Polish your writing skills, and complete strong programs in math and foreign language. Pursue your genuine interests—in arts or sports or computers, etc., and if possible, participate in volunteer or paid employment, and/or community service.

7: I am a continuing student at UMB, and my friend is a transfer student. How will Honors requirements fit into our programs of study?

Several Honors requirements may be waived for you, such as the Honors Freshman Seminar, the writing course, and as many as two Sophomore level courses. The remaining Sophomore level courses can be chosen to overlap with any as yet unfilled General Education requirements. Transfer Honors courses can also be applied to our Program. Your ability to meet the requirements in math and foreign language in a timely fashion will be assessed.