As students converge on university campuses all around the nation, they will soon begin to realize that college is more than simply attending class, turning in assignments, and walking away with a diploma. Future employers and graduate school admissions counselors want to see more than just a transcript. They want to see well-rounded, active students that took advantage of all that was available to them.
Honors Program Overview
An honors program (or honors college, as many schools call them) is designed for high-achieving students that desire more from their educational experience. Often composed of a small number of students compared to the university as a whole, they allow members to have unique experiences above and beyond the university/college curriculum. The goal of most programs is to give each student an individualized journey through college.
Importance of Membership in an Honors Program
Graduating with an honors diploma is one tag that immediately tells future employers or graduate school administration that the person they are considering did more than his/her counterparts to complete a degree. In an uncertain economy, an honors degree could be the difference between an interview and a “thank you for applying” letter.
Benefits of Being an Honors Student
Honors programs don’t simply help students once they have graduated. They provide excellent benefits. Scholarships are usually readily available; the program alumni are successful and often give back. Many of the programs are small; scholarship applicants are not competing with as many individuals as they would be for a regular scholarship. Honors programs offer amazing experiences such as extensive study abroad programs. Many of the trips are heavily subsidized by the program’s funding.
Other Honors Program Perks
In addition to the big perks, programs often offer benefits such as priority registration, meaning that honors students register for classes before their peers, and housing specifically for honors students that allow the program members to live and learn together. The most lasting benefit of an honors program, however, is the individualized attention given by the faculty and staff. This can lead to lifelong relationships and outstanding recommendation letters.
Requirements for an Honors Degree
It is important to research the specific requirements for each school. Most programs set a certain number of hours to complete as honors credits. These hours are included in the degree plan; most schools do not like to add hours to any program. To earn an honors diploma, student must often complete a senior project or honors thesis. This involves working individually with a faculty mentor to complete independent research.
By participating in an honors program, a student leaves college with a sense of pride and accomplishment as well as a tangible piece of evidence of his/her honors experience.
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