Eligibility

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Female student working in the science lab

Welcome to the University Honors Program 

This is an exciting time to join the University.  Higher education is in a state of flux--your generation is the most information savvy, globally attuned, and aware of the possibilities and threats to our future as a species. The Honors Program is designed to empower you to explore all the resources of a comprehensive research university; connect you to the campus community and beyond, and to discover your own path. We do this by creating the intellectual community and personal attention of a small college of liberal arts and sciences, within a comprehensive research university.

Join us if:

  • You are drawn to asking big questions in collaborative, interdisciplinary settings
  • You wish to make a difference in the world and are curious to explore ways to do so through academic work and community engagement.
  • You are eager to become involved in research and creative practice both in and outside of the classroom
  • You are hungry for the experiences and friendships that will launch you on a lifelong quest for knowledge and personal growth

Honors students are encouraged to pursue:

  • Research experiences with faculty and graduate students, many times providing the foundation for a thesis or special project.
  • Field studies, practicum, conference presentations related to academic study.
  • Study Abroad experiences coordinated by the Study Abroad Program or by the student’s academic program/College.
  • Job shadowing, externships and internships related to identified career choice.

Honors students are highly encouraged to become involved in University life:

  • Serve with university departments, programs, Registered Student Organizations.
  • Engaged with Honors RSO, the Honors Assembly and as Honors Ambassadors.
  • Active residency in our Abbott and Smith Halls Living-Learning Communities.
  • Attend and support diversity of university activities and special events.
  • Fulfill 20 civic engagement hours per year, a blend of community/university service.

Eligibility:

You must apply to join Honors.

Entering freshmen qualify for admission on the basis of a high school GPA of 3.3/4 (or higher). However, we look at your application as a whole — your intellectual explorations thus far; your extra-curricular activities; personal experiences and context; and engagement with the community. 

Students who receive the Chancellor's scholarship from SIUC are automatically accepted pending submission of the application and letter of intent.

Continuing SIUC students with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher may join the University Honors program and if accepted into the Upperclassmen entry track may complete the program with 12 semester hours of credit.

Transfer students with Associates degree qualify for admission to the program on the basis of a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher on non-SIUC college-level work and complete the program with 12 semester hours of credit.

APPLY NOW!  complete the UHP Application Form and mail or bring it to the UHP Office, Morris Library, Rm 180.

Requirements for the Honors Certificate