Since 1969, the WSU Honors Program has provided capable and motivated students with an unusually rich, supportive, and challenging academic experience. Honors education fosters the growth of intellectual independence and initiative, invites a more sophisticated level of classroom and extracurricular interaction, and examines complex issues from diverse perspectives.
The Honors Program is characterized by a strong emphasis on the interdisciplinary approach to education, coupled with a special commitment to the problems and possibilities of serious students. It provides its own curriculum, consisting of general education classes, workshops, tutorials, colloquia, independent study, research, and travel study classes. Classes are generally taught in a seminar format that provides an intellectually stimulating environment conducive to free exchange and critical analysis.
Official recognition will be given for the completion of University Honors, Departmental Honors, or General Honors. Notation of these achievements will be made on the graduating Honors student's transcript and diploma and will be entered into the graduation bulletin. In the event a student completes Departmental Honors requirements in more than one department, notation for each will be made on the transcript.
A student may make application for entrance into the Honors Program at any time after formal acceptance by the Weber State Admissions Office. However, in order to take advantage of the many options available, early entrance is recommended. An application form is available in the Honors office or on the Internet. The applicant is asked to:
It is recognized that a strict adherence to a grade point average standard may, at times, bar students whose abilities and motivation are of Honors potential. Therefore, any student may present a special request for admittance.
To continue in good standing in the Honors Program, students must maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA and take an Honors class at least every semester until their general education requirements are completed; thereafter at least one course every other semester. No grades below "B" will be accepted for credit toward graduation with University, Departmental, or General Honors. The progress of Honors students is reviewed each semester. An Honors student having apparent difficulty in maintaining the aforementioned standards will be offered counseling and assistance from the Honors office staff.
There are three Honors designations in the Honors Program: University Honors, Departmental Honors, and General Honors. University Honors is available to all Honors Program students graduating with a bachelor's degree. Departmental Honors is available to students majoring in departments with designated Departmental Honors options. Students entering the Honors Program as Freshmen or Sophomores usually elect to graduate with University Honors and students entering the Honors Program as Juniors or Seniors usually elect to graduate with Departmental Honors. General Honors is available to students completing the requirements for an associate's degree.
To graduate with University Honors a student must complete a minimum of twenty-seven credit hours in University Honors classes. Students must maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA and complete the Honors Core Requirements.
The new Honors student begins taking University Honors classes to satisfy his/her general education requirements and core curriculum beginning with Honors 1110 - Introduction to Honors, and then moves on to complete HU/SS 2000 level - Intellectual Traditions classes, at least two Honors 3900 Colloquia, and Honors 4990 - Senior Project.
The requirements for graduation with Departmental Honors vary depending on the student's departmental major. For specific requirements see the various Departmental Honors catalog descriptions.
Most departments require students graduating with Departmental Honors to complete nine credit hours of University Honors classes, and twelve credit hours of upper division classes in their major with an Honors component, and maintain a cumulative 3.3 G.P.A. A Senior Thesis/Project is encouraged.
To receive General Honors with an associate's degree, students must complete twelve semester hours in University Honors core classes and maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.3.
A student may design an individualized Honors curriculum to be used as one of the three areas of emphasis for the Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree. For information consult either the BIS or Honors office.
The following suggested course sequence is provided to assist students in planning their schedules.
Freshman YearHonors HU/SS 1110 - Introduction to
Honors Engl EN1010H, EN2010H , Hnrs PS1500, LS1510, SS1520, CA1530, or HU1530 |
Sophomore YearRemaining General Education CoursesHonors HU/SS 2110, 2120, 2130 Intellectual Traditions |
Junior YearHonors 3900 Honors Colloquia (2 required) |
| Senior Year
Honors
3900 Honors Colloquium or |
Weber State University 2003-2004 Catalog