Honors Program

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  2. Honors Program
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Designed for motivated students with strong academic records, the College Honors Program lets you learn in small classes taught by some of our finest professors. This environment—surrounded by peers who share your academic interests and guided by dedicated faculty—promotes deeper exploration and more individualized attention.

Designed for motivated students with strong academic records, the College Honors Program lets you learn in small classes taught by some of our finest professors. This environment—surrounded by peers who share your academic interests and guided by dedicated faculty—promotes deeper exploration and more individualized attention.

How the Program Works

The College Honors Program offers academically talented students, regardless of major, the opportunity to participate in a four-year honors experience. The program has two parts: General Education Honors and Departmental Honors. You may complete either part, and that part will be noted on your official transcript, or you may complete both and receive the additional designation of “College Honors” on the transcript.

General Education Honors

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Students take a minimum of five General Education courses, normally including the three core requirements, in specially designed honors sections. These sections are designed to be more intellectually challenging than regular courses and are kept small in size, allowing for ample opportunity for class discussion and individualized study.

Departmental Honors

Departmental Honors offers students the opportunity to do an independent research, critical or creative project on a topic of their choice and directed by a professor of their choice. Normally the project begins in the senior year and requires six to eight hours of independent study credit over two semesters.

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Beyond Academic Benefits

  • Live in our “Quiet Suite” dorm option
  • Become eligible for merit scholarships
  • Stand out for graduate school
  • Be competitive in the job market
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How to Apply

General Education Honors

No formal application is needed for students applying as freshmen – just indicate your interest by checking a box on the RIC Common Application!

Departmental Honors

Students apply to the honors committee in their major department, no later than the beginning of the semester before senior year.

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