What is the Honors Program?

The Honors Program at Christian Brothers University is designed to serve the capacities and needs of students with proven academic abilities who seek a more intensive and challenging educational experience. Students accepted into the Honors Program will be allowed each semester to take at least one special-topics course offered only to a limited number of Honors students by an instructor carefully chosen for his or her teaching expertise.

These Honors courses will explore important topics in depth, often through a multi-disciplinary approach, and while the pace and the workload will demand self-motivated students, the small size of each Honors class will insure ample group discussion and individual interaction with the instructor. Besides taking honors classes, members of the Honors Program will participate in various extra-curricular activities, including outings to cultural events and regional honors conferences.

What advantages does the Honors Program offer?

The Honors Program offers several advantages to students as well as many opportunities that students enrolled in the program may take advantage of if they choose to do so.

• Smaller class size (most Honors classes have fewer than 15 students)
• Classes which emphasize student participation and discussion
• Participation in regional conferences
• Opportunity to meet and talk with scholars and professionals in a variety of disciplines
• Use of Honors classroom and lounge
• Field trips and cultural activities "Honors" designation on the diploma

Honors Diploma Requirements

In order to graduate with an "Honors" designation on the diploma, Honors students must take at least six Honors courses, including Integrative Seminar, and have a 3.2 cumulative GPA at graduation. Honors Program students who take at least two Honors courses and pass with a grade of "C" or better will be listed as Honors Program students in the commencement bulletin.

Who is eligible to join?

Students who demonstrate a high level of academic ability and motivation are selected following a review of applications each spring. The selection process weighs several factors, including ACT/SAT scores (ACT or equivalent of 26 or above), high school GPA (3.0 or above), extracurricular involvement, and demonstration of writing ability. Students who are currently enrolled at CBU but are not members of the Honors Program are encouraged to apply if they meet the above requirements or feel they have other academic qualifications that would make them eligible.

How can I apply?

Simply print out and complete the application form . If you have any additional questions, contact the Honors Program Director, Dr.Tracie Burke, by phone (901) 321-3357 or email (tburke@cbu.edu). There is no hard deadline, but students are encouraged to apply by April 1 for fall admission.