To graduate from the Honors Program, all HP students must complete 21 credits of Honors courses.

To graduate from the Honors Program, all HP students must complete 21 credits of Honors courses (seven 3-credit courses or the equivalent of 21 credits). These courses will include:

  • two required courses in the core curriculum: HON 208 and HON 308—more information below (6 credits),
  • the capstone course in your major (or in some cases, minor) field of study, which you will give an H designation for 3 credits (3 credits), and
  • 12 credits of elective courses, either courses that you or an instructor has given H designation (12 credits). To find out how to give a course H designation, please see the page devoted to H designated courses.

The core courses of the HP curriculum are centered in interdisciplinary studies.

HON 208: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies (cross-listed with INT 208)

In an increasingly complex world, the subjects we study don’t always fit into predetermined boxes. Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies gives students the tools needed for an understanding, and application of, complex and layered ideas. Students will learn how interdisciplinary studies developed, why it is valuable to education, and how it can be used in—and beyond—education. Prerequisite: ENG 101. 3 credits.

HON 308: Interdisciplinary Studies Seminar

This course helps students develop their critical thinking and writing skills in their major and in interdisciplinary contexts. The course may explore interdisciplinarity according to the annual academic colloquium theme. Students will present their work at the annual UMA Undergraduate Research Conference. Prerequisite: HON 208, or permission of Director of Honors Program. 3 credits.

View the Honors, Baccalaureate requirements »

The Shape of your Academic Program

Entering the HP in Your First Year

Your “first year” means that you have earned less than 30 credits toward your degree. This year, you should plan on taking at least 3 Honors credits. Your second year, you should plan on taking HON 208 and another 3 H credits. Your third year, you should plan on taking HON 308 and another 3 H credits. Your fourth year, if you took only one H elective your first year, you should plan on giving your capstone course H designation and taking another 3 H credits.

You will take 6 H credits each year and only 3 H credits one year, so that you graduate with 21 H credits.

Entering the HP in Your Second Year

Your “second year” means that you have earned at least 30 but less than 60 credits toward your degree. This year, you should plan on taking HON 208 and at least one H elective. Your third year, you should plan on taking HON 308 and at least one H elective. Your fourth year, you should plan on giving your capstone course H designation and taking at least one H elective.

In one of these years, you will be required to take 9 H credits, and in the other years you will be required to take 6 H credits, so that you graduate with 21 H credits.

Entering the HP in Your Third Year

Your “third year” means that you have earned at least 60 but less than 90 credits toward your degree. This year, you should plan on taking HON 208, HON 308, and least two H electives. Your fourth year, you should plan on taking HON 308 and at least two H electives.

In one of these years, you will be required to take 9 H credits, and in the other year you will be required to take 12 H credits, so that you graduate with 21 H credits.

It would be very difficult to enter the Honors Program after your third year because the requirements are likely to conflict with the demands of your major this late in your academic career. Therefore we expect students to enter the program no later than their third year.