University Honors Program

University Honors Program Website

Leadership

Robert Pampel, Ph.D.
     Director

Overview

Saint Louis University's Honors Program is designed for academically talented and intellectually curious students from all majors. The Honors Program encourages learning both in and out of the classroom through experiences such as seminar-style classes, independent studies, internships, research projects and study abroad.

Students work closely with an honors advisor to create a rigorous course of study that advances academic and career interests. The Honors Program brings students and faculty together in a community of scholars to explore topics of mutual interest in an interdisciplinary way. In addition, it provides an experience through which students gain cultural competency skills, grow professionally and discern their talents through reflection in the Jesuit tradition.

Program Highlights

The Saint Louis University Honors Program engages intellectually curious and academically successful students in a community oriented toward the Jesuit ideals of holistic learning, academic rigor and community engagement. Through a combination of individually tailored curricula, experiential learning opportunities and developmental guidance and mentorship, the Honors Program prepares students to become citizens who engage in the process of inquiry and apply their knowledge in service to society.

Alumni of the Honors Program attend highly selective professional schools around the country, pursue prestigious scholarships and fellowships, work for world-class businesses and nonprofit organizations, and serve communities around the world through organizations like the Peace Corps and the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

Honors Academic Advising

Each honors student at SLU is assigned an honors academic advisor who provides specialized secondary advising for students throughout their undergraduate careers. The honors advisor works with primary advisors in all schools and colleges, as well as faculty and staff from specialty programs to provide support for honors students.

The honors advisor helps each student construct a rigorous curriculum plan directed at achieving their academic and career goals. The honors advisor is also available to discuss course selection, undergraduate research and capstone options, post-graduation plans and distinguished scholarship opportunities. Students are encouraged to meet with their honors advisor at least once each academic year to keep track of their progress in the Honors Program.

Curriculum Overview

The Honors Program offers honors-only courses within various departments across the University and smaller, seminar-style classes that are exclusive to the Honors Program. Students are also encouraged to participate in internships, independent research projects and study abroad semesters.

Students must complete 25 credits of honors academic credit, divided between Core and Major Enrichment units (21) and Contemplation in Action units (4). Core and Major Enrichment courses include the honors seminar (taken in the sophomore year), honors-only courses in the University Core, dual-listed honors courses, course contracts, graduate courses and a capstone project. Contemplation in Action units build on experiential learning opportunities such as research and internship experiences, study abroad reflections, the international partnership conversation program, professional development and vocational discernment workshops, wellness seminars and peer instruction experiences.

In addition to formal credits, all first-year students participate in a retreat and guided reflection experience during their first year at Saint Louis University aimed to orient them to the Honors Program and to frame their future work at the University and in the program.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the University Honors Program is determined by a holistic review of prior academic performance, extracurricular involvement, leadership experience and evidence of intellectual curiosity (as evidenced by letters of recommendation and a personal statement). Interested candidates must apply online.

Eligibility and Deadlines

First-time college students must have an outstanding high school academic record in a rigorous curriculum (represented by A's and B's in all classes and a minimum 3.8 GPA). In addition to reviewing students' transcript(s), the committee reviews a personal statement and letters of recommendation and evaluates all applicants using a common, multi-dimensional rubric. Completed applications are due no later than Dec. 1 for enrollment in the University Honors Program in fall of the freshman year.

Current students must have completed at least one semester at Saint Louis University, earned at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, and have earned fewer than 45 credits at the time of application. Completed applications are due no later than Oct. 15 for spring enrollment and Feb. 15 for fall enrollment.

Transfer students must have earned at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA at their previous institution(s) and have earned fewer than 45 credits at the time of application. Transfer students may be awarded honors credit (not to exceed 12 units) for previous honors coursework at the discretion of the director of the University Honors Program. Decisions about honors transfer credit will be made at the time of admission. Completed applications are due no later than Oct. 15 for spring enrollment and Aug. 1 for fall enrollment.

International students with an outstanding academic record in a rigorous high school curriculum are encouraged to apply. An equivalent grade point average of at least 3.8 on a 4.0 scale and a minimum English proficiency score of 90 on the TOEFL (IBT) or 7.0 on the IELTS is required, in addition to the personal statement and letters of recommendation. International students may submit a standardized test score (ACT or SAT) in lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS exam along with their application.

Academic Policies

Priority Registration

All active honors students are permitted to register one business day before other students at their grade classification. For this purpose, students are categorized on the basis of completed semester credits.

Term Credits
Freshmen Fewer than 30 credits
Sophomores 30 or more credits, but fewer than 60 credits
Juniors 60 or more credits, but fewer than 90 credits
Seniors 90 or more credits

Withdrawing from an Honors Course

Students are expected to complete all attempted honors credit options. Withdrawing from an honors course may adversely affect the student’s standing in the University Honors Program.

Petition for Course Extension

Students may submit a petition for course extension in an honors course with permission from the course instructor. The student must complete the coursework within one year, or the grade for the course becomes an F (in accordance with the University policy for incomplete grades).

Taking Honors Courses Abroad

Students studying abroad may take honors courses that will count towards the 25 required honors credits, but only with permission in advance from the director of the University Honors Program. Additional opportunities exist at the University's Madrid campus. Inquire with the Honors Program for more details.

Dismissal from the Honors Program

Students must remain in good standing with the Honors Program by:

  1. Maintaining at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA
  2. Earning honors credit every semester (some exceptions apply)
  3. Earning a B or better in any honors-designated courses

The University Honors Program reviews each student’s progress in all three of these areas at the end of each semester. Students who have a cumulative GPA below a 3.5, and/or who have not consistently earned honors credit, and/or who earn a B- or below in an honors-designated course are at risk of being dismissed from the program. All students at risk of dismissal are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students notified of dismissal are given the opportunity to appeal the decision. Students who are dismissed from the program are not permitted to re-enroll.

Graduation Requirements

Students who successfully complete all requirements and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 will graduate with the University Honors Program distinction, which will be listed on their official transcript. Latin Honors (e.g., cum laude) are awarded on the basis of grade point average and are not associated with the Honors Program.

  1. Graduates will be able to communicate thoughtfully and effectively in multiple disciplines and contexts.
  2. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge to social, cultural and professional contexts.
  3. Graduates will be able to identify and apply multiple methods of inquiry to address complex questions.
  4. Graduates will be able to conduct extensive, quality research or scholarship in a chosen academic field.
  5. Graduates will be able to describe the evolution of their quest for personal and professional purpose, as it is situated in social, cultural and historical contexts.
  6. Graduates will be able to demonstrate awareness of the complex identities of themselves and others.
  7. Graduates will be able to discern how their engagement with diverse communities and cultures affects themselves and others.
Core and Major Enrichment
Required Courses
HR 2800Honors Seminar: Our Common Home3
HR 4000Honors Collaborative Inquiry: The Scholar in Society3
HR 4960Honors Senior Capstone3
Students must complete 12 additional hours from the following options:12
Honors-only courses (see below)
Dual-listed courses (see below)
Course contracts (see below)
Graduate courses (see below)
Contemplation in Action
Students must complete four units from the following options4
Honors Teaching Assistantship
Honors Study Abroad
Honors Research
Honors International Partnership
Honors Professional Development and Vocational Discernment
Honors Internship
Additional Experiences The Honors Program offers various enrichment experiences periodically that count towards "Contemplation in Action" units, such as honors sections under the University Core heading (e.g., CORE1500 and CORE2510).Variable
Total Credits25

Honors-Only Courses

The University Honors Program partners with other academic departments and programs to offer courses with enrollment limited to honors students. These courses are taught by some of Saint Louis University's most distinguished faculty, and the class size is typically limited to 20 students. In many cases, honors-only courses satisfy requirements for the University Core.

HIST 1110Origins of the Modern World to 15003
HIST 1120Origins of the Modern World (1500 to Present)3
PHIL 1757Philosophical Disputations: Ultimate Questions in Philosophy3
PHIL 2050Ethics3
SERV 1000Ignatian Spirituality and Service0,3
THEO 1657Dispute the Truth: Engaging Ultimate Questions in the Christian Tradition3
THEO 1659Close Textual Readings: Theology Slowed Down3

Options vary by semester.

Dual-listed Courses

The majority of honors courses are dual-listed courses, which means that both honors students and non-honors students can enroll in the course. Dual-listed courses involve supplemental or enriched assignments for students to earn honors credit. To earn honors credit, students must register specifically for the honors section of the course (designated by an H in the section number) and must complete the supplemental or enriched honors work. Students may not opt out of the honors section or the honors work after the University add/drop deadline, except with instructor approval. The Honors Program selects dual-listed courses with an eye toward satisfying University Core Curriculum Ways of Thinking requirements or other attributes in the Core.

Course Contracts

Students may elect to earn honors credit through a non-honors course by contracting the class with the instructor. The course must be at the 3000- or 4000- level in the student's major, minor, or closely related area of study. Students must submit an Honors Contract Agreement with the instructor's support that describes supplemental or enriched assignments the student will complete for honors credit. For the course to count towards the student’s honors requirements, the student must pass the honors work and earn a B or better in the course.

Students are encouraged to contract at least one upper-level course in their major and may petition to complete more than one based on degree requirements and goals.

Graduate Courses

Students may earn credit towards completion of the University Honors Program requirements by taking graduate-level coursework. These courses must be elective and not already required for a program of study (e.g., students enrolled in direct-entry graduate programs like Physical Therapy may not use graduate courses in their professional years to count automatically towards Honors Program requirements). Graduate courses will count toward the 25 required honors credits, up to a maximum of 6 credits.

Continuation Standards

To remain active in the program, students must earn academic credit in an honors course or experience each semester (some exceptions apply, depending on a student's progress and standing in the Honors Program).

Students must earn a B or better in honors courses (or a grade of S for courses graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory scale). This includes all courses with the HR subject code, all dual-listed honors courses, as well as all contracted honors courses. Honors courses for which a student earns less than a B will not count toward meeting honors requirements. Students also must maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA to remain in good standing with the UHP. Student progress is reviewed at the end of each semester; students below a 3.5 cumulative GPA may enter a probation status or be dismissed from the program.

Students who successfully complete all requirements and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 will graduate through the University Honors Program (listed on their official transcript). Latin Honors (e.g., cum laude) are awarded on the basis of grade point average and are not associated with the UHP.

HR 1980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Students may pursue an independent scholarly project under the supervision of a professor; students must submit a proposal to the University Honors Program by the first Friday of the semester.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only

HR 2800 - Honors Seminar: Our Common Home

Credit(s): 3 Credits

The honors seminar is a cross-disciplinary course designed to promote students’ capacities of reflecting, discussing, and writing effectively about the complex challenges of life in an era of political polarization, digital connection, and globalization. We consider the role of the common good in our relationships, our collective responsibilities, and our pursuit of vocational identity.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only, UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc

HR 2930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Selected topics of special interest to Honors Program students.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only

HR 2980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Students may pursue an independent scholarly project under the supervision of a professor. Students must submit a proposal to the University Honors Program by the first Friday of the semester to earn honors credit for an independent study.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only

HR 3930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 1-4 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Selected topics of special interest to Honors Program students.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only

HR 3980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Students may pursue an independent scholarly project under the supervision of a professor. Students must submit a proposal to the University Honors Program by the first Friday of the semester to earn honors credit for an independent study.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only

HR 4000 - Honors Collaborative Inquiry: The Scholar in Society

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

In this course, students develop awareness of and bring their disciplinary expertise to bear on issues of national and international importance. The course also serves as a vehicle for competitive fellowship and scholarship applications.

Prerequisite(s): CORE 1000; CORE 1500*

* Concurrent enrollment allowed.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only, UUC:Collaborative Inquiry

HR 4010 - Honors Cultivating Wellness in Mind, Body, and Spirit

Credit(s): 0 Credits

This course provides the strategic application of wellness concepts to the demands of honors-student life. Wellness concepts include physiological-state regulation, revision of internal narratives, connection, and building upon personal and academic strengths. Emphasis is placed on individualized application of wellness concepts as students design a mental health and wellness plan for their college experience.

HR 4810 - Honors Teaching Assistantship

Credit(s): 0-3 Credits

Students may serve as a teaching assistant for Honors Ignite after completing the course. The TA role involves aiding the course instructor with all aspects of the course. TAs also meet as a group to discuss their role as peer instructors and to learn about selected topics related to teaching and learning. Students must apply for the position in advance.

Prerequisite(s): CORE 1500*

* Concurrent enrollment allowed.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only, UUC:Self in Contemplation

HR 4820 - Honors Study Abroad

Credit(s): 1 Credit (Repeatable for credit)

Students can elect to earn credit during a study abroad experience by participating in an online reflective experience. The course emphasizes critical self-reflection before and after the abroad experience and thoughtful observation of a host culture during the term abroad.

Prerequisite(s): CORE 1500*

* Concurrent enrollment allowed.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only, UUC:Self in Contemplation

HR 4840 - Honors Research

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

The University Honors Program places a high value on experiential learning, as it is a critical component for holistic student development. Therefore, students are eligible to earn Honors credit for research experiences completed through a department at the University or through an approved off-site location. Students must submit an online proposal (found on the Honors Program website) to the University Honors Program by the first Friday of the semester (or by June 1 for summer experiences) to earn credit.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only

HR 4850 - Honors International Partnership

Credit(s): 0-1 Credits (Repeatable up to 3 credits)

Students may complete up to three Honors credits (one per semester) by participating in the International Partnership (IP) program. Participants are matched with an international student as a language partner, and are required to engage in regular conversations throughout the semester. Honors students may receive up to three IP credits throughout the duration of their Honors Program experience, but they are limited to one IP credit per semester.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only

HR 4860 - Honors Professional Development and Vocational Discernment

Credit(s): 1 Credit

This course will help students understand and specifically translate their honors experiences into the "real world." Through an intentionally sequenced five-part series, students will give shape to the substance of their academic and personal lives and reflect on the character and meaning of their future work. Students will emerge from this course with both concrete professional skills and philosophical insights to aid in the job search or graduate school application process.

Prerequisite(s): (CORE 1500, CORE 1500, CORE 1500, CORE 1500, CORE 1500, CORE 1500, and CORE 1500)

Restrictions:

Students with a classification of Freshman may not enroll.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only, UUC:Self in the World

HR 4910 - Honors Internship

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

The University Honors Program places a high value on experiential learning, as it is a critical component for holistic student development. Therefore, students are eligible to earn Honors credit for internship experiences completed through a department at the University or through an approved off-site location. Students must submit an online proposal (found on the Honors Program website) to the University Honors Program by the first Friday of the semester (or by June 1 for summer experiences) to earn credit.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only, UUC:Reflection-in-Action

HR 4960 - Honors Senior Capstone

Credit(s): 0-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Students must complete a comprehensive research project in their major/minor area during senior year. Proposals, supported by a faculty sponsor, are due the semester prior to conducting the project. The proposal form can be found on the Honors Program website.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only

HR 4980 - Honors Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Students may pursue an independent scholar project under the supervision of a professor; students must submit a proposal to the University Honors Program by the first Friday of the semester.

Attributes: Honors Program Students Only