prospective students
FAQ
General Information about the Honors College at Towson University
What is the Honors College?
The Honors College at Towson University is a university-wide academic program designed for the academically talented and motivated student. It enrolls approximately 5% of Towson's undergraduate population and is offered in conjunction with all undergraduate programs. Its purpose is to provide special learning opportunities within the context of small seminars, mentorship relationships with select faculty, research and study abroad opportunities. The Honors College curricular and co-curricular program also promotes professional growth and leadership opportunities and encourages service learning and civic engagement.
What are the advantages of the Honors College?
The objective of the Honors College is to maximize your undergraduate academic experience. The curriculum will help with challenges you may face after you leave Towson. You will find it exciting to work with Honors College faculty and other motivated students in small classes and in research, service learning, study abroad, and internship experiences.
To make things a bit easier, Towson allows early enrollment and registration of honors students. To encourage participation in Towson's cultural life, a limited number of tickets provided to honors students as are tickets to selected events sponsored by TU Student Affairs Office. In addition, social events are arranged throughout the year, including an annual New York City trip. For those who chose to live in Honors Housing (either Richmond and Newell halls), there is a community of honors students who live and work together and form friendships that last beyond graduation day. To find out more about the advantages of the Honors College, please read about:
Is there any special place for Honors students to study and/or relax?
The Honors College student study is located in Stephens Hall, Room 304. The study is open during office hours and is ONLY available to Honors College student to work on papers, projects, conduct research, study, read, or relax.
Joining the Honors College
How do you join the Honors College?
Students must complete an Honors College application to be considered for admission to the Honors College by February 1. Honors College admissions decisions and scholarship awards are mailed to applicants March 15. Most Honors students apply in high school and are admitted for their freshman year, but transfer students and current Towson University students may also apply to the Honors College. High School and Transfer students with less than 30 credits are evaluated based on their high school academic record, SAT scores, participation in leadership, extracurricular, and community service activities, and a well-written application essay.
Current Towson University students may apply to the Honors College after they have been enrolled at Towson University for two semesters (at least 30 credits) but no more than 4 semesters (60 credits) and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Transfer students with 30 credits or more of graded, college level courses must have at least a 3.5 GPA and will be evaluated on the basis of their collegiate record instead of their high school grades and SATs. Applicants from other Honors programs will be given special consideration for admission.
Are there additional costs for participation in the Honors College?
There are no additional costs involved in Honors participation. There are, however, opportunities for scholarships, awards, and grants available exclusively to Honors students.
Are there scholarships available?
Starting in Fall 2005, The Honors College provides every new student admitted to the Honors College with a renewable merit scholarship of at least $1000. Many students receive larger awards, and Honors College students will receive priority consideration for the largest scholarships on campus, including the Presidential scholarship which includes full tuition, fees, room and board. These scholarships are a one-time offer at the time of admission for incoming students. All scholarships are renewable as long as the student remains in good standing as a member of the Honors College. To find out about additional scholarships available to Towson Honors students, please see our Scholarship Information.
Please go to the following links for further information regarding:
Do I have to declare a major to join the Honors College?
It is not necessary to declare a major to participate in The Honors College, but you will eventually have to declare a major. In fact, we encourage all honors students to begin with their Honors course work before they begin their departmental honors studies.
Honors College Academics & Course Registration
What is the core curriculum for an Honors student?
The core curriculum includes Honors English, 15 credits of Honors College courses (9 credits must be Honors College seminars), and 6 credits of Honors Project for a total of 24 credits.
Are honors courses more difficult?
Even courses within the regular curriculum vary in difficulty, in part because of the expectations of faculty and in part because of the level of interest and preparedness of students. It is not our purpose to make honors courses more difficult. Honors courses are intended to offer educational experiences that are more appropriate for the student who is academically talented and motivated. In honors courses, students will be asked to read primary sources, engage actively in class discussion, develop their writing skills, and think creatively and analytically.
When do I register for classes?
Students in the Honors College are permitted to register earlier than their respective classmates. Early registration is based on class standing. Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores register the first day of their class standing. Freshmen register the first day of Sophomore registration after 12:30 pm.
Do I need a special permit to register for an Honors course?
Honors students do not need a special permit to register for Honors courses. The Peoplesoft software system automatically recognizes students as Honors students so Honors students should be able to register for any Honors course without problems.
Can I take more than two honors courses per semester?
The allotment of classes to the Honors College from departments across the University is two per student to ensure that there are enough classes available for all Honors College students. If you have special permission from your advisor or from the Honors College, you may take more than two classes.
Who will be my academic advisor?
Honors students work with their departmental advisors for the purpose of developing their overall curricular plan. The Honors College Faculty Fellows, select Honors College faculty, the Dean and / or the Assistant Dean of the Honors College in coordination with a departmental advisor work with students in planning and completing their honors requirements.
Is there special recognition for Honors students?
Honors College students graduate as University Honors Scholars. This designation is affixed to their diplomas and transcripts and to medallions with which they are presented by the Dean at the time of the Honors Convocation. Honors scholarship recipients are recognized at a special University Scholarship Banquet.
Please go to the following links for further information regarding:
Honors College Special Opportunities
Will there be opportunities to do research?
Honors courses provide opportunities for students to develop appropriate research skills, and some majors require original research and a thesis. The Honors College also supports students who wish to present their research at the state and regional honors conferences. Currrent research opportunities can be found on the following web page:
Will there be study abroad opportunities?
Students participating in an approved study abroad program may earn 3 credits for minimester or summer abroad and 6 credits for a semester abroad, for a maximum of 6 credits toward HC requirements. In order to obtain HC credit, students must submit a formal reflective paper of the experience to The Honors College
The following resources provide more information regarding studying abroad at Towson University, as well as studying abroad in the Honors College:
Honors College Graduation
What is required for graduation as an Honors Scholar?
University Honors Scholars complete Honors English composition (or Honors English seminar), 12 credit hours of Honors courses (6 credits must be Honors College seminars). Honors capstone experience (may be completed by the academic department honors requirements). They must have an overall GPA of 3.3 and maintain a 3.0 average for all courses taken to fulfill HC requirements.
Do I have to apply to graduate from The Honors College?
Honors students will need to apply for graduation from the university and submit a separate application for graduation from the Honors College. The application can be completed at the Honors College office or downloaded, completed and submitted to the office.
What do Honors Scholars do when they graduate?
The preparation that University Honors Scholars receive prepares them to be very competitive for admission to graduate and professional schools and for careers in business, education, and government.
The Honors College
Stephens Hall, Room 302
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Phone: 410-704-4677
Fax: 410-704-4916
E-mail: honors@towson.edu
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