Benefits
The Honors Program has many tangible benefits, beyond preparing one for a flourishing life. Here are the most apparent.
An Effective Curriculum that Works with All Majors and Programs at SIUE
The honors program enables and encourages students to take ownership of their education and forge their own path. Engineering students with an interest in music theory; nursing students studying to become bilingual; business students gaining international experience; and pre-med students who want to learn to code are all welcome within the honors program.
An Efficient Curriculum that Exempts Students from Regular General Education Requirements
Undergraduate students at SIUE take one of two curricular paths:
- The Lincoln Plan, the 33-36 credit hour general education program made available to all students
Or - The Honors Program’s 19 credit hour liberal arts education program
An Expansive Opportunity to Explore Additional Programs, Minors and Study Abroad Opportunities While Reducing the Need for High-Credit Semesters
By providing a more efficient and more effective general education curriculum, the honors program opens up the opportunity for honors students to have the time and curricular space to pursue a second major, a minor (or two) and study abroad opportunities in ways they choose. For programs that are highly regimented and require a high number of credits each semester, honors often means that these students are able to have a more manageable course load.
Unique Classroom Experiences Unlike any Other on Campus
Critical thinking, speaking and writing skills are integrated into each honors course. Furthermore, they are designed as either seminars or proseminars, putting the student in control of discussion and discovery. Seminar courses are limited in size to no more than 20-25 students, while proseminar courses are limited to fewer than 20 students. The result is a much deeper connection forged between you, your fellow classmates and your professors. Our carefully selected teaching faculty members are dedicated to the overall undergraduate experience, while remaining outstanding scholars and researchers in their respective fields.
A Vibrant, Inclusive and Enthusiastic Honors Community
Surround yourself with driven and supportive fellow honors students who take the lead in developing service, recreational and academic opportunities for the University. Take part in exclusive on-campus housing options for honors students, like the first-year Honors Focused Interest Community (FIC) or the upperclass FIC. Attend annual honors traditions like our opening BBQ, the honors-sponsored Life of the Mind faculty talk, HSA community meetings and social events, and other annual programs, including a graduation ceremony hosted by the Office of the Chancellor. Informally, honors students form study groups, create and attend social events, collaborate in the community and graduate with a diverse professional network.
Exclusive Educational Opportunities for Honors Students
HONS Law: The SIUE Honors Program has partnered with the SIU School of Law in Carbondale to guarantee admission for honors students who graduate with completion of the honors curriculum and service requirements while maintaining at least a 3.2 GPA, 15 hours of pre-law program courses, a score in the 85th percentile on the ACT or SAT, and who have taken the LSAT.
Priority Registration Privileges Each Semester
There are only so many courses the University can offer in a given semester, and only so many seats made available in each course. Priority registration—letting honors students register earlier than their non-honors counterparts—helps ensure that honors students are able to take the non-honors courses they want and need, when they want and need them.
