Honors College

 

More Than Requirements - Your Blueprint for Transformation

The Winthrop Honors College curriculum isn't just a checklist of classes to complete. It's a carefully crafted journey designed to develop your intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and research expertise while preparing you to make meaningful contributions to your field and community.

 

Honors Program Overview

The Honors College curriclum encompasses a total of 25 credit hours of honors coursework distributed into five categories. Most of these credits are intentionally integrated into your existing coursework, allowing you to get more value out of your Winthrop experience. Most students complete their honors degree with only 6 - 7 credit hours beyond their existing degree requirements.

 
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4
 
Fall
Spring
Fall
Spring
Fall
Spring
Fall
Spring
Leadership
Freshman Leadership Symposium
 
Sophomore Leadership Symposium
 
Junior Leadership Symposium
 
 
 
Research
 
Intro to Scholarship & Research
 
 
 
 
Preparing to Write the Honors Thesis
Thesis Research
Honors Thesis Symposium
Thesis Research
Major Courses
 
 
 
Sophomore-level Major Course for Honors Credit
 
Junior-level Major Course for Honors Credit
 
 
Honors Courses
Honors ACAD
Honors WRIT
(if necessary)
Honors HMXP
Honors CRTW
Honors Cultural Symposium
(can be taken any semester)
 
 
 
 

Course Categories

 
Honors Core Courses
 
Major Courses for Honors Credit
 
Thesis & Research

 

Honors Foundation Component - Building Your Intellectual Foundation

Your honors experience begins with courses that develop critical thinking, research skills, and a deep understanding of the human experience. These foundational classes don't just introduce you to college-level work - they prepare you to excel at the highest levels.

 

Leadership Component - Developing Your Leadership Identity

Based on our world-renowned 7 Habits framework, this progressive three-year sequence transforms you from a promising student into a confident leader ready to create positive change.

 

Independent Study Component - Becoming the Scholar You Were Born to Be

This capstone experience transforms you from student to scholar through intensive research under faculty mentorship. You'll contribute original knowledge to your field while developing the expertise employers value most.

 

Coursework Component - Excellence Within Your Major

Six honors credits in your major field ensure you experience the highest level of academic challenge in your chosen discipline. Take one carefully selected course at 200-level or above and one course at 300-level or above for honors credit.

 

Cultural Component - Expanding Your Perspectives

Choose the experience that best fits your interests and schedule:

 

Service-Learning Component - Connecting Knowledge to Community Impact

Apply your developing skills through meaningful service-learning experiences that create positive change while reinforcing your academic learning. An approved service-learning project and reflective essay is an integral part of the Honors College Experience.

 

Global Leadership - Honors Program Degree with International Experience

Take your honors education global by adding an international component that expands your worldview and prepares you for leadership in our interconnected world. You can achieve this distinction if you complete at least one semester in an international exchange program or other university program.

Your Investment in Excellence

This isn't just a degree program - it's your preparation for a lifetime of leadership, scholarship, and meaningful contribution. Every component of your honors experience builds on the others, creating a comprehensive experience that develops your mind, character, leadership ability, and commitment to positive change.

Ready to begin this transformative journey? Your path to honors excellence starts here, building the foundation for the leader and scholar you're meant to become.

 

Requirements for the Honors Program Degree - before 2025

If you are a member of an Honors College cohort that started your journey during the 2024-2025 academic year or before, your honors degree requirements are summarized here