Honors Program
The University of New Hampshire offers outstanding students the opportunity to study courses at honors level through the University Honors Program. Created in 1984 as a means to encourage academic achievement and to recognize outstanding students, the Honors Program provides students with a variety of opportunities for academic exploration.
Students who are invited to join the Honors Program by the Admissions Office may begin taking University Honors courses during their first year. Qualified junior-class students may undertake honors work in their major courses. Honors work in the major is also referred to as the Honors in Major Program.
General information about the University Honors Program may be obtained by contacting the University Honors Program office, Hood House Room 211, 603.862.3928, or by visiting their website: http://unhinfo.unh.edu/honors-program/index.html.
Honors Program FAQ's
When does a student begin the Whittemore School Honors in Major Program?
At the beginning of the junior year.
How can a student become involved in Honors during the first two years at UNH?
The University Honors Program has specific policies for inviting students to join when they are applying to the University. Students may also become eligible for the program after completing a first semester at UNH. For more information about participating in the University Honors Program during the first year at UNH, contact the Honors Program Office at 603.862.3928 or logon to http://unhinfo.unh.edu/honors-program/index.html.
How does a student become involved in the Whittemore School Honors in Major Program?
A student must qualify for the program based on his or her grades in major courses and overall grade point average (gpa). Students will be invited to apply to the program during their second semester of their sophomore year. All students who have earned a cumulative gpa of 3.2* or above will be invited to attend a meeting to discuss the program and application process. *Students who enter the university in Fall 2008 or later must achieve a minimum cumulative gpa of 3.40 in order to be invited to join the Honors in Major Program.
What are the specific academic requirements for admission to the Honors in Major Program?
Economics majors must have earned an average of 3.4 or above gpa in all major courses completed and have a minimum cumulative gpa of 3.2* or above. Business Administration and Hospitality Management majors must have earned an average of 3.2 or above in all major courses completed, and have a minimum cumulative gpa of 3.2* or above. The grades are based on a student's grades earned at the end of the second year. *Students who enter the university in Fall 2008 or later must achieve a minimum cumulative gpa of 3.40 in order to be invited to join the Honors in Major Program.
How do I find out if I'm accepted to the Whittemore School Honors in Major program?
If you submitted an application at the Honors in Major informational meeting during your sophomore year, you will be notified by letter during the summer between your sophomore and junior years.
What are the requirements I must complete in order to graduate from the Whittemore School Honors in Major Program?
There are different requirements for different majors. Generally, it involves taking three honors courses in your major, completing a four credit senior honors thesis, and maintaining the required major gpa and cumulative gpa.
Will I have to do a lot of extra work if I join the Whittemore School Honors in Major program?
Three of the honors courses are part of your regular major requirements. These are courses you have to complete anyway, as part of the major requirements. You will have additional work beyond the regular coursework in the three courses, in order to make them Honors level. Your senior honors thesis is a four credit course that possibly may be used towards meeting a major requirement, with the major department’s pre-approval.
I really want to do well in all of my classes, so why would it be worthwhile for me to spend extra time doing honors work in my major classes?
It takes extra effort and time; there is no doubt about it. A student who is completing honors-level work is expected to perform at a higher level than those who are not in the program. But, you also have the opportunity to focus your work on a specific topic that interests you. For example, if you want to learn more about the stock market, you’ll be able to concentrate your additional projects in that area. Or you can choose an area of accounting, marketing, hospitality management, international business, entrepreneurial management, information systems, etc. Also, you may be able to complete your senior honors thesis with a focus in an area in which you have a strong interest.
What if I’m a little hesitant about participating and not sure if I can handle the work?
If you have earned the required gpas to be invited to join the program, you likely have developed the skills required to be successful in it. However, not everyone has the time available to commit to completing the academic work. If you are not certain you can handle the program initially, and if, after one semester, you find it’s not going to work for you, you can withdraw without penalty. The only stipulation is that once an honors course is begun, it must be completed during that semester. We highly recommended that you take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the program when you’re offered the chance, as you will not be offered another chance to participate in the Honors in Major program.
What are the benefits of participating in the Whittemore School Honors in Major program?
An invitation to join the Whittemore School Honors in Major program is a special honor. There are only about 60 students invited to join each year, approximately 25 of whom choose to participate. When you join the Whittemore School Honors in Major program, you become a member of a very select group of students who have chosen to enhance their already excellent education with an extended knowledge of business. Besides being able to study an interesting business topic more in-depth, you are able to develop stronger contacts with faculty who will be writing your recommendations for graduate school or for jobs. You may also develop contacts with business people with whom you may network. And, a senior honors thesis noted on your resume will distinguish you from other applicants when seeking career positions or entrance to graduate school.
Will it be listed in my records that I have completed the Whittemore School Honors in Major program?
If you complete the Whittemore School Honors in Major program, it will be listed on your permanent transcript and on your diploma.
What should I do to prepare to join the Whittemore School Honors in Major program in my junior year?
The best thing you can do is to work hard and do well in your classes during your first two years of college. Not only will it help you achieve the required gpas, but also regular efforts in your academics will help you develop important skills to be successful throughout your life.