Frequently Asked Questions "What is the Honors College?" "Why should I join Honors?" "I have Advanced Placement (or International Baccalaureate) credits. Will these be accepted by the Honors College?" "Does it cost more to be in the Honors College?" "What is the Honors Thesis?" "Do I have to live in an Honors Residence Hall?" "How do I get into Honors Hall?" "Will I have an Honors advisor?" "How does the Honors curriculum fit with my major?" "Is there a gradepoint requirement to stay in Honors?" "What opportunities will I have to study abroad?" "Can I earn an Honors Certificate on one of the Washington State University branch campuses?" "What is HSAC?" "What is the Honors College?" The Honors College is a unique academic experience, which can open doors to the most prestigious graduate and professional programs nationwide. It is a liberal arts education within the larger research environment of the university. "Why should I join Honors?" The Honors College experience offers small classes taught by some of the best professors on campus. The emphasis is on critical thinking skills, not rote memory work. Students have the opportunity to take ownership of their learning in an interactive classroom environment. Graduation through the Honors College will be noted on your final transcript and can be a deciding factor in future employment or graduate school opportunities. "I have Advanced Placement (or International Baccalaureate) credits. Will these be accepted by the Honors College?" Possibly. Honors accepts both A.P., I.B., and R.S. credit if Washington State University accepts the courses and gives you transfer credit. That decision is not made by Honors, but by the Office of Admissions. "Does it cost more to be in the Honors College?" NO. There is no additional cost involved with being in the Honors College. "What is the Honors Thesis?" All students must complete this three-credit requirement-there are a variety of ways to do so. These options include thesis or scientific bench research, team projects, education abroad, community service, collegiate teaching, and an internship. All students work with an academic advisor to prepare a proposal for approval by the Honors College. A significant research paper and oral presentation are part of the requirement. "Do I have to live in an Honors Residence Hall?" No. There is no requirement to live in a particular location, but all freshmen are required to live in an approved residence life arrangement on campus. "How do I get into Honors Hall?" Students are assigned to Honors Hall on a "first come, first served" basis. The sooner you apply to the university and return your Residence Hall request form, the better your chances of being selected to live in Honors Hall. "Will I have an Honors advisor?" It is not mandatory to have an Honors advisor, but it is highly recommended. Your primary advisor will be assigned by your academic department, but an Honors advisor can also help you with your schedule and make certain that you are making good progress toward completion of your Honors requirements. A complete record of your academic work is kept in the Honors College. Yes, Honors advisors are available to advise you concerning the curriculum and related matters. "How does the Honors curriculum fit with my major?" A suggested schedule of studies has been designed for every major on campus. These schedules are designed to include all requirements of Honors and all requirements of the major. It does NOT take any more time to complete the Honors requirements than it does to complete the General Education requirements. You can find the schedule of studies for your major by going to www.registrar.wsu.edu and clicking on WSU Catalog. Access "Links to Academic Information" and scroll down to the correct academic department. "Is there a gradepoint requirement to stay in Honors?" Yes. Students must maintain a 3.2 cumulative grade point average to be in the Honors College. There is a brief probationary period for freshmen. Students who are deficient will receive a letter advising them to transfer to the General Education Program. "What opportunities will I have to study abroad?" The Honors College encourages all students to consider an education abroad experience. Short Study Tours are arranged by Honors faculty on a regular basis. There are also one-semester or full-year exchanges that can be arranged through Honors. The Office of International Programs assists students who wish to study in countries throughout the world. Honors advisors will work with students to ensure that coursework completed at an international university will transfer into the Honors College curriculum. "Can I earn an Honors Certificate on one of the Washington State University branch campuses?" Honors is now available at WSU Vancouver only. Students completing their studies in Spokane meet the same requirements as students in Pullman. "What is HSAC?" HSAC stands for the Honors Student Advisory Council. HSAC is a student group which plans activities for Honors students as well as for the broader university community. Members elect officers for the year and have regularly scheduled meetings in Honors Hall. The HSAC "Invited Lecturer" is chosen each year by members of this group. Membership is open to any student in the Honors College. Contact us: honors@wsu.edu 509 335-4505 | Accessibility | Copyright | Policies Honors College, PO Box 642012, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-2012 USA