University Honors Program

The Honors Program at Otterbein University is a rigorous and exciting program of study for students of high academic ability and strong personal motivation. As a “community of scholars,” Honors offers a unique four-year academic experience for academically invested students. The Honors course sequence begins with small, discussion-based seminars taken in the freshman and sophomore years. In the junior and senior years students work closely with a faculty advisor of their choice to pursue an independent research or creative project in their individual field of study. On Honors Reporting Day, held annually in spring, graduating Honors students share and celebrate their research and creative achievements with the campus community. The University Honors Program prepares you for a rewarding professional life after graduation. We foster a culture of research, responsibility, and self-reliance that will shape you as a citizen and community member.

Curriculum

HNRS 1500 (Substitute for INST 1500)
Two courses selected from HNRS 2000, 2200, 2400 and 2600 (Two HNRS 2000s serve as substitutes for two INST 2000s)
HNRS 3500 (Junior Honors Seminar, 2 hours in fall and 2 hours in spring)
HNRS 4500 (Honors Thesis Project, 4 hours of independent thesis credits)

**Incoming freshmen with credit for INST 1500 will receive credit for HNRS 1500.
**Successful completion of HNRS 3500 and HNRS 4500 = SYE credit.
**Honors students must take an I.S. dyad; Honors does not offer dyad credit.
**A student may take 3 INST 2000s and 1 HNRS 2000 (or vice versa) with permission.
**Students may adjust credits per term for HNRS 3500 and HNRS 4500 as needed.

Program Eligibility

ACT scores of 27/above and in top 10% of graduating high school class OR 3.8 gpa.
SAT scores of 1220/ above and in top 10% of graduating high school class OR 3.8 gpa.

Entering freshmen who do not meet the above criteria may request entrance into the program based on partial qualifications and recommendations. Make requests to Admissions office. Current students with a 3.5 GPA may be recommended for admission to the program by a faculty member. Submit recommendations by end of freshman year via program director. Students must maintain a 3.5 GPA and good academic standing to continue in the Honors program (subject to director discretion).

Registration

Students selected to participate in the Honors program enroll in selected HNRS-prefix courses that are designated for Honors students only. These courses substitute for INST requirements (as listed above). Honors students are eligible to register for classes one day early each semester

Residence Life

Honors students are eligible to live in the Honors residence, Mayne Hall, but this is not required. The Honors community gives students the opportunity to engage with other Honors students and participate in special activities planned just for Honors students.

Participation in the Honors Program will be recognized permanently in two ways: Honors courses will be noted on academic transcript record via the HNRS prefix so that potential employers or graduate school admission committees will recognize that level of work completed, and “With Honors” will be noted on the diploma. The Honors designation will also be included in the commencement program and announced as the diploma is presented.

The Honors Program is directed by Dr. Karen Steigman, Department of English. Contact: ksteigman@otterbein.edu

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University Honors Program