The University Honors and University Scholars Programs provide a breadth and depth of unique educational experiences that engage academically-motivated students in transformative experiential learning throughout their college careers. Our students excel in areas of leadership, research, service, and study away. You will find them presenting their cutting-edge work at national research conferences, exploring the arts as actors and stagehands in University Theatre performances, giving their time to great causes like the Feed the Pack Pantry, and exploring the world around them through our Cultural or Outdoor Explorations programs. Needless to say, University Honors and University Scholars students at NC State are thinking and doing in and out of the classroom.
Learn more about what distinguishes the programs below.
University Honors Program
The mission of the University Honors Program is to provide a transformative liberal learning experience that empowers students to critically engage meaningful problems in the world.
University Honors Core
The curricular core of the UHP is the HON Seminars, which are small, graduate-style, seminars designed to expose students to how multiple disciplines approach and try to solve problems. The other major curricular dimension of the UHP is the Capstone project, which is an independent research project conducted under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The Capstone requires that a student articulate a problem or issue of interest and then use the tools and methods of their discipline in order to make a new discovery.
University Honors Program Requirements
- Complete 12 hours of Honors Seminars coursework
- Complete 1 semester of Scholars Forum
- Complete a 6-hour Capstone project
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25
University Scholars Program
The University Scholars Program encourages high-achieving students to connect their educational goals to their passions, to become active citizens, and to embrace the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
University Scholars Core
The co-curricular core of the University Scholars Program is the Scholars Forum course (USP110/111) which features presentations and discussions on issues of contemporary educational, social, and political significance, and a variety of performances by visiting guest artists. In addition to the weekly Scholars Forum, students also have the opportunity to attend a wide variety of alternate events, including discussions, films, musical and theatrical performances, and field trips.
University Scholars Program Requirements
- Complete 3 semesters of Scholars Forum
- Complete 12 hours of approved coursework with a grade of B- or better
- Complete a minimum of 3 high impact experiences
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25
Meet the members of the staff for both programs.
Learn about what our students, faculty, and alumni have been up to recently.