The Honors Program is an 18 credit academic program that serves a community of student-scholars who share an excitement for learning. It provides stimulating classes, close relationships with faculty mentors, Mercy service opportunities and support for student research. The Honors Program also offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as: talks by prominent artists and scholars, trips to museums and plays, and social events in the Honors lounge.
Students are invited to participate in the Honors Program based on strong academic ability and motivation as evidenced by assessment of their previous records, performance on standardized tests and the recommendations of teachers or counselors. The program is open to both first-year and transfer students.
Participation in the Honors Program not only provides top students with a rewarding academic experience, but also strengthens their applications for graduate and professional schools. Upon completion of program requirements, graduating seniors receive the designation “In Honors” on their transcripts.
Program outcomes
The student will:
- Demonstrate (through Honors class discussions, assignments and projects) the development of a multi-disciplinary perspective on learning
- Demonstrate a high level of critical reading, thinking and writing in class discussions and assignments
- Exhibit a commitment to deep and engaged learning through active participation in curricular and extra-curricular Honors offerings
Program requirements
- Four Honors courses in arts and sciences that meet the Core Curriculum requirements
(Students entering the Honors Program after their first semester will need to take three Honors courses)
- Honors Independent Study, or Honors Service Learning, or approved Honors Study Abroad course (students may also substitute this requirement with an additional Honors course)
- Honors Capstone Seminar (A team-taught interdisciplinary course)
- Maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA
- Participate in a minimum of two extra-curricular Honors events per semester
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