Honors Program

BioMed T-705
1960 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8391
Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/honors/

Director: S. Brown

The Honors Program provides opportunities for talented and motivated undergraduates to excel in their academic studies. Students complete a challenging inquiry-based curriculum that encourages learning through independent research and creative expression. They enjoy personalized educational experiences within the setting of a large research university through small classes, dedicated advising, peer mentorship, and faculty-guided projects. The Honors Program encourages critical thinking and excellence in oral and written communication; instills respect for diversity and commitment to social justice; and develops the capacity for civic engagement and leadership. It fosters among its students and faculty a sense of identity and a joy of learning, which it promotes within the university and beyond.

The Honors Program is a four year program, with the first two years dedicated to an Honors curriculum built around inquiry as well as specially designated “A-Sections,” which are small, discussion-based versions of regular departmental offerings. These courses are designed to meet General Education and/or distribution requirements for students in the Honors Program. A full list of Honors (HON) and A-Section courses is available in the “Course Descriptions” section.

In the junior and senior years, Honors students undertake coursework and independent research and creative endeavors under the supervision of a faculty mentor, culminating in a thesis or portfolio project in their chosen major. This Senior Honors Project is supported through a curriculum in the Honors Program, but may also be undertaken through courses in the student’s major that fulfill similar milestones (a project proposal, independent work supervised by a mentor). The Senior Honors Project is presented at the spring or fall Undergraduate Showcase, or in other venues, such as a recital or performance.

To graduate with Honors, students must complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree and maintain a minimum cumulative and major GPA of 3.2. Their Senior Honors Project must be positively reviewed and assessed by their committee to receive the “Honors” designation. Students may also be nominated for the Honors Project Prize. Upon graduation, students will receive an Honors diploma, their achievement is acknowledged at Commencement, and a notation is made on their transcript.

Admission to the Honors Program is open to high school students with outstanding academic records. UH Mānoa students may also apply in their first year with the recommendation of a university instructor.

Upper Division Program

The Honors Program allows for the admission of motivated transfer students and UH Mānoa students at the junior year. Students in Upper Division Honors must complete coursework through the Honors Program sequence or through their own majors that result in a Senior Honors Project proposal and thesis or creative work that is supervised by a faculty mentor. The Senior Honors Project is presented at the spring or fall Undergraduate Showcase, or in other venues, such as a recital or performance.

To graduate with Honors, students must complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree and maintain a minimum cumulative, junior/senior and major GPA of 3.2. Their Senior Honors Project must be reviewed and assessed by their committee to receive the “Honors” designation. Students may also be nominated for the Honors Project Prize. Upon graduation, students will receive an Honors diploma, their achievement is acknowledged at Commencement, and a notation is made on their transcript.

Admission to the Upper Division Honors Program is by application. Eligible students should have outstanding academic records and a declared major. Students need at least three full semesters to complete the requirements and should apply by the second semester of their sophomore year or early in the junior year.