Honors Program
Why Apply to the Honors Program?
You’ll benefit from additional resources and privileges designed to propel you along your career path.
Benefits
- Priority class registration
- Take up to 20 credit hours per semester at no additional cost
- Completion of a two-year capstone project researched with a faculty member in your field
- Honors-only housing option in Barnett Residential Life Complex
- Opportunities to present and publish your work
- Small, interactive seminars led by top faculty
- Special lectures, symposia, and networking events
- Access to a private, on-campus study lounge
Honors Course Progression
With an emphasis on scholarly inquiry, your honors coursework will challenge you to "think big." You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with faculty and peers from other disciplines while gaining greater insight into your own major.
First Year
HON 1700 Writing on Contemporary Social Issues
HON 1701 Speaking on Contemporary Social Issues
HON 1990 Honors First Year Seminar
Second Year
Honors Liberal Arts Course
HON 2990 Honors Second Year Seminar
Third Year
HON 3955, 3956 Honors Directed Study
Submit Thesis Proposal and Present Proposal at Fiat Lux
Fourth Year
HON 4955, 4956 Thesis Writing
Submit Final Thesis
Present Thesis at Fiat Lux
Honors Student Qualifications
Honors is a community of writers, artists, scientists, musicians, and business leaders who share a common thread of intellectual promise and self-motivation.
To apply to the Honors Program, students must:
- Have at least a 3.5 weighted GPA
- Write a supplemental letter to the committee
- Demonstrate at least three markers of excellence* from areas of academic excellence, extracurricular experience, or leadership and citizenship.
Academic Excellence
- Submission of a piece of academic work for the committee to evaluate (examples may include: lab report, research paper, or critical analysis of a creative work)
- National, state, district, or school-wide awards for academics (examples may include: quiz bowl, debate, robotics competitions)
- At least 16 anticipated college credits earned through AP, IB, AICE, or classes at another college/university (see advanced credit policies)
Advanced Credit Policies - Class rank in the top 10% or top reporting division of your high school
- 1330 SAT or 29 ACT superscore
- Participation in AVID, Upward Bound, GEAR UP, or other college preparatory programs
- EMT, CNA, or other industry certifications
Extracurricular Experience
- Demonstrated initiative in an extracurricular setting (applicants who have started new clubs or initiatives, or contributed to new developments or projects within an organization)
- Participation in advocacy or interest groups, partisan or nonpartisan political activities, or community organizing
- Participation in JROTC
- Consistent record of working to improve and give back to your community (participation and leadership in trash pickups, volunteer tutoring, working in a food bank, or other community service work)
- Participation in career-oriented extracurricular activities (DECA, FBLA, FFA, HOSA, or similar)
- Excellence in a challenging skill or trade (e.g., a musical instrument, computer programming, auto repair)
- Submission of creative works (stories, poetry, photography, films)
Leadership and Citizenship
- Reliable performance in a paid position or volunteer job
- History of acting as a caretaker at home or in the community
- Girl Scout Gold Award, Boy Scout Eagle Scout rank, or similar
- Accomplishments in a school community (applicants who hold leadership positions like school newspaper editor, student council, orientation leaders, or similar)
Honors Applicant Examples
3.92 weighted GPA. Has spent the last four summers as a camp counselor for younger children. Attended their state’s HOSA conference last year. Their high school reports rank in quartiles and they are within the top 25%.
3.59 weighted GPA. Second place at national school newspaper competition. National Honor Society member. Began a toy drive for foster children.
4.26 weighted GPA. Has worked on political campaigns for two years supporting an issue they care about. Spends most afternoons caring for younger siblings while parents work. Submitted a lab report to Honors committee from their AP Biology class.
4.10 weighted GPA. Has been highly engaged in their high school’s AVID program. Taught self to play the ukulele. Student body secretary.
3.79 weighted GPA. 1430 SAT score. Works 15 hrs/week at a local grocery store. Will have earned their AA through dual enrollment courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Honors classes more difficult?
If I didn’t enter Florida Southern College as an Honors student, can I join the program?
What about transfer students?
Does Florida Southern offer additional Honors Programs in my major?
What are the academic requirements to remain in the Honors Program?
Can I participate in the Honors Program if I come in with college credit or an AA degree?
Are there scholarships for Honors Program students?
Questions? Contact