Honors Curriculum
Transcript and Diploma DesignationsAn investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.
Benjamin Franklin
There is a difference in transcript and diploma designation between the Option One and Option Two curriculum track. On the transcript, the Option One track is designated "Highest University Honors" and the Option Two track is designated "High University Honors." Similarly, Option One track diplomas contain a Highest Honors emblem while Option Two track diplomas contain a High Honors emblem.
Honors Program Tracks
The Honors Program is proud to present two possible tracks for potential students, the Option One and Option Two track. These curriculum tracks were developed by an interdisciplinary committee with careful attention being given to core curriculum requirements that are a component of every degree program on campus. Because of this, the Honors Program is a viable option for all majors at ASU.
It does need to be stated that students do not have to be a member of the Honors Program in order to take an honors course. Students interested in just taking an honors course must contact the Honors Program director for permission to do this.
(Please see below for Fall 2007 changes to this policy)*
A listing of the formal courses to be offered in the program is below. These requirements will result in a total of 30 credit hours taken by each Honors student. Most of the courses required in the program will be Honors sections of regularly offered courses. Typically during the last two years, students will receive Honors credit for two courses within their major discipline. These courses can be standard sections, with the Honors student being required to complete additional assignments not given to regular students. Alternatively, these major discipline courses may be special courses, such as individual research. Please make sure that you review the pre-existing credit policy.
Course requirements (30 hours):
Introduction to Honors study (HONR 1202)
History 1301 (3 hours)
HONR 1302 (3 hours)
- Satisfies the ENG 1302 core curriculum requirement
HONR 2301 (Great Books I)
- Satisfies sophomore literature or humanities core curriculum requirement
- Satisfies visual and performing arts core curriculum requirement (Art, Drama, Music)
Please read the explanation of our lab science requirement.
Introduction to Honors research (2 hours) (HONR 3281)
Honors seminar (1 hour) (HONR 4181)
- This class will generally only be open to Honors Program students during their senior year
In future years of the program, class substitutions will be possible for transfer students or existing students who enter the program after their freshman year. These substitutions will be made on an individual basis, and will take into account whether the student meets existing requirements for students entering the program. Students will still have to complete 15 hours in residence.
Students may also substitute three of the six departmental/major discipline hours with International Study experience.
IMPORTANT: Please review the change to this policy for Fall 2007 below.*
The Option Two track is intended to allow qualified students to still participate in the Honors Program while avoiding the penalty of having to repeat several courses that they have regular credit for. As a result of participating in the Option Two track, students will receive 50% less scholarship money from the Honors Program. Students in the Option Two track will receive a different designation on their transcript as well (see above).
Eligibility for the Option Two track
(Please see below for Fall 2007 changes to this policy)*
Entering freshman that already have nine or more hours of pre-existing credit in required honors courses and can only satisfy those requirements through repeating those courses are eligible. For Option Two track students, credit for these courses must be received prior to the summer in which a student is accepted into the Honors Program (e.g.. prior to Summer 2004 for Fall 2004 entry). The pre-existing credit policy for the Honors Program may also be found at the Honors Program website. IMPORTANT: Please review the change to this policy for Fall 2007 below.*
*Effective Fall 2007
Starting with the Fall 2007 academic year, approximately 25% of entering students will be allowed to request Option Two status regardless of whether they already have nine or more hours of pre-existing credit in required honors courses.
Additionally, Option One students will be allowed to substitute one of our additional honors courses that is not part of the original Option One curriculum for a course in the Honors Program curriculum that they have pre-existing credit for according to our pre-existing credit policy. They may also substitute three of the six departmental/major discipline hours with International Study experience.
Course requirements (15 hours):
Introduction to Honors study (HONR 1202)
Introduction to Honors research (2 hours) (HONR 3281)
Honors seminar (1 hour) (HONR 4181)
- This class will generally only be open to Honors Program students during their senior year
The remaining 7 hours must be comprised of courses taken outside of your college. These hours may include the following courses: HONR 2301, HONR 2302, HIST 1301, GOVT 2301, HONR 1302 or Honors sections of an Honors Lab Science Course (CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, or BIO 1480). Please read the explanation of our lab science requirement. It is also possible to fulfill these specific hours by taking a course by contract; this requires approval of the instructor and the Honors Program director.
COMM 2301
GEOL 1402 (as an honors contract); satisfies honors lab science requirement
PHIL 2301 (as an honors contract)
PHIL 4310 (as an honors contract)
MATH 1332 (Currently scheduled for Spring 2008)
Honors social science (Anticipated offering)