Earn a jointly conferred Honors degree by challenging yourself academically and using your scholarship to better your community and the world. As an Honors degree student, you will have many opportunities to participate in student organizations and community engagement, in addition to shaping your academic and professional goals by taking interdisciplinary courses and networking with experts in the field.
Benefits
If you apply and are admitted to the Honors degree program, you will receive:
- A special Honors degree jointly awarded from the Frederick Honors College and your home academic school of admission upon graduation
- Priority course registration to help you complete the curriculum requirements
- Priority access to Honors housing communities and activities
- Access to academic advisors and scholar mentors to support your academic experience
Honors Degree Requirements
- Complete 18 academic credits of Frederick Honors College-approved courses
- Earn 6 experiential credits (includes research, independent study, study abroad programs, internships, and co-ops)
- Complete the Honors Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC)
- Earn a GPA of 3.250 or higher
Admissions
While all Pitt students can participate in Honors courses and programs, you apply to this enhanced degree track. Admission is based not only on your academic performance, but also your interest in working for the community and your intellectual curiosity.
- First-year Students
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As a prospective first-year student, you will apply as part of your regular application to Pitt. If you indicate that you are interested in the Honors joint degree program, you will be asked to complete an additional essay question.
- Transfer Students
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As a transfer student, you will apply as part of your regular application to Pitt. The application will consider your academic performance as well as your answer to an addition essay question.
- Upper-Division Students
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(This includes transfer students from University of Pittsburgh regional campuses.)
You must have a minimum 3.500 GPA and at least two semesters (24 credits). You will be required to complete one essay prompt and submit a letter of recommendation from an instructor or academic advisor. Applications for upper-division students open in the spring for the following academic year; they will become available at the beginning of the spring 2024 term.
