Honors College Academic Requirements

There are three tiers of University Honors that can be attained by Honors College students: Apollo (Highest Honors), Gemini (High Honors), and Mercury (Honors). Requirements for GPAs (University and Honors), Honors credit hours and Honors activity hours increase at each level.

This section provides an overview of the three tiers and Honors curriculum for freshmen and sophomores entering the Honors College. 

Apollo Scholars (Highest Honors)

• 3.7 University GPA and 3.5 Honors GPA
• 27 Honors credit hours
  • One Honors Seminar taken during freshman or sophomore year
  • Up to nine credits of research experience, including Honors Research and undergraduate research
  • Honors courses, Honors sections, or Honors options across colleges and programs
  • Up to 6-credits of graduate coursework (up to two graduate courses)
• 28 Honors activity hours
  • Co- and extra-curricular activities
  • Honors lectures and special events

Gemini Scholars (High Honors)

• 3.5 University GPA and 3.2 Honors GPA
• 21 Honors credit hours
  • One Honors Seminar taken during freshman or sophomore year
  • Up to nine credits of research experience, including Honors Research and undergraduate research
  • Honors courses, Honors sections, or Honors options across colleges and programs
  • Up to 6-credits of graduate coursework (up to two graduate courses)
• 24 Honors activity hours
  • Co- and extra-curricular activities
  • Honors lectures and special events

Mercury Scholars (Honors)

• 3.2 University GPA and 3.0 Honors GPA
• 15 Honors credit hours
  • One Honors Seminar taken during freshman or sophomore year
  • Up to six credits of research experience, including Honors Research and undergraduate research
  • Honors courses, Honors sections, or Honors options across colleges and programs
  • Up to 6-credits of graduate coursework (up to two graduate courses)
• 20 Honors activity hours
  • Co- and extra-curricular activities
  • Honors lectures and special events

Entering the Honors College at Junior Level

Juniors entering the Honors College have reduced Honors credit hours and Honors activity hours: 

• Honors Seminar is not required
• 9, 15, or 21 Honors credit hours (specific to tier)
• 12, 16, or 20 Honors activity hours (specific to tier)