Why honors?
The Honors Program uses student-centered techniques to develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills.  In the classroom, this means students have more interaction with their professors and classmates, and outside the classroom, we organize a number of community-based and extracurricular learning opportunities. 

Since the number of students in our Program is relatively small, you’ll be taking classes with many of the same students.  It’s the best way to find study partners and make friends, especially during your first few months on campus.  What is more, the University has set aside common housing for the Program.  Hence your classmates and study partners are also your roommates and neighbors.  

The skills that you acquire help you in all of your courses, but above all, our aim is to make our students active and engaged learners and prepare them for a life of independent inquiry.  And having "Honors" on your transcript is a great way to show that you're a serious student.  This helps a great deal when it comes to applying to a graduate or professional program, law school, or getting the job you want.


How is the curriculum different?
Students considering an honors program are sometimes concerned about other commitments and just trying to fit it all in.  But after taking our Honors Freshman Experience course and Honors versions of the Common Core, you’ll need to take only two more courses over the four years.  Students will track their intellectual development and accomplishments in an Honors Portfolio and present research in their major at our annual Honors Conference.


What about extracurricular activities?
Since the best learning can sometimes take place out of the classroom, the Program also coordinates and funds opportunities to travel as a group to off-campus cultural events.  In the past, these have included theater performances on Broadway and at other local venues, trips to museums and galleries, and attending operas and symphonies.  This past year we attended a play at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven and a performance of the New York Philharmonic. 

The Honors Program also regularly holds on-campus lectures, discussions, and social events.  We also encourage our students to take part in the University’s Study Abroad program, for which honors students will receive a stipend.  And since Honors students are also members of sports teams and active in the Band or Choir, this makes Honors students some of the most active students on campus.

In addition to our on- and off-campus activities, you’ll also be part of an exciting online social network.  In addition to our Facebook and MySpace pages, we also use Blackboard to disseminate news and information about the Program and share research and other academic and cultural resources.  While at Sacred Heart, you will be a part of a community of learners, and once you graduate you will have a circle of life-long friends.


What kinds of students are in the Program?
Our Program is just as diverse as the University itself.  For this year’s incoming class, we have students interested in English, Math, History, Music, pre-Med, Political Science, Nursing, Psychology, and Business.  We also have 4 students who are planning on studying Physical Therapy.  If you change your mind after you start taking classes or if you’re not yet sure about your course of study, it’s nice to know that you’ll still have a place in the Program.


What resources are available to students in the Program?
Honors students automatically receive a $3000 Honors Scholarship, in addition to the standard funding students are granted upon admittance to the University.  There is additional money available through stipends, work-study, and service--including up to $2500 as part of the Community Scholars program.  Students are also eligible for the University's Trustee Scholarship Program, which offers students scholarships for as much as $10,000. Honors students also have access to funding to support their research or travel expenses. 


Can I get in?
We’re seeking eager and dedicated students who are ready to make the most of their time with us.  Students will be invited to join based on the strength of their academic record and accomplishments.  Certainly, high SAT or ACT scores will not go unnoticed, but we are more interested in unique and creative students with abilities that standardized tests don’t always capture.  The Program is designed to be as inclusive as possible, and there is no additional paperwork beyond what is required by the Admissions Office.

Current and transfer students can also be admitted to the Program, provided they are still able to complete the requirements of the Program by the time they graduate.


If you'd like specific information about your application, contact Professor Michels, the director of the Program, or speak with an Admissions officer.