University Honors Program

Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Studies: Dr. Kerry Johnson

Director: Dr. Sandra Pérez

The University Honors Program provides highly-motivated students with a unique educational experience through a commitment to academic excellence and undergraduate research, mentorship and professionalism, and meaningful civic engagement both on campus and in local and global communities. These opportunities are supported by a close-knit community of scholars, faculty and staff to ensure students are thoughtfully and rigorously prepared for leadership roles, whether in the pursuit of advanced graduate degrees, and/or in personal and professional pathways in local and global settings. Honors students are eligible for merit-based financial support from President’s Scholarships, and receive valuable benefits such as priority registration, small classes, individualized academic advising, and undergraduate research experiences.

The University Honors Program offers students the best of a small college experience alongside the opportunities afforded by a comprehensive university setting. Students will be fully immersed in the learning process and therefore must have both the ability and willingness to do intense and often self-directed intellectual work as well as a desire to make the most of all opportunities available at and beyond the University. Students will be prepared to lead their communities with intellectual rigor, transformative vision, and global acumen. Students are expected to make a sustained commitment to maximize learning, leadership, and service.

The University Honors Program offers a special approach to the General Education requirements of the University through a cohesive and unified program of study. The program consists of carefully selected courses and specially designed, multi-disciplinary seminars, most of which are applied toward the 48-49 units of General Education courses required for graduation of all students.

Program Requirements

Honors Plan I and II students must complete all respective plan requirements, all University-wide graduation requirements, and the requirements for their major. Honors is itself not a major.

Honors Plan I (minimum of 21 lower- and upper division units) is designed for entering freshmen and consists of a minimum of 15 units of lower- and upper division General Education, major, and/or elective Honors courses and 6-units of research or creative project preparation and completion through UHP 496A and 496B (Research Participation-Honors) as well as UHP 498 (Senior Thesis/Project - Honors).

Honors Plan II (minimum of 15 upper-division units) is primarily designed for transfers from community colleges and continuing CSULB students. Honors Plan II consists of a minimum of 9 units of lower or upper-division General Education, major, and/or elective Honors courses and 6-units of research or creative project preparation and completion through UHP 496A and 496B (Research Participation-Honors) as well as UHP 498 (Senior Thesis/Project - Honors).

In addition to completing the number of academic units required for Honors Plan I or II, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher in Honors and in all University courses attempted to earn an Honors Certificate. Students who fall below these required minimums are required to create a success plan with an honors academic advisor until they have regained a GPA of 3.00 or higher in all GPA calculations. Additionally, students who have failed to enroll in courses for Honors credit for two consecutive semesters are not considered in good standing and will normally be withdrawn from the Program. Demonstrated lack of engagement in the CSULB Honors community or dishonest behavior/plagiarism are also grounds for dismissal from the University Honors Program.

Admissions Requirements

All students are encouraged to apply to the University Honors Program. Application guidelines can be found on the Honors Website.

Incoming first-year students are placed in Honors Plan I (see website above for detailed admissions criteria). Normally, students should have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Even if not all criteria are met, under special circumstances, applicants may be evaluated for admissions consideration by the Honors Program Director and Honors Council.

Any continuing student who maintains a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA at California State University, Long Beach will be placed in Honors Plan I or Plan II according to academic needs. CSULB students not meeting the designated criteria may still apply. These exceptional cases will be reviewed by the Director and the University Honors Program. Through the application, students are encouraged to explain any academic struggles and/or their strong motivation to participate in the Program.

Transfer students will be placed in Honors Plan II, provided they have a minimum equivalent of a 3.5 GPA in all coursework at the accredited institution from which they are transferring. Where University Honors transfer agreements have been negotiated through HTCC, the terms and conditions of these agreements allow honors transfer students to complete Honors Plan I where appropriate.

Please be advised that the University Honors Program offers a distinct Engineering and Business Honors track for students pursuing those majors. Admitted Engineering or Business students follow specific requirements under Honors Plan I or II outlined on the website indicated above.

Students pursuing a General, Engineering, or Business Honors track under Plan I or II may choose to complete a Global Emphasis. The Global Emphasis requires students to take at least one global-designated Honors course, focus the senior thesis/creative project on a global issue, participate in an approved study abroad experience, and demonstrate a 2^nd year language competency in a world language other than English.

Honors in the Major (available in select majors only)

Honors in the Major is distinct from the University Honors Program. Select CSULB majors provide students with an option to pursue Honors in the Major. Although Honors in the Major requirements may vary among departments, usually they entail independent study, seminar courses, high levels of performance, and senior projects or theses culminating in a broad knowledge of subject matter. Information concerning Honors in the Major is available in participating departmental offices.

Please contact the department office for information regarding admission. Normally, a student must be a declared major, usually with at least sophomore (30 units) standing.

Courses

University Honors Program