Honors College
Paul Knox, Director of University Honors
Christina McIntyre, Director of Major Scholarships
Russell B. Shrader, Director of Admissions
Sara Vandyke, Director of Academic Processes
Amber Smith, Director of Teaching and Learning
Tammy Jo Guynn, Operations Specialist
Amy Ingram, Support Specialist
Paul Heilker, Faculty Fellow for Curriculum Development
Phone: 540-231-4591
Web: www.honorscollege.vt.edu
University Honors
The mission of University Honors is to inspire and facilitate an extraordinary education for students of exceptional motivation and ability who seek to be active learners and who will apply their knowledge and skills to critical real-world problems. To this end, University Honors provides opportunities and challenges founded on five critical experiences: meaningful and sustained relationships with faculty, independent learning, undergraduate research, place-based and problem-focused experiences, and intellectual engagement in global contexts. Honors curricula are designed to maximize the disciplinary depth, interdisciplinary capacities, and purpose-driven engagement that are the hallmarks of the Virginia Tech undergraduate student experience and the VT-Shaped Student.
Participation
Entering freshmen are encouraged to apply to University Honors if they have a cumulative GPA of 3.80 (as reported on their high school transcript) and a minimum SAT score of 1350 (critical reading and mathematics) or a minimum ACT composite score of 30. Students who do not meet these criteria but feel an exception should be made are able to apply. We expect that the other components of the application (extracurricular, honors, awards, publications, etc.) will off-set the lower quantitative scores. Transfer students and continuing Virginia Tech students who achieve a GPA of 3.60 or greater are invited to apply. Students remain in the program on the basis of their continued high academic performance and the pursuit of one of six honors diplomas.
Course Selection
Course selection is not necessarily tied to the student's major field of study.
Honors students may participate in honors reading groups, honors colloquia, and honors sections of regular courses. Honors sections of regular academic courses often are offered in biology, political science, history, economics, chemistry, English, mathematics, and psychology. Occasionally, honors sections are offered in other subject areas as well. Departmental honors courses are managed directly by the respective departments.
Honors Diplomas
An honors diploma is a designation to the undergraduate diploma. One University Honors diploma would not suffice at a University such as Virginia Tech. We have created six Honors options for the students eligible for Honors.
| Diploma | Description |
| Commonwealth Scholar | Considered to be a viable diploma option for transfer students entering University Honors late in their college career. |
| Scholar in Health Studies | Created for students desiring to enter a career in a health related field gained in connection with the minor in Medicine and Society. |
| Honors Scholar | The baseline diploma for Honors students who do not complete an Honors thesis. |
| In Honors | For students desiring to enter graduate school or professional school immediately following graduation and are interested in undergraduate research. Thesis required. |
| Honors Baccalaureate | The most rigorous diploma available to University Honors students. Designed to prepare students for graduate or professional school immediately following graduation. Thesis required. |
| Honors Global Scholar | Created for students with a global engagement. |
Throughout the course of an Honors student's career, there are several benchmarks for obtaining the various diplomas. Following the freshman year, students declare their diploma intention. Progress towards the diploma is reported annually. As a senior, University Honors students order their honors diplomas.
Graduation Requirements
- University Honors students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher.
- University Honors students must meet all the requirements determined by the department of the major(s) and college(s) conferring the degree(s).
- University Honors students must complete all requirements for their anticipated Honors diploma(s).
Honors Advising
A primary function of the University Honors staff is to assist students in mapping an Honors diploma that is attainable in conjunction with their departmental degree(s).
Additionally, departmental Honors Advisors work specifically with University Honors students. These departmental Honors Advisors act as an extension of the University Honors office to help students with exceptional advanced opportunities within their chosen field of study. Departmental Honors advisors should be contacted when specific questions arise related to the completion of degree(s).
Advising for major national scholarships like Rhodes, Marshall, and Fulbright Scholarships are available through University Honors for all Virginia Tech students.
Honors Communities
There are opportunities for Honors students to become part of one of the Honors communities: Hillcrest Hall and the Honors Residential College (HRC).
The Hillcrest community is home to 101 students and is housed in Hillcrest Hall. The Honors Residential College is located in East Ambler Johnson Hall and is home to approximately 320 students along with Faculty Principals in residence. Both communities are composed of students from all majors and levels, freshmen through seniors.
While students are encouraged to apply for the communities, Honors residence is not a requirement to be a University Honors student. Many honors students also reside in other Living Learning Communities offered throughout the University.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (UH)
1004: TOPICS FIRST-YEAR HONORS SEM
A course for first-year University Honors students that is
facilitated by students and faculty. Introduces students to
the scope, nature, and requirements of University Honors and
opportunities as a Virginia Tech student. First-year
residents of Hillcrest Community and Honors Residential
College required to participate. Optional for first-year
non-house students. Fall semester only. Variable
course content. May not be repeated.
Pass/Fail only.
(1H,1C)
2004: CAREERS IN MEDICINE
This class is designed to help students thinking of a career
in healthcare investigate some of the many professional
tracts and careers available. Representatives from some of
the professional schools and professionals will present
different career paths that are available to students
interested in health care. The class will also cover some
of the issues in biomedical ethics, health policy, how to
prepare for admission test (such as MCAT, DAT, etc.) how
to finance professional school, and the "nuts and bolts" of
the application process.
(1H,1C)
2104: TOPICS IN HONORS HOUSE SEMINAR
Reading based sections within the honors houses in which
small groups of students work toward two goals: the practice
of discussion, debate, and argumentation; and the art of
community building. Honors house members only. Variable
course content. Repeatable for up to six credits.
Pass/Fail only.
(1H,1C)
2124: HONORS READING SEMINAR
Reading based sections in which small groups of
students practice discussion, debate, and
argumentation grounded in a topic or genre of
reading of their group's choosing. Sophomore honors
standing. Variable course content. Repeatable for up to
six credits.
Pass/Fail only.
(1H,1C)
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
3004: TOPICS HONORS COLLOQUIA SERIES
Brings Honors students together with distinguished faculty
on special topics of mutual interest. Varied, often
interdisciplinary topics. Conversational and participatory.
Sophomore honors standing. Variable course content.
Repeatable for up to six credits.
Variable credit course.
3014: TOPICS HONORS STDNT COLLOQUIUM
A course designed to draw together students with a very
knowledgeable student facilitator on special topics of
mutual interest under the guidance of a faculty
co-facilitator. Some topics are broad and interdisciplinary
while others explore a single topic in depth. Open to all
Honors students. Sophomore Honors standing required.
Variable course content. Repeatable for up to six
credits.
(3H,3C)
3204: HONORS SERVICE LEARNING
A two-part course. Part one: three hours a week
working directly with community partners. Part two:
a one-hour class to reflect on the service experience
and discuss readings and other course materials that
place the experiential learning into a theoretical context.
Open to all Honors students. Variable course content.
Repeatable for up to six credits.
(1H,6L,3C)
3954: STUDY ABROAD
Honors Section.
Variable credit course.
4004: HONORS TUTORIAL
Small, seminar-style course of one or a few students.
Students explore a specific topic that is new to them with a
faculty member who provides individual attention and is
an expert in that established field. Open to all Honors
students. Junior Honors standing. Variable course content.
Repeatable for up to six credits.
(1H,6L,3C)
4104: HONORS STUDENT TEACH PRACTICUM
For Honors students facilitating Honors courses that
encourage and require student facilitation or mentorship
responsibilities. Student Teaching Assistants and their
sections are overseen by honors faculty or staff. Student
Teaching Assistants meet weekly with a member of the honors
staff in a class designed to prepare them for the
facilitation experience and to monitor their progress. Open
to all Honors students, subject to Program approval.
Sophomore Honors standing required. Variable course content.
Repeatable for up to six credits.
Pass/Fail only.
(1H,2L,2C)
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.