Approved Coursework

HON Seminars promote critical thinking, reading, and problem solving and employ methods that instill the integration and appreciation of knowledge across disciplines. Their small class size provides an ideal setting for constructive argumentation, analysis, synthesis, and pointed conclusions. They are taught by faculty members that are specially trained to engage students in critical debate about the subjects studied. UHP students are required to pass 2 HON seminars but may take more to fulfill the approved coursework requirement.

Review the HON seminars for Spring 2025

Honors sections of courses (designated by an “H” suffix) typically have smaller class sizes and provide students with a more in-depth and challenging exploration of the course subject matter, than their non-Honors equivalents. They are usually restricted to students in the University Honors Program, creating an environment of academic excellence and inquiry. Not surprisingly, Honors courses tend to receive very positive feedback from our students.

Review the list of approved Honors sections/additional coursework for Fall 2024

The Honors Contract process allows students to earn Honors course credit through contracts with faculty. The contract may be for work done independently by a student under faculty supervision or may be made between faculty members and teams of students working on a common project. Contracts for Honors Credit may be developed in advance by members of the faculty who agree to supervise Honors work (faculty-initiated) or may be proposed by students to members of the faculty in whose courses they are or plan to be enrolled (student-initiated). The form that must be completed can be found here.

First-Year Inquiry (FYI) courses are restricted to first-year students at NC State, and are designated with a “Q” suffix.  These courses are specially designed for first-year students to help them make the transition from high school to university-level thinking.  Their small class sizes (typically 20-22 students) and emphasis on inquiry-guided learning techniques help foster a close relationship between the students and the professor, and the development of critical reading, writing, and discussion skills. Most FYI courses fulfill General Education Requirements or departmental requirements. It is recommended that students consult with their academic advisors when choosing an FYI course.

HON 398 courses are open to UHP students who have completed 2 semesters of Honors Forum. These courses count towards the UHP approved coursework requirement, feature small class sizes (20 students per section), and reflect the mission of the UHP. For more information, contact Ken Johnson (kejohns2@ncsu.edu) or Sean Cassidy (smcassid@ncsu.edu).

Under the University-wide Guidelines for Honors Programs at NC State, the Provost has approved the acceptance of Advanced courses, or 500-level courses, that are taken as electives or as substitutes for lower-level courses, in fulfillment of Honors program coursework requirements. These courses will automatically fulfill the requirements for completion of the UHP.

UHP* students may receive up to 3** hours of credit towards the 6 hour approved coursework requirement through successful completion of an approved study abroad experience. To receive credit for the coursework through completion of a study abroad experience, a student must complete the UHP Request for Study Abroad Credit form and submit it to the UHP office within one semester of the experience’s completion.

_{*University Scholars Program (admitted prior to Fall 2022) students can receive up to 6 hours of course credit for participating in a study abroad experience}

_{**Students that go to Oxford with UHP and complete the associated UHP seminar coursework for the Oxford Study Abroad can receive up to 6 credit hours of coursework for this specific study abroad experience.}

UHP students may receive up to 6 hours of credit towards the 6-hour approved coursework requirement through successful completion of approved independent study or independent research courses. To receive credit for the coursework through completion of a 400-level independent study or independent research course a student must complete the UHP Request for Independent Study or Research Credit form and submit it to the UHP office at the beginning of the semester in which the course is taken.