University Honors Program

http://www.coastal.edu/honors/

Mission Statement

The University Honors Program at Coastal Carolina University provides a dynamic learning environment that fosters the intellectual curiosity and creativity of highly motivated, academically-gifted students by creating a framework in which they can pursue self-determined personal and professional aspirations. CCU Honors students are given the foundation to become thoughtful leaders able to solve problems of contemporary life, building upon historical and global perspectives. The goals of the University Honors Program are advanced through a challenging and well-structured curriculum that incorporates interdisciplinary collaboration among members of the university community who serve as models for successful lifelong learning. The Coastal Carolina University Honors Program also promotes active involvement in the life of the University and service to the community. Community engagement and mentored, collaborative research assist students in developing the skills necessary to become professional and academic leaders.

University Honors Program Admission

Admission to the University Honors Program is by invitation of the director of the program in consultation with the Office of Admissions. University Honors Program invitations are extended to entering first-year students whose aptitude test scores and work in high school predict outstanding college-level achievement.

For freshmen, the minimum admission criteria for invitation into the program are:

1. SAT score of 1270 (evidence-based reading and writing plus math) or an ACT score of 26 or higher;
2. High school GPA of 3.5 or higher.

For continuing or transfer students, the minimum admission criteria for invitation into the program are:

1. A cumulative collegiate GPA of 3.7 or higher;
2. The completion of 30 academic credit hours;
3. Two letters of recommendations from college instructors;
4. Completion of a University Honors Program application form.

For international students who are not from countries where English is the native official language, the minimum admission criteria for invitation into the program are:

1. TOEFL or IELTS exam results taken in the last three years with a TOEFL PBT score of 575, or TOEFL iBT of 89, or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 with no subscore lower than 5, or successful completion of ELS Language Centers Academic English Program level 112.
2. Submission of an application to the University Honors Program that will include an essay and a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher

For international students who are from countries where English is the native official language (See English-Speaking Countries Approved for English Proficiency Exemption in the Admissions and Merit Awards  section), the minimum admission criteria for invitation into the program are:

1. Submission of an application to the University Honors Program that will include an essay and a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher.
2. SAT scores of at least 1270 (evidence-based reading and writing plus math), or an ACT score of 26 or higher.

Continuing students or transfer students who are interested in joining the program should contact the University Honors Program Director for further information.

Academics

An enhanced academic curriculum includes Honors sections of core curriculum courses, enriched courses within majors, and advanced interdisciplinary courses and seminars for juniors and seniors. Reflecting the program’s emphasis on research, Honors students complete a senior thesis project in their major field of study and present this work in a public forum.

University Honors Program students are required to demonstrate regular progress toward the successful completion of a minimum of 24 credits of Honors coursework, including four (4) honors only courses (with the HONR prefix or selected honors only classes from other academic departments) at least three credits of which will be at the 300-level. All students will also complete honors requirements in their major program including an honors thesis equivalent course. Only Honors classes in which students receive a grade of ‘B’ or better will count toward the completion of the program’s 24 credit hours of honors coursework requirement. To remain in good academic standing within the Honors program, students must maintain the following minimum cumulative GPA: a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA until reaching 30 credit hours, thereafter a 3.33 cumulative GPA until reaching 60 credit hours, and finally a 3.50 cumulative GPA until graduation.

Honors program students are expected to engage in a more challenging curriculum through enrollment in Honors designated course sections. Only nine credit hours of 300 level and above regular section coursework may be requested for conversion to Honors level coursework through an “Honors by Special Arrangement” process. Restrictions and exemptions apply – please contact the University Honors Program Office for additional information.

Laptop Initiative

A laptop computer may be available for Honors program students for their personal and academic use while in the University Honors Program.

Recognition

All graduating students who successfully complete the requirements of the University Honors Program are recognized during Honors Convocation and at commencement. Honors students have the seal of the program affixed to their diploma. Additionally, the designation University Honors Program Graduate is placed on their official transcripts by the Registrar.