Honors College

Honors College is where you begin to discover yourself. It challenges you to pursue new heights you didn't realize were possible. Honors classes introduce unique opportunities and differing perspectives that open your mind to unveil its full potential.

Preparing You to Go Further

At A-State, the Honors College helps you stretch your potential, deepen your connections, explore the world and build a career path shaped by high-impact learning and a supportive community.

Why participate in Honors?

Academics
Engage in interactive, discussion-based Honors courses where your professors become mentors and your classmates peers in a shared intellectual journey. Dive into interdisciplinary study, shape your own coursework, and thrive in a learning environment built for curious, motivated learners.

Exclusive Opportunities
Join the Honors College Association for exciting trips, social events and service-learning—all designed to connect you with fellow Honors students. During Welcome Week and throughout the year with Homecoming, tailgates, the Honors Lecture of the Year and more, you’ll build memories and leadership skills.

Campus Life
Experience the best of both worlds: a vibrant large-university campus with the close-knit feel of the Honors community. Live in the Honors Living-Learning Community (HLLC), a dedicated residential-and-learning space where Honors students come together in specially designed suite-style halls and meet in a state-of-the-art classroom building right where you live.

Honors pushes students to do more. It pushes students to achieve on a higher level. The attachment of honors to your name means something.

Jonathan Schaufler, '25

The Honors College is designed for the academically talented student. Students must meet the following admission criteria to be a candidate for The Honors College.

New Freshmen

The admission requirement for incoming freshmen is an ACT super score of 28 or higher AND a high school GPA of 3.50 or higher. All admitted students are automatically screened for admission to the Honors College; there is not a separate application.

Transfer Students

Transfer students with at least 18 college credit hours can apply for admission into the Honors College if they have a minimum cumulative/overall GPA of 3.25 AND a faculty member/advisor recommendation. Students must complete an Honors Transfer Application and submit it to the Honors College.

Students sitting in front of a residence hall on campus

Current Students

Current A-State students with at least 18 college credit hours can apply for admission into the Honors College if they have a minimum cumulative/overall GPA of 3.25 AND a faculty member/advisor recommendation. Students must complete the Current Student Honors Application and submit it to the Honors College.

The Honors Brainy Break offers students a memorable, educational spring-break experience by immersing them in major cities—like the 2022 trip that took 19 Honors students to Chicago to explore its history, culture, and urban life.

Students pose for a photo during the 2022 Brainy Break

Watch the video to hear more about what our students have to say about their favorite Brainy Break moments.

Honors students have access to a range of exclusive private scholarships that reward academic excellence, leadership, and involvement. The application opens each October.

Visit the Private Scholarship Portal

Whether you’re mapping your Honors trajectory, looking to engage socially and academically, or preparing for your capstone, this section provides all the tools and contacts you need to succeed.

Students in graduation regalia and honors medals

Graduation Requirements

Students may graduate under three possible recognitions.

For "In University Honors," a student must complete 24 credit hours of Honors coursework (with 12 of those being upper-level), complete a senior thesis in their major or minor, and maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.50.

For "In Honors," the requirement is 18 credit hours of Honors coursework (including 9 upper-level) and a minimum overall GPA of 3.50.

To earn an Honors Certificate, a student completes 18 credit hours of Honors coursework and maintains a 3.00 overall GPA (also eligible for those admitted into professional programs not requiring an undergraduate degree).

A student works on a laptop under a tree

Thesis Overview

The Honors thesis is the signature capstone experience for students pursuing In University Honors, giving them the chance to explore a topic they care about through original research or creative work. Guided by a faculty mentor, students shape a proposal, conduct in-depth study, and produce a substantial final project that reflects their academic interests and long-term goals.

Throughout the process, students follow a clear sequence of steps—from applying and forming a committee to drafting, revising, and defending their work. Resources, timelines, and required forms help keep the project on track, while regular collaboration with faculty provides the support needed to complete a meaningful, high-quality thesis.

Student Forms

Access the essential Honors College applications and forms you’ll need as you plan your courses, complete your thesis, and pursue enriched academic experiences.

2025-26 Honors Thesis Application

Spring 26 Honors Option Application

Spring 26 Honors Independent Study Application

Spring 26 Petition to Enroll in a Graduate Course for Undergraduate Honors Credit

Honors Experience Grant (HEG) 2025-26

A group of students with their certificates

Honors College Association

The Honors College Association (HCA) is the student organization within The Honors College.

HCA plans a variety of special events, activities, and community service projects with the aim of enriching the academic, cultural, and social experience among Honors students at A-State.

Email the HCA

A student wearing an honors ambassador t-shirt

Honors Ambassadors

Honors Ambassadors are a select group of student leaders who represent the Honors College through outreach, service, and community building. These students model academic excellence and campus engagement while welcoming prospective students, supporting recruitment events, and helping new Honors students transition into college life.

Ambassadors also strengthen the Honors community from within by assisting with programming, sharing student perspectives, and fostering meaningful connections among peers. Through leadership experience, public speaking, and service opportunities, they develop skills that enhance their personal growth and future career paths.

Apply Now