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University Honors Program

Gardner-Webb University provides a comprehensive Honors Program to nurture academically qualified students in all majors. Emphasis is placed on Honors classes, leadership through academic and co-curricular accomplishments, preparation for graduate school, and university activities. In addition to special honors and interdisciplinary classes, a variety of lectures, trips, and other events are planned for students. Application procedures are available through the Admissions Office.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Gardner-Webb University Honors Program is to nurture academically qualified students in all majors by providing a program of enriched learning experiences in courses taught by Honors faculty and to instill community pride in its members by encouraging students to become active in service-based projects.

Goals

To provide:

  1. and encourage opportunities for student-centered learning in Honors core classes;
  2. opportunities for cultural enrichment;
  3. opportunities for and encourage student community involvement;
  4. enhancing extra-curricular learning opportunities;
  5. an opportunity for and encourage student research; and
  6. an opportunity for and encourage student involvement and participation in the activities of the North Carolina, Southern Regional, and National Honors Organizations.

Honors Program Curriculum

A student may be identified as an “Honors Program Graduate” after meeting graduation requirements in an academic department/school of the University and meeting the requirements of the University Honors Program. The University Honors Program requires the completion of a minimum of twenty-four hours of coursework designated as “Honors.” Fifteen hours of coursework should be completed in the first two years of study. Honors courses in the first two years may be selected from Honors sections of General Education offerings, special courses which are offered on an occasional or “on-demand” basis for Honors students, or through “Honors Contracts” with faculty teaching regular sections of the college’s overall curriculum.

All Honors students are expected to complete HONR 395, HONR 400, and HONR 401 in their junior or senior year. University Honors Program students are expected to maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

To receive “Honors Program” recognition during Commencement exercises, a student must meet the following requirements.

  1. Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA;
  2. Successfully complete a minimum of 24 hours in Honors courses including HONR 395, HONR 400, and HONR 401;
  3. Initiate, prepare, present, and defend a senior HONORS thesis of at least 40 pages in length. English majors intending to graduate with Honors recognition must complete a minimum of 27 hours in Honors courses in addition to ENGL 391/ENGL 491. ENGL 391/ENGL 491 substitutes for HONR 400/HONR 401.
  4. Complete a minimum of 80 hours of community service which contributes to the welfare of the community; and
  5. Receive the recommendation of the Honors Committee.