Honors Program

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Honors Program

96%

participate in campus clubs and organizations

80%

historically study abroad

85%

volunteer during their USD education

81%

graduate with distinction

15:1

student-to-faculty ratio in Honors classes

About the Honors Program

Embracing Intellectual Curiosity in Honors

The Honors Program was established to promote interdisciplinary learning and undergraduate research, strengthen the intellectual climate of the campus and maintain the vision of the liberal arts as central to the college experience.

The Honors Program at USD emphasizes teaching excellence, small seminar-style classes and a curriculum of innovative courses. Beyond the classroom, Honors students benefit from meaningful interactions with faculty, extracurricular programming, research opportunities and focused academic advising.

Immerse Yourself Into the Richness of Honors

Community Beyond Classes

The Honors experience involves much more than classes. Students also spend time serving the community, attending lectures and events, exploring San Diego, working side-by-side with faculty, and acting to make change at USD and beyond.

Interdisciplinary Courses

Team-taught Honors students explore a modern art exhibition in Los Angeles with faculty.

Undergraduate Research

Seniors celebrate their research through thesis presentations at the Honors Colloquium.

Meeting The Honors Mascot

Dr. Bowman hosts Wag Wednesdays for students to meet him and his dog, Nala.

Community Engagement

Honors students share ideas with USD Honors alumni, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.

Outdoor Adventures

Honors second-years hike together at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

Campus Connection

President Dr. Harris swaps stories with Honors students at the annual Tea with the President.

Illuminate Honors LLC

Student assistants and first-years recognize their peers in Illuminate.

Honors Induction

First-years receive lanterns to symbolize their induction into the Honors Program.

Honors Advising

Assistant Director Devon Moraes advises students on Honors courses and the holistic program experience.

Leadership in Honors

The Honors Student Board engages with students at the Alcalá Bazaar.

Honors Circle Program

Honors Circles foster community at Mission Beach.

Honors Signature Events

Friends celebrate the end of the semester at the Honors Holiday Social.

Dive Into...

Honors Student Spotlights

Mathisha Karunaratne '25

Computer Science major, Marketing minor

"The USD Honors Program has been a massive part of my college life. I have gained my best and closest relationships, and had some really unique experiences, including valuable leadership positions all from Honors. I traveled and presented at the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) Conference with other students, and held a position on the Honors Student Board where I helped incoming freshmen transition to college life. These led to opportunities that I really would never expected to have and will be forever grateful for."

John O’Connell '22

Biology major, Chemistry minor, Women's and Genders Studies minor

John is an adventurer and outdoorsman, in addition to a Biology major and double-minor in Chemistry and Women's and Gender Studies. He thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in a gap year before college, and plans on thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail after graduating. While at USD, John is a leader on the Honors Student Board and in Outdoor Adventures, and he studied abroad in both Japan and New Zealand. He has made sure to add variety to his pre-med courses by taking recreational classes at USD, such as sailing, surfing and SCUBA diving. For his Honors Thesis, John plans to study carnivorous pitcher plants.

Maren Bronson '26

International Business major, Marketing major, Spanish minor

"One of the most rewarding aspects of the Honors Program was being part of a close-knit community where I built meaningful friendships and collaborated with like-minded, academically driven, students. I really enjoyed the interdisciplinary curriculum and team-taught courses. Combining disciplines not only deepened my learning but also helped me to become a more well-rounded student and apply those skills across my majors."

What’s happening in the Honors Program

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Have any questions?

Come Meet With Us!

Our doors are open to assist you with any questions you may have as you navigate the Honors Program! Current USD students can make a virtual appointment or stop by in-person in Learning Commons 201 (walk-ins are welcome).

Frequently Asked Questions