Most Honors students enter the program at the beginning of their freshmen year. In general, students in the Program are among those who have the highest high school grade averages and scholastic aptitude test scores upon entering USD. Students are expected to have an active interest in their own education and an appreciation for academic challenges.

In evaluating the records of high-school seniors, the office of admissions and the Director of the Honors Program seek to choose those students who have the ability and motivation to achieve in the Program. Attention is paid to those who will most benefit from the Honors curriculum. Involvement in community, school, and leadership activities, and evidence of a sustained desire to do excellent academic work are the most important indicators of a potential Honors student's ability to succeed in the Program. The above are used as guidelines, not absolute criteria in selection of Honors students. Each applicant is reviewed to recognize individual strengths.

Students who do not enter the program at the beginning of their undergraduate career may apply for admission at the end of the fall semester of their freshmen year. For more information on mid-year admission requirements please click here .  These students should speak to the Honors Program director at the conclusion of the Fall semester. Freshmen with excellent academic records and the recommendation of their preceptors will be evaluated for admission to the program The most important criteria for admission will be the student's academic record at USD. Students will generally not be admitted to the program after their freshmen year unless satisfactory arrangements can be made to insure that they will be able to complete the full Honors curriculum by May of their senior year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Honors Program require extra classes?

Normally the 25 - 29 units taken in the Honors curriculum fit into a student's general education program, and in some instances, one's major. Therefore, Honors classes are not like "extra" classes at all. Further, the Program is open to students from all majors.

Will being in the Honors Program hurt my grade point average?

Most students do at least as well in their Honors courses as in their regular classes, and find many of the Honors courses among the best they have taken at USD.

Do Honors students live in a separate dormitory?

Honors students have the opportunity to live in the "Honors Dormitories." Approximately half of the Honors students choose to live in the Honors Dormitory their freshman year. The other half chooses to live elsewhere on campus.

Does the Honors Program offer special financial aid?

At this time, we are unable to offer special financial assistance for Honors students, but we do find that many Honors students qualify for academic scholarships.

How will the Honors Program benefit me?

Most Honors students are looking for a challenging curriculum that will prepare them for graduate and professional programs. Faculty teaching in USD's Honors Program, among the best on campus, are in a good position to write letters of recommendation for Honors seniors when they apply for these programs. Further, the Honors Program publishes the best work of its seniors, a distinction that contributes mightily to a solid resume.

How can I get into the Honors Program?

Freshmen with Trustee scholarships are invited to apply. All other freshmen may apply in the Spring if their Fall semester GPA is a 3.4 or above. Transfer students should contact the Honors Program Director.

For information regarding various Honors Program statistics, please click on the link below.

Honors Program Statistical Information