University Honors Program

UHP students will complete UHP 189: Honors First-Year Seminar (1 credit) Each UHP 189 section will have a distinct topical focus developed by its instructor, but all sections will also include a few common elements, such as instructions regarding how to use the Honors Administration Link and an introduction to the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships. We encourage students to take UHP 189 during their first semester in the program. Students entering the Honors Program after the freshman year may petition to make a substitution for UHP 189, usually an additional Honors course or co-curricular experience.

Four (4) for-credit academic courses (12 credits minimum)

At least four UHP-eligible courses must be completed for credit for a minimum total of twelve credit hours. UHP students will have the flexibility to choose from a menu of three eligible options:

• UHP-designated courses (e.g., Honors Chemistry, Honors Introduction to the Humanities) that carry course credit. Available courses are listed on the Honors Courses page.
• Contract courses (i.e. a regular for-credit course where the student and instructor agree upon additional scholarly expectations and outcomes).
• Course credits taken for undergraduate research. We will count research credits automatically (no need to complete a contract).
• Instructions/forms for initiating and recording contracts are available in Canvas.

Three (3) co-curricular experiences (total credits will vary: no minimum)

Co-curricular experiences must be recorded. Do this at the conclusion of the experience by completing the appropriate form in Canvas. However, if you have any question as to whether an experience will satisfy a co-curricular experience, please check with us in advance whenever possible.

Note that you may substitute additional honors courses for the co-curricular experiences (once the "Courses" category is fully satisfied).

Read more about eligible co-curricular options for detailed guidelines regarding what constitutes a qualifying experience.

The Honors Project serves as the culminating experience for the University Honors Program and is an opportunity to both develop and showcase your growing skills as a scholar. Please review the Honors Project Guidelines at ths link as you prepare for and work on your project.

Students can select one of four tracks to complete their UHP Project as a capstone activity. Each track emphasizes integrative, independent learning and skill development.

1. Research track | A traditional “honors thesis” where students complete research under the supervision of faculty members
2. International track | Project where the intellectual product builds upon study or service abroad as its experiential base.
3. Professional track | Project where the intellectual product builds upon a significant internship or co-op experience as its experiential base.
4. Creative track | Project based upon the creation of original creative work, principally for students in the fine and performing arts for whom artistic production is an essential scholarly activity.

All four tracks will require a significant intellectual product that is supervised and approved by a K-State mentor with appropriate expertise. This project can take many forms, given the diversity of academic disciplines that exist in our university.

Project proposal

Project approval should ideally be obtained prior to beginning the proposed project. The project proposal form in Canvas requires a short abstract that details 1) the work you will do, 2) what intellectual product will be submitted to the Honors program as a result, and 3) who you will work with.

Earning academic credit

Earning academic credit for the Honors Project is optional, depending on whether those credits support progress towards graduation. Consult with us if you have questions about what might be possible/most beneficial. However, faculty mentors, and the policies of their home departments, may have specific policies/preferences regarding credit options that would supercede UHP policy.

K-REx

Students are encouraged, but not required, to share/present their completed projects with the academic community in an appropriate venue. We are happy to help students brainstorm presentation/sharing opportunities. We will also help you publish your project in K-REx if you are interested.

Some students elect to archive their projects in K-REx (K-State Research Exchange). It's a great place to view samples from a variety of majors. Visit the Honors Projects in K-REx at this link.