University Honors Program

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Program Requirements

Second Language Proficiency

Prior to graduation, University Honors students must demonstrate proficiency in a second language. This requirement is met through coursework at the intermediate level of a second language (e.g., completion of 2102-level courses in the Modern Languages, or their equivalent as determined by the Office of the Registrar), placement into 2103 (or higher) level language courses as determined by LMU’s language placement examination, AP credits toward language courses as determined by the Office of the Registrar, or by alternative examination approved by the Program Director. International students fulfill this requirement by TOEFL proficiency in English as a Second Language.

Core Curriculum

Students in the University Honors Program take the Honors Core in place of the University Core. Except where noted with an asterisk, Honors students must enroll in the specific HNRS courses listed below rather than the regular University Core.

Because of the impacted and sequenced nature of degrees in Seaver College of Science and Engineering (SCSE), The Honors Core curriculum requirements differ for students with at least one major or degree in SCSE. Specifically, for SCSE students, the Honors Program waives the ECRE and EHBV core requirements and considers the Nature of Science, Technology, and Mathematics requirement fulfilled by the major (as noted below).

For Students from Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering

Foundations (Years 1-2)

HNRS 1000: Honors Colloquium - Introduction to Honors (1 semester hour)

HFYS 1000: Honors First Year Seminar (must enroll in a section restricted to Honors)

HNRS 1100: Honors Philosophical Inquiry

HNRS 1200: Honors Theological inquiry

* FDIV: Studies in American Diversity (taken from the University Core)

Explorations (Years 2-3)

HNRS 2000: Honors Colloquium - Research and Exhibition (1 semester hour)

HNRS 2100: Honors Historical Analysis

HNRS 2200: Honors Nature of Science, Technology, and Mathematics
Considered fulfilled for students with a major/degree in SCSE

HNRS 2300: Honors Literary Analysis

* ECRE: Creative Experience (taken from the University Core)
Waived for students with a major/degree in SCSE

* EHBV: Understanding Human Behavior (taken from the University Core)
Waived for students with a major/degree in SCSE

Integrations (Years 3-4)

HNRS 3000/3001: Honors Colloquium - Post-Baccalaureate Success Seminar (1 semester hour)

HNRS 3100/3110: Honors Ethics and Justice / Beyond Good and Evil

* IFTR: Faith and Reason (taken from the University Core)

HNRS 4100: Honors Thesis (or thesis/capstone project developed through a capstone course in the major). Note that a capstone course in the major will not satisfy the thesis requirement unless it culminates in a thesis or project. Students fulfilling the thesis requirement through a course in the major must obtain prior approval from the Honors Director or Associate Director.

HNRS 4000: Honors Portfolio and Assessment (0 semester hours)

AP and IB Equivalencies

AP credits may be used to demonstrate second language proficiency through course equivalencies as determined by the Registrar. AP credits may also be used fulfill core requirements for EHBV and ECRE through course equivalencies as determined by the registrar. AP credits will not fulfill other core requirements.

Liberal Studies Students

Students who are working toward elementary education credentials need to meet with the Honors Director to determine the best coursework path. Decisions about courses will be made in consultation with the Center for Undergraduate Teacher Preparation.

Additional Notes

The University Honors Program does not require flags or courses in Rhetorical Arts, Quantitative Reasoning, and Interdisciplinary Connections.

Maintaining Good Standing

Students must remain in good standing with the University Honors Program. To remain in good standing, students must maintain the minimum GPA as determined by the Director (3.5) and attend the minimum number (publicized at the beginning of each semester) of Passport Events (extracurricular academic events hosted or promoted by the University Honors Program) each semester. Students who fail to meet these requirements will be placed on probation with the University Honors Program. Students on probation must meet with the Director to create a plan to return to good standing. Students who remain on probation for more than two semesters may be subject to dismissal, at the discretion of the Director. Students may not graduate with the University Honors Program with lower than the minimum GPA at the end of their penultimate semester at LMU.

Application Process

Most students in the University Honors Program apply in the year before entering LMU for admission as a first-year student. Upon completing their LMU application, all LMU applicants receive an email inviting them to apply to the Honors Program. Application deadlines vary by year and applicants are encouraged to pay close attention to dates and details in the invitation letter and application materials.

Limited spots in the Honors Program may become available for internal (current LMU student) and external transfer applicants, depending on current Program size and resources. If transfer applicants are being considered, application information will be posted on the Program website (https://academics.lmu.edu/honors/prospective/applicationprocess/).

Applications are reviewed holistically, considering student preparation, background, academic record, extracurricular interests, fit with the Program’s goals, and with an explicit aim to recognize and maximize the ethnic, racial, and ideological diversity of the student body.