Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Honors Program?
The Honors Program at Clayton State University is one that creates opportunities for students attending the school to develop their leadership skills as well as accelerate the development of their academic career. The program helps students who have already proven themselves academically successful by allowing them to work closely with faculty and other talented student in hopes of enhancing their college experience.
How can I join the Honors Program?
To join the Honors Program, you must first meet certain qualifications. For University Honors, you must be in your first year at Clayton State or have less than 30 hours of college credit. You must have a minimum of 3.5 high school GPA, an 1100 SAT or 24 ACT Composite score and a record of involvement in extra- curricular activities.
The school or college honors program accepts juniors enrolled or transferring into Clayton State . Students who have 45 to 65 hours of college credit are eligible to apply. You must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and a record of community or campus service.
Why should I join the Honors Program?
There are a number of benefits if you join the Honors Program. They include:
- Enhanced course sections reserved for Honor students
- Eligibility to apply for Honors scholarships
- Early registration
- Honors Seal on diploma
- Honors recognition at commencement
Will taking Honors classes hurt my chances to get into graduate school?
Most graduate schools highly value Honors Program graduates. It is a distinction that demonstrates a students willingness to develop both their academic an leadership potential.
Will I get to know other Honors Program students?
There will be many opportunities to interact and get to know many of the Honor students. There are monthly general meetings, as well as many chances to meet and work with these students in special honors classes, workshops and service outings.
What courses do I take as an Honors student?
To graduate with the Honors Program distinction students in a 4- year program must complete a total of 26 hours of credit from Honors courses. There are different ways of obtaining these credits.
Honors courses are designed exclusively for the Honors Program. These courses are often interdisciplinary or based in a contemporary theme.
Honors sections are sections of honors courses designed for Honors students. Such courses usually allow for more independent learning or innovative approaches than traditional courses.
Contract Courses allow students to enhance a regular course for honors credit.
Independent Study Courses allow students to work one-on-one with a faculty member on an independent study course.
Study Abroad Courses may be counted as three (3) honors credits for every semester.
Paper Presentation Students who attend and present a paper at an approved state, regional or national academic conference may receive 3 hours of Honors credit.
Research Assistant Honor students working with a faculty member on an approved research project may earn up to 1 credit for every 10 hours worked.
Are only certain majors able to participate in the Honors Program?
No. All majors are accepted in the Honors Program. Please note though that if you are applying for School Honors, you need to take note of what specific program you will be entering.
Is there special recognition for Honors students?
All Honor students will receive the Honors seal on their transcripts and diplomas. In addition, University Honor students will receive the Honors medallion while College Honor students will receive the Honors cord.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes. All scholarships are awarded competitively based on academics and service. Admission into the Honors Program does NOT guarantee a scholarship.
I have found all the information I need and I am now ready to apply, where do I go?
To apply to become a member of the Honors Program, fill out the Honors Program Application
Also, you can contact the Honors director, Dr. Adam Tate at (678) 466-4809 or AdamTate@clayton.edu.
Are Honors courses more difficult than regular courses?
Honors courses are not necessarily harder than other courses. They cover much of the same material as regular classes but they expect more of an Honors student so there might be more expected of you than in a regular course. Honors courses do tend to be more interactive and allow more flexibility and independent projects.
What are the requirements for remaining in the Honors Program?
In order to stay in the Honors program, you must earn at least 12 honors points each semester, most of which can be earned by attending and participating in various honors association events. Honor students are also required to maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.