University Honors is the highest academic distinction a student may earn as an undergraduate at UNCW. This course of study involves specific required classwork in enriched seminar experiences in University Studies, co-curricular activities, honors enrichment seminars and independent scholarly research. This vibrant experience may be integrated into any major for the student and provide an opportunity for close scholarly interaction between student and faculty, more in-depth involvement within the student's academic discipline.

University Honors includes Departmental Honors, but Departmental Honors does not include University Honors. A student who completes the four-year curriculum of University Honors will receive a diploma with the notation, "University Honors with Honors in [MAJOR]". A student who completes only the Departmental Honors project will receive a diploma with the notation, "Honors in [MAJOR]."

The Honors College at the University of North Carolina Wilmington attracts and retains academically talented students, offering a powerful learning experience by encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and independent work skills, and by developing a community of honors scholars on campus. The College is committed to offering opportunities to students as they pursue their academic passions in college. The vision of the program is to encourage and support life-long learning, including a global perspective.

Honors College Requirements for Graduation with University Honors

Note: As the Honors Program became an Honors College, requirements changed... A summary of the requirements for 2012-2013, 2011-2012, and 2010-2011 catalog years can be accessed by clicking here.

To graduate with University Honors, a student must:

1. Complete at least 12 credit hours of university studies courses honors sections*
2. Complete six credits of "Interdisciplinary Honors Seminars" (HON 110 and HON 210, 211 or 212)*
3. Complete two credits of "Honors Enrichment Seminar" (HON 120 or 121)*
4. Complete three additional honors credits (additional honors seminars or university studies courses as honors sections, or honors contract course, or semester study abroad)*
5. Maintain academic eligibility: at the completion of 27 credit hours at UNCW, an overall grade point average of 3.30 or better in all coursework is required. An overall grade point average of 3.50 or better must be established by the completion of 58 credit hours and maintained thereafter.**
6. Earn a minimum of a "C" (2.00) in all honors work ("B" (3.00) in 499 and honors contract courses) and have a 3.00 overall GPA in all honors curriculum coursework. If a student earns a grade below a "C" in an honors university studies course, the grade may count toward that student's basic studies requirements but not toward his or her honors requirements. If that student wishes to complete the honors requirements for University Honors, he or she must take an additional honors university (basic) studies course and earn no lower than a "C." Students earning below a "C" in HON 210/211/212 or HON 120/121 must take additional seminars, respectively, and earn no lower than a "C."
7. Complete requirements for Departmental Honors.

*Note: students entering after the fall of the freshman year must complete HON 210, two credit hours of HON 120, at least nine (9) hours of honors university studies courses, and three additional honors credits. They are exempt from HON 110 and one unit (3 hours) of honors university studies courses. 

How to Apply

Submit an application for the Honors College.

Students may apply to the Honors College at several times. Most students apply to enter as first semester freshmen. Applications for first-year students are tied to the general UNCW application and are reviewed on a rolling basis, once the Admissions Office has rendered a decision. We encourage you to apply by UNCW's Early Action deadline for the best chance of admission and scholarships. We will keep a waiting list in case spots open during the summer.

Students may also apply after completing one or two semesters at UNCW, and grades earned at UNCW are weighted highly. Transfer students are also urged to apply.

Any current UNCW student or transfer student may apply for departmental honors in the junior or senior year if they meet the criteria.