The Winthrop Honors College curriculum isn't just a checklist of classes to complete. It's a carefully crafted journey designed to develop your intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and research expertise while preparing you to make meaningful contributions to your field and community.
The Honors College curriclum encompasses a total of 25 credit hours of honors coursework distributed into five categories. Most of these credits are intentionally integrated into your existing coursework, allowing you to get more value out of your Winthrop experience. Most students complete their honors degree with only 6 - 7 credit hours beyond their existing degree requirements.
| Honors WRIT |
| (if necessary) |
| Honors Cultural Symposium |
| (can be taken any semester) |
Your honors experience begins with courses that develop critical thinking, research skills, and a deep understanding of the human experience. These foundational classes don't just introduce you to college-level work - they prepare you to excel at the highest levels.
Explore what it means to be human through interdisciplinary perspectives that challenge assumptions and broaden understanding.
Master the essential skills of analysis, evaluation, and communication that form the backbone of all academic and professional success.
(or approved in-major substitute)
Begin your journey into independent inquiry and scholarly research methods.
Based on our world-renowned 7 Habits framework, this progressive three-year sequence transforms you from a promising student into a confident leader ready to create positive change.
Build your foundation using proven principles of personal effectiveness and character-based leadership.
Develop introspective leadership skills and emotional intelligence that enable authentic connection with others.
Step into leadership roles through real-world partnerships with businesses and philanthropic organizations.
This capstone experience transforms you from student to scholar through intensive research under faculty mentorship. You'll contribute original knowledge to your field while developing the expertise employers value most.
(or approved in-major substitute)
Begin your independent research project with dedicated faculty guidance.
Work closely with your peers and Honors College leaders to develop a plan for your thesis research, refine methodology, and dive into the literature.
(or approved in-major substitute)
Complete your original research and prepare for presentation and defense.
Finalize and present your scholarly contribution to the academic community.
Six honors credits in your major field ensure you experience the highest level of academic challenge in your chosen discipline. Take one carefully selected course at 200-level or above and one course at 300-level or above for honors credit.
Choose the experience that best fits your interests and schedule:
Intensive exploration of culturally significant topics guided by an expert faculty member. These symposium-style courses are interactive discussion-based courses that provide you the opportunity to engage in meaningful content with your peers.
Deep dive into contemporary issues and diverse perspectives. These courses typically satisfy a general education requirement. These special topics HONR courses offer exciting opportunities to fulfill your general education requirements across Natural Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Global Issues, Social Sciences, and Historical Issues.
Apply your developing skills through meaningful service-learning experiences that create positive change while reinforcing your academic learning. An approved service-learning project and reflective essay is an integral part of the Honors College Experience.
Take your honors education global by adding an international component that expands
your worldview and prepares you for leadership in our interconnected world. You can
achieve this distinction if you complete at least one semester in an international
exchange program or other university program.
This isn't just a degree program - it's your preparation for a lifetime of leadership, scholarship, and meaningful contribution. Every component of your honors experience builds on the others, creating a comprehensive experience that develops your mind, character, leadership ability, and commitment to positive change.
Ready to begin this transformative journey? Your path to honors excellence starts here, building the foundation for the leader and scholar you're meant to become.
If you are a member of an Honors College cohort that started your journey during the 2024-2025 academic year or before, your honors degree requirements are summarized here.
