
UC Honors College
A special community for high achieving students.
Join a community of UC students from all majors with exceptional academic ability and accomplishments
The Honors College at the University of Charleston is an unduplicated traditional learning and experiential space for special students with unique interests, talents, passion, and vision. We are community of high-achieving and intellectually curious students who enter the university with evidence of exemplary high school and/or collegiate achievement. The program is open to students from all majors.

I’m incredibly thankful for the experiences I’ve had in the Honors College. I’ve gained a new perspective on learning and a deeper appreciation for giving back to my community.— Taylor Green
Why apply for the Honors College?
The University of Charleston Honors College offers a vibrant learning experience supported by an innovative curriculum, special educational opportunities, travel, stimulating fellowship and social opportunities, and a community devoted to excellence in every facet of the undergraduate experience.
Get Out
- Community engagement is a signature component of the programming for UC Honors and aligns with our charge to make UC, “Charleston’s University.” Students learn through doing and we seek every opportunity to work and apply classroom learning in the field.
Be You
- The Honors College affords gifted and driven students the scaffolding necessary to find the best fit for their own personality and academic goals, while ensuring a rich and varied experience both inside and outside of the classroom.
Do Better
- Honors College students are supported in the development of a personal and professional identity with an eye towards innovation, integrity, leadership, and excellence at every level of their undergraduate career with an imperative to carry these skills throughout life.

Who Qualifies?
To qualify for the Honors College, you must have a high school GPA of 3.8 or higher, 26 ACT or 1230 SAT, demonstrated community engagement and a successful interview with a member of the Honors College faculty.
Criteria for Acceptance
Incoming freshmen and transfer students who meet the entrance criteria are invited to apply. A second-semester freshman or transfer student with evidence of exemplary first-semester work may petition the program directors for admission into the program.
For First Time Freshmen:
- 3.8 High School GPA (weighted or unweighted)
- 26 ACT or 1230 Redesigned SAT
- Demonstrated exceptional community activism or engagement
- Complete a personal interview
Current First Year UC Students:
You may also join the Honors College after a successful first semester at UC with successful completion of 15 or more credits with a cumulative 3.8 GPA
Transfer Students:
You may also be eligible for admission to the Honors College with completion of 15 or more credits with a cumulative 3.8 GPA earned at a previous institution.

Suggested Plan of Study
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Year One
- HNRS 101/102 (6 credits)
- Co-Curricular Experience (2)
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Year Two
- Interdisciplinary Colloquium (1 credit)
- Co-Curricular Experience (2)
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Year Three & Four
- Interdisciplinary Colloquium (1 credit)
- Co-Curricular Experience (2)
- Capstone Seminar (2 credits)
Program Outcomes
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Demonstrate intellectual curiosity utilizing arguments that critically analyze information from a variety of sources and diverse perspectives.
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Apply values of ethical leadership, interdisciplinary engagement, and respect for diversity.
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Contribute and collaborate as informed members of local and global communities.

Honors College Director
Assistant Professor of Political Science

Multidisciplinary Studies Program Director
Associate Professor of Social Sciences
Honors College Director