Honors Program

The Honors Program at the University's College at Rindge is intended to reflect the value the University places on academic achievement. It is meant to provide students of exceptional academic ability with an opportunity to work closely with their peers and faculty members to explore a wide range of subjects in new ways and to develop skills needed to pursue independent scholarship.

A select number of freshman applicants are invited to join the Honors Program when they are offered admission to the University. Selection will be based on high school academic performance, standardized test scores, and evidence of potential for academic excellence at the College at Rindge.

Students who have completed at least one semester at Franklin Pierce with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.40 or higher will also receive invitations to join the Honors Program. Outstanding transfer students will be considered, and faculty members may nominate students for the Honors Program.

Successful completion of the Honors Program requires a cumulative grade point average of 3.40 or higher and completion of five honors courses (15 or more credits), at least two of which are at the 300 or 400 level (6 or more credits). Completion of the Honors Program will be designated on the student's transcript and diploma, and students will receive a commemorative Honors Medal at graduation.

The Honors Program offers a series of honors sections as part of the University's Integrated Core Curriculum. These sections are available only to honors students. Honors students are thus able to satisfy the University's core requirements as they participate in the Honors Program. Popular electives might also be offered with content and format that are appropriate for honors students.

Honors courses and sections are taught by a select group of faculty and vary from year to year. Honors sections provide low teacher to student ratio, emphasize student participation and discussion, and seek to examine subjects from new or interdisciplinary perspectives. The Honors Program offers a variety of extracurricular academic and social events as well. Students who wish to participate in the Honors Program will have choices similar to the honors sections listed on the next page.

Additional information about the Honors Program can be obtained by contacting Dr. Donna Decker, at 603.899.4296 or deckerd@franklinpierce.edu.