University of Maryland Honors College Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of Maryland (UMD) offers a diverse range of Honors College programs designed to challenge and enrich the academic experiences of its undergraduate students. These programs provide opportunities for motivated students to engage in advanced coursework, research, and scholarly activities. This article provides a detailed overview of the Honors College programs including guidelines, options, and opportunities available to students.

Honors College Structure and Membership

All students enrolled in a department or college Honors program are, by definition, members of the Honors College. This membership grants them the privilege to register for Honors (HONR) seminars and H-Version courses, regardless of their initial admission status to the Honors College. Furthermore, they can participate in all Honors College-wide sponsored activities and organizations, fostering a vibrant and intellectually stimulating community.

Guidelines for Departmental and College Honors Programs

The Honors Implementation Committee developed guidelines in 1989-90, after consulting with departments and colleges across campus. These guidelines represent the minimum requirements for Honors programs. Individual programs may impose additional requirements or tailor their Honors programs to reflect the distinctive characteristics of their disciplines.

New departmental and college Honors programs should be developed by a faculty Honors committee and submitted for review and comment to the Director of the Honors College and the Senate PCC. Once approved by the appropriate department, college, and campus authorities, the guidelines should be published for the information of students and faculty and provided to the Honors College for use in student advising.

Admission to Honors Programs

Departments have the responsibility for identifying, recruiting, and admitting students to Departmental or College Honors programs. Admission should normally occur at the end of the sophomore year, although Honors versions of courses should be available to all interested students. The minimum GPA for admission is 3.0; individual programs may choose to set a higher standard.

Honors Program Options

Two options have been approved for Honors programs: a thesis option and a non-thesis option. Departments are not required to offer both but the thesis option should always be made available to interested students.

Thesis Option: 12 Credit Minimum

The thesis option requires a minimum of 12 credits, distributed as follows:

Upper-Division Honors Courses/Seminars: At least two upper-division (numbered 300 or above) Honors courses, seminars, or workshops in the major department or college or (with the permission of the department) in any department on campus. Graduate courses (numbered 600 or above) in the major may be substituted for all or part of this requirement.
Research and Thesis Writing: At least 6 credits of research and thesis writing under the direction of a regular College Park faculty member, followed by an oral defense of the thesis before two or more faculty members.

Non-Thesis Option: 12 Credit Minimum

The non-thesis option also requires a minimum of 12 credits, distributed as follows:

Upper-Division Honors Courses/Seminars: At least four upper-division Honors courses or seminars taken in the department or college or, with permission, any department on campus. Graduate courses may be substituted for all or part of this requirement.

Additional Opportunities and Programs

Beyond the core Honors curriculum, the University of Maryland offers various programs and initiatives designed to support student success and engagement. Here are a few examples:

Sister to Sister Program

The Office of Multi-ethnic Student Education's Sister to Sister program fosters first-year students’ personal, academic, and professional success through workshops, tutoring, and community. This program aims to provide a supportive network for students as they transition into college life.

TATA Innovation Dialogue

The Center for Social Value Creation hosts the annual TATA Innovation Dialogue. This event provides a platform for discussions on technology and innovation. Participants can learn about the Tata Global Internships Program, which is open to all majors and class years.

Residence Hall Association Town Hall

The Residence Hall Association (RHA) hosts a Q&A with the Student Affairs directors, providing students with an opportunity to voice their concerns and engage with university leadership.

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