University Honors Program - Overview

THREE PLANS

There are three plans for graduating with Honors:

General Honors Plan I (minimum of 24 units) is designed for entering freshmen and consists of a minimum 18 units of lower- and upper-division General Education or elective courses (which include UHP 100 and UHP 150) and a culminating six unit active learning project in the in student's major (UHP 496 Research Participation and UHP 498 Senior Active Learning Portfolio / Senior Thesis). Options Include: Performance, Study Abroad, Community-based Learning, Research/Creative Project (Thesis) or Internship.

General Honors Plan II (minimum of 15 units) is designed for upper-division transfers from community colleges and continuing CSULB students and consists of nine units of upper-division General Education courses and a culminating six unit active learning project in the student's major (UHP 496 Research Participation and UHP 498 Senior Active Learning Portfolio / Senior Thesis). Options Include: Performance, Study Abroad, Community-based Learning, Research/Creative Project (Thesis) or Internship.

Honors in the Major (minimum of 9 units) is designed for students who elect not to take Generals Education courses as a part of the University Honors Programs or who decided to enter the Honors Programs too late to do so; Honors in the Major consists of a minimum of one upper-division Honors-specific course in the student's major department and a culminating six unit active learning project (courses in the major department equivalent to UHP 496 and UHP 498). Students in General Honors whose major department offers an Honors in the Major Program may apply to participate in both programs, in which case the General Honors culminating six unit active learning project requirement would be satisfied through the Honors in the Major option.

Although the University Honors Program does not offer upper division classes in Major Fields of study, Honors courses often meet requirements applicable towards certain Majors. To find out about Honors in a Major Field of study, please contact the department office of the Major.

Each class in the Honors Program is taught by a tenured faculty member, and class size is limited to 15 - 20 students. Classes are structured to challenge the students while providing each individual with personalized attention from the professor. Students are encouraged and stimulated by a unique and intensive learning experience. Honors students generally receive higher grades in Honors classes than in non-Honors classes because there is plenty of time for discussion of difficult topics, there is no grading curve, and professors are readily available to give personal attention to each student.

In the Honors Program, students will not only be able to diversify their knowledge, but also acquire exceptional research and critical-thinking skills in the process. The culmination of the Honors experience occurs during the student's senior year; during the last year, the student has the opportunity to partake in a culminating six unit active learning project in the student's major pertaining to a topic relating to the Major Field under the aegis of a Major faculty member and the Program Director. Honors students also have the opportunity to make close friends by being with the same students in many classes.

The University Honors Program provides a variety of challenging opportunities to enrich the General Education experience. Highly motivated students can embrace the program as a way in which to complete the University experience at California State University, Long Beach.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PROGRAM

· Selection to a special program that is limited to approximately 1% of the student body.
· A stimulating, uniquely designed General Education curriculum
· Small discussion-oriented classes
· Direct and personal contact with carefully selected faculty who share academia's highest goals
· Classes with students who share similar interests and abilities
· Excellent preparation for graduate school and professional study
· Planned valuable cultural, social, and academic events
· Opportunity to do an active learning/project in your major
· An Honors Program certificate presented at graduation
· Professor's profile of your individual accomplishments
· Personalized academic advisement and guidance
· A very active and friendly University Honors Program Student Association
· A creative and individualized education for personal growth