Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I join the Honors Program?

We hope that the first reason that students will elect to join the Honors Program will be the opportunity to work with other motivated members as well as to explore concepts and ideas at a higher level than is possible in regular classes. There are practical reasons as well. Honors courses are designated as such on transcripts and often provides a favorable impression on prospective employers. The senior capstone project often provides our members with a competitive advantage to prospective employers and graduate schools.

In addition, members who complete the Honors Program requirements receive special recognition at graduation.

Will joining the honors program affect my grade point average? Are the honors courses more difficult?

Our experience has been quite the opposite. Grades in honors classes are usually similar, on average, to grades honors members earn in their traditional classes. National and Bryant statistics suggest that over half of the members receive higher grades in honors-designated courses. In some cases, their honors GPA is higher than their overall GPA. There are always cases which are different from the norm. Each course has its own distinctive situation based on its discipline, structure, professor and academic discipline. Ultimately, success is defined by the individual. Read on for more perspective.

What is the course workload? Will it be a burden when combined with participation in other extra-curricular activities and athletics?

While honors courses are structured and delivered in a different environment, the workload is certainly not unreasonable. The Program's faculty dedicate their time and passion to deliver the topics and issues in a non-traditional format that the members will enjoy as well as increase their interest and participation. Students sometimes use "excuses" to define a reason for their performance. Specifically, it has been heard that it is impossible to be maintain a good grade point average, play a varsity sport or "have fun" and also be a member of The Honors Program. A significant number of our members are extremely active in campus organizations and athletics as well as work.

Ultimately, success and achievement is a result of a few things ... focus, committment and determination. Not excuses and rationale. Achievement that have worth and depth have NEVER been realized without these characteristics. If you wish to achieve, you will.

What courses are included in the honors course portfolio?

As of Fall 2008, there are 28 honors-designated courses offered by The Honors Program. A current course listing is available by clicking here.

What are contract courses?
For courses not offered as an honors course, a member may arrange with a faculty member to designate a traditional class as an honors class by defining an honors contract. Contract courses require the agreement of a professor, a signed contract and approval of the Honors Coordinator. Members should only request a contract course in situations where a course in their interest area does not exist in the semester schedule. It is strongly recommended to meet with the Coordinator before beginning the process. View the details about contract courses by clicking here.

What else does the Honors Program offer?
The Honors Program sponsors activities outside of the classroom in the form of social, professional development and cultural activities.

Is the Senior Capstone Project difficult? How will it help me?
The course consists of a project defined by the member as the terminal requirement of the Honors Program. Contrary to popular belief, a large “term paper” is the objective of this project. The member should consider a subject or topic that reflects his/her interests. More importantly, it is strongly suggested that the member leverage the project’s deliverable to assist with a future career path and/or industry preference. Projects such as a business plan, marketing analysis or financial study could be completed to apply concepts into a useful project. Applied projects, possibly working for a real business, can provide a distinct competitive advantage for members seeking a career position. Traditional research papers can also develop ideas in various liberal arts and sciences topics. However, in every situation, significant research on the topic is a requirement of the project.

Especially in relation to your concentration or minor, members discussing the nature and depth of their project during an interview will illustrate the ability to succeed with a definitive example. Even if the project has not been completed prior to interviews, members can converse about the objective and methodology associated with the project. This capstone course presents the member with a winning combination to gain an advantage on a career or graduate school admission.

Click here to view the Capstone Project page.

Ultimately, the goal is for the member to gain in-depth knowlege on a particular subject.. Maybe more importantly, the member will gain the confidence and poise of having completed a self-directed project that requires time management, focus and self-discipline. All excellent personal characterstics needed for successful careers. We continually hear after members complete the project that the experience has changed them very positively.

I am an incoming first-year student. I have more questions.

An additional "First Year FAQs" is available by clicking here.