Honors Programs

Make the Most of Your Academic Skills, Creativity, Determination, and Innovation

The Schreyer Honors College provides the best of a small college liberal arts experience within a major research university, with hundreds of student organizations and activities from which to choose. For more than 20 years, Penn State has offered a comprehensive honors program to students of exceptional ability in all majors across the university. Each year, the SHC offers more than 200 honors courses taught by select faculty with enrollments capped at 25 students. Scholars can satisfy honors credit requirements through independent research, upper-level or graduate courses (depending on their standing), and “honors options” for regular courses. In any given year, dozens of Schreyer Scholars graduate with both bachelor and master’s degrees through the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate Program.

Benefits

As a student in the Schreyer Honors College, you will be empowered to make the most of your college years. There are distinct opportunities afforded to Schreyer Scholars, including academic enrichment — such as exclusive honors courses, study abroad programs, research placements, and production of an honors thesis — as well as dedicated housing, and the distinction of graduating with honors from Penn State.

Earning a degree in any of the HHD majors from the Schreyer Honors College will allow you to realize the fullest potential of your academic skills, creativity, determination, and innovation, opening doors to limitless graduate school and career opportunities.

It's Not More Work — It's Different Work

You may be concerned that the Honors College will be more work when compared with the usual plan of study. Rest assured that honors courses are not more work; they are just a different kind of work. Instead of multiple-choice tests, you will have structured writing assignments and in-class discussions. You will read different material, with more opportunities to write and receive feedback. Your classes will be filled with other honors students: active thinkers, dedicated students, and involved leaders. Grades in honors courses are similar to grades that scholars would earn in their regular courses. Most importantly, honors experiences are designed to prepare you for graduate school and professional careers. Strong letters of reference from professors who have worked with you and know you well will support your applications to graduate school and future employers.

Honors Study FAQs

CONTACT

To learn more about the Schreyer Honors College or completing honors studies, contact:

The Schreyer Honors College

Atherton Hall

(814) 863-2635

Honors Program Advisers

A list of Health and Human Development Honors Program Advisers.