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The Honors Academic Experience

Honors Classes
Beginning with your first quarter at Ohio State, you'll be eligible to enroll in Honors classes. Faculty who teach these classes are recognized scholars. Honors courses are designed to match the intellectual abilities of Honors students. Typically, students perform very well in Honors courses because the classroom climate is very stimulating and conducive to learning. Honors courses encourage students to become active in the learning process, to thoroughly prepare for class, to think critically and creatively, to participate in class, and to express their thoughts clearly both orally and in writing. Students can select a mix of identified honors courses, as well as explore other academic opportunities of special interest. Honors students have found the OSU Marion Honors Program encourages exploration of various academic disciplines, reflection on the rich diversity of the human experience, and examination of individual values.

Opportunities to Conduct Original Research
As an Honors student, you will have unique opportunities for research in your major field under the guidance of a faculty member. Typically, this culminates in a senior thesis, an original piece of scholarship that allows the student to explore a topic in great depth. Student honors thesis research has been conducted around the globe, with some papers being published in journals or presented at professional research conventions. This real-world experience gives our Honors students an edge in the job market and when applying to graduate/professional schools. Students who undertake and complete a senior thesis and meet their college Honors requirements graduate "with distinction," a designation that appears on their diplomas.

Special Grants and Scholarships
Honors students involved with their own research projects under the guidance of a faculty member are eligible for special grants and scholarships on a competitive basis. For example, many students have received support from the Wm Kay Davis Research Grant Program. (Honors students have received financial assistance for research, travel to conferences, and study abroad.) Each spring, students who conduct research are eligible to present their work at the Richard and Martha Denman Undergraduate Research Forum in Columbus. This undergraduate student research forum is cosponsored by the University Honors & Scholars Center. The forum strengthens students' research and communication skills and students receive recognition for participation.

Individual and Personalized Attention
As an Honors student, you will find special academic support in your college of enrollment (e.g., College of the Humanities, Education, Social and Behavioral Sciences, etc.). Each college has its own Honors component, Honors coordinator, and set of expectations for its Honors students. Priority scheduling is available to all Honors students, which means you are likely to get the classes you want because you are in the front of the line.

You can expect to work closely with a faculty member who can help you to continue your progress toward your academic and career goals. Often times, honors students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to study abroad or to enroll in graduate-level courses.

Students are also encouraged to enjoy the informal study atmosphere of the Babich Honors Reading Room.