About

The University Honors Program (UHP) at UW-Whitewater offers motivated undergraduates an enriched academic experience through small, discussion-based classes, H-Option projects, and high-impact practices like study abroad and service learning. Students benefit from scholarships and collaborations with research programs. To graduate with honors, they must earn 21 honors points (9 from honors courses or projects) and maintain a 3.4 GPA.

 For admission to the program, please complete the Honors Program Application.

Why Join the Honors Program?

• Enhanced Academics:  Smaller classes, faculty mentoring, and unique Honors 498 courses.
• Experiential Learning:  Field trips, conferences, and hands-on projects.
• Scholarships & Awards:  Up to $1,000 in study abroad and merit-based awards.
• Career & Academic Advantage:  Stronger resumes, better recommendations, and priority registration.
• Vibrant Community:  Student association, receptions, workshops, and special events.

Coursework Requirements:

To graduate with University Honors, students must earn 21 honors points. Here’s how it works:

1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.40 or higher.
2. Complete 21 honors points, including:
   • At least 9 points from honors classes or honors-option projects.
   • HONORS 280: Honors Exploration: A Survey of Academic Disciplines (required for students entering Fall 2025 or later).
   • Additional points earned through honors courses, H-options, or exchange points.

Honors courses are available in General Education and select upper-division subjects. Students must adhere to all program requirements throughout their enrollment.

Key Notes:

1. Grade Requirement:  To earn Honors credit in a specific course—whether a designated Honors course or through an H-Option contract—students must achieve at least a B (not a B-) in the course.
2. Credit-to-Point Conversion:  Each credit in an Honors Class, H-Option, etc., equals one honors point. For example, completing 120.08H provides 3 credits toward your degree and 3 honors points toward your Honors Program graduation.

Eligibility:

• Incoming first-year students - Freshmen are eligible to join the Honors Program if they meet one of the following criteria:
  • Unweighted high school GPA of 3.7 or higher (no minimum ACT score).
  • Unweighted high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and ACT score of 30 or higher (SAT 1360).
  • Unweighted high school GPA of 3.3 or higher and ACT score of 34 or higher (SAT 1490).
• Current UW-Whitewater Students - Complete an application for admittance if you have completed at least 12 credits.
• Transfer Students - Complete an application for admittance
  • Claiming Previous Honors Credits:  If you’ve earned Honors credits at your previous institution, be sure to review the residency requirement:
  • 12+ Honors Credits:  Transfer students with 12 or more Honors credits from another institution must complete at least 9 Honors credits at UW-Whitewater to meet the residency requirement.
  • Fewer than 12 Honors Credits: If you’re transferring with fewer than 12 Honors credits, you must complete enough Honors coursework at UW-W to reach the program’s 21-credit requirement.
• UW Whitewater at Rock County Students - Students who decide to continue their educational journey on the main UW-Whitewater Campus may apply using the continuing student application. For more information, please visit the College of Integrated Studies Honors Program.