University Honors Program

The Honors program is a selective program for talented students, offering a collection of challenging coursework that mirrors the university’s commitment to a liberal arts education. Most of our honors courses fulfill our REACH liberal arts curriculum. In addition, the Honors program offers an enriched college experience. Honors students attend workshops and campus events that extend the education students receive in the classroom. It is also one of the program's goals to create a community of like-minded students among the honors students. In that regard, the program offers many social events and service projects that bring honors students together.

There are no hard and fast requirements needed to apply to the program, as we take a more holistic approach to evaluating potential honors students. When evaluating applications, the program looks at requirements and each applicant's strengths to determine acceptance to the program. For instance, an applicant with an SAT score of less than 1200 will still be able to get into the program, providing they are strong in other areas, such as submitting a well-written writing sample or having taken honors courses in high school. In general, we are looking at the following:

• Successful participation in AP or IB courses.
• A record of taking honors courses in high school.
• A record of extracurricular activities and leadership at the high school level.
• High school GPA of 3.50 or better and/or a class ranking in the top 15%.
• 1200 SAT scores (a combination of the writing/reading and math scores).
• 25 ACT score.

In addition to these applicants, a personal statement and an academic writing sample are included, evaluated, and used in the decision-making process.

There is no housing available only for honors students. However, freshmen may elect to live with other like-minded students on the academic wings of freshmen residence halls. Incoming honors freshmen indicate on their housing form that they wish to be considered to live on the academic wing or with another honors student, and Residence Life will give them priority placement (when available).

There are no scholarships for incoming first-year honors students. However, the program does have one scholarship, the Besty Lantz Scholarship, for upper-class honors students. Selection for this scholarship, which ranges in value between $700 and $1200, begins in the spring semester and is applied for the following academic year. The scholarship is for one year only; however, recipients may apply for the scholarship again.

The Honors Advisory Committee reviews applications at the end of the month between January and May for those applications received in that month. Applications received in February, therefore, are reviewed in the last week of February. Decision letters then are sent directly after decisions have been made. Applications received between October and December are reviewed at the beginning of January, and decision letters are sent directly after this review.

The program typically admits between 55 and 60 first-year students each year. However, there is no hard limit on how many first-year students may be admitted.

Yes, transfer students may apply to the program. Transfer students whose academic record at their previous institution suggest they would do well in the program will be sent an invitation to apply through the Admissions Office. Students who took part in an honors program or college at their previous institution will have honors classes evaluated and Mercyhurst honors credit given, if appropriate. Students who transfer over 45 credits, however, are unlikely to have enough time to complete the requirements of the program.

Some benefits enjoyed by honors students are:

• Being named a University Scholar at graduation.
  • This distinction is the highest academic accolade given by the university and is prominently marked on diplomas and the student’s transcript.
• Taking classes with the program’s superb faculty.
  • Faculty teaching in the program have not only distinguished themselves as outstanding scholars in their fields but also many have been praised for their outstanding teaching.
• Having access to priority registration.
• Capping honors classes at 18 students, compared to non-honors classes being capped at 25 or 35.

Yes! There are many athletes who successfully complete the program.

Honors Council is a group of elected honors students who represent all students in the Honors program. The president meets regularly with the director to ensure the concerns of honors students are heard. The council also plans several community-building social and service projects each year. The council is comprised of 14 to 18 honors students who are elected by honors students. Serving on the council is a great way to build leadership skills.

Of course! Many honors students have studied abroad. In fact, from time to time, we offer honors courses at our education center in Dungarvan, Ireland, during the last mini of the spring semester.

Yes! Students who want to join the Honors program after they start their freshman year can still apply. They will want to contact the Honors Office at honstaff@mercyhurst.edu for more information. Applications are usually due by midterm each semester.

Absolutely! There is no inconsistency between an honors education and students who have academic accommodations, as all students admitted to the program have demonstrated, through the application process, their academic talents that suggest they will be successful in the program.