About the Honors Program

What are the Benefits of Being an Honors Student?

As a University of Dayton Honors student, you gain immediate access to exclusive academic perks, personalized funding and dedicated campus spaces designed to help you excel. From your first semester through graduation, you benefit from tailored resources that elevate your undergraduate experience and prepare you for top graduate programs and global careers.

• Priority Course Registration: Secure your required classes and build an ideal weekly schedule every semester, as determined by the Registrar's Office each semester.
• Exclusive Academic and Living Spaces: Study and collaborate in private Honors library rooms, relax in the Alumni Hall Honors Student Lounge and live alongside high-achieving peers in dedicated Honors housing.
• Dedicated Research and Study Abroad Funding: Apply for specialized grants — including the Cordell W. Hull International Fellowship and the Patrick F. Palermo Founders Fund — to finance global study, service initiatives and undergraduate research projects.
• Signature Experiential Programs: Participate in six exclusive Honors programs offering hands-on learning, leadership development,and high-impact field experiences unavailable anywhere else on campus.
• Fellowship and Graduate School Coaching: Receive direct, one-on-one assistance when applying for prestigious national fellowships (like Fulbright or Goldwater), competitive awards and top graduate school programs.
• Elevated Campus Privileges: Enjoy extended library checkout limits and graduate with an esteemed Honors or Honors with Distinction diploma.
• Advanced Graduate Coursework: Take graduate-level courses as an undergraduate, allowing you to challenge yourself, explore advanced topics and get a head start on future degree requirements.

How You'll Grow as a UD Honors Student

Think Bigger

Knowledge and discovery opportunities help you ask meaningful questions, solve complex problems and see the world from new perspectives. Through honors coursework, research experiences and immersive academic opportunities, you can deepen your learning while working closely with faculty and peers across disciplines.

You'll begin with the honors curriculum, which spans all four years and includes honors-designated courses that satisfy both Common Academic Program (CAP) and major requirements.

Additional opportunities include:

• First Year Research Experience (FYRE), a two-course program focused on interdisciplinary research fundamentals and hands-on, faculty-led research rotations.
• Berry Summer Thesis Institute, a second-year summer experience that combines research, professional development, community engagement and presentation forums.
• Oxford Flyers, a six-week study experience at the University of Oxford.
• Distinction Project, an opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor on a three-semester honors project that may lead to graduating with the Honors with Distinction Diploma.

Connect Deeper

At the University of Dayton, we believe in the power of community. And through the Honors program, you'll find engaged leadership and a community that supports and challenges you. Opportunities include:

• Vibrant Honors community in residence halls.
• Study lounge with free coffee bar.
• Student Honors Advisory Council.
• Social events.
• Special interest housing.
• Honors annual art exhibition.
• Cultural and Dayton art events.
• School of Business Administration DoUBLE Program (Dayton Undergraduate Business Leadership Experience).
• Honors passport and holistic support.

Go Further

Mission and professional development opportunities help you turn your potential into impact. Through internships, cohort experiences, international learning, service and leadership opportunities, you can connect your education to real-world purpose while growing personally and professionally. Opportunities include:

• DC Flyers, where second- and third-year students spend 10 weeks in Washington, D.C., completing an internship, professional development and networking experiences.
• Dublin Flyers, an eight-week summer internship experience in Dublin, Ireland.
• Chaminade Scholars, a 3.5-year cohort program for first-year students focused on faith and the common good through shared CAP courses, retreats and a junior-year pilgrimage.
• Hull Fellowship, which provides up to $2,000 to study abroad or learn, lead and serve in an international setting.
• Honors Experiential Learning, an opportunity to earn Honors credit by engaging in mission-aligned work, such as collaborating with faculty on a project, serving as a teaching assistant or working as a supplemental instructor.

Housing may be provided for select opportunities, and funding, stipends or scholarships may be available depending on the program.