FAQ : University of Dayton, Ohio

Answers to Your Honors Program Questions

Have questions about the University of Dayton Honors Program? Browse our frequently asked questions for quick details on admission criteria, academic expectations, diploma pathways and benefit. If you need additional information, contact our team directly at honors@udayton.edu or 937-229-3734.

Admissions and Program Membership

How do I join the Honors Program?

Entering the Honors Program

A student may enter the Honors Program via any of these routes:

Incoming, First-Year Students

Admission into the University Honors Program is automatically determined at the same time as admission into the University of Dayton. There is no separate application process.
- Incoming, first-year students are automatically considered for the University Honors Program if they have at least a 3.8 high school GPA or rank in the top 10% of high school class, and if they choose to submit test scores, at least a 29 ACT or 1340 SAT.
- As students are more than their GPA and test scores, admitted students can email admission@udayton.edu before June 1 to request consideration to join the program.

Current Students

Any student with a 3.7 or higher GPA can apply to join the Honors Program by contacting honorsinfo@udayton.edu (acceptance based on program completion feasibility).

Transfer Students

Admission to the Honors Program is made by the University Honors Program. Students who have at least a 3.7 GPA from an accredited college/university will be considered. Students who have taken Honors courses at an accredited college university who have at least a 3.5 GPA will be considered; up to 12 honors credits (out of 18 total) may be transferred to the UD Honors Program. If you have questions, please contact honorsinfo@udayton.edu.

How do I maintain my membership in the Honors Program?

To remain in the Honors Program and be eligible for its benefits, an honors student must:

Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
Earn a "B" or better in each honors course.
Earn 6 honors credits by the completion of 60 credit hours.
Earn 9 honors credits by the completion of 75 credit hours.
Earn 12 honors credits by the completion of 90 credit hours.
Earn the minimum honors credits required by the chosen diploma option by graduation.
Exhibit responsible and respectful behavior, including academic honesty and a record free of disciplinary issues that cause concern to the University community.

How do I know if the Honors Program is right for me?

The Honors Program is fantastic, but it isn't for everyone. It's a program for highly motivated, intellectually curious students who are actually interested in learning, and not just getting a grade.

Academic Structure and Coursework

How do I earn honors credits?

Most honors students take one honors course each semester. These courses are honors sections of classes that fulfill degree requirements, such as for the Common Academic Program (CAP) or for your major. No standalone honors courses are required; all honors classes will satisfy a CAP, unit or major requirement.

In most instances, first-year honors students will enroll in an honors section of the first-year Humanities Commons (HUM 101 or 102) or first-year Core courses. Students in the Core Program earn a designated number of honors credits for completing the Core sequence — typically up to 15 honors credits.

Honors students may take up to three graduate courses which count for honors credit. Students should work closely with their holistic advisor to discuss enrollment criteria and implications for graduate pursuit; email UDGradschool@udayton.edu with any questions.

To earn honors credit for an honors course, students must earn a "B" or better. All honors courses will be designated on the student's academic transcript.

Do I have to take extra classes to be part of the Honors Program?

No. Honors students take honors sections of classes that satisfy other requirements, such as for the Common Academic Program or for your major.

How are honors classes different from regular classes?

Honors classes aren't necessarily harder, but the approach is different. Most honors classes are smaller in size, allowing for deeper engagement and broader connections.

What are the honors diploma options?

Membership in the University Honors Program requires continued progress towards one of the Honors Program-designated diplomas.

Honors Diploma

Earn at least 18 honors credits (six honors courses).

Honors with Distinction Diploma

Earn at least 18 honors credits (six honors courses).
Complete a 6-credit hour honors project.

Explore Honors Project

Do I have to complete an honors thesis or honors project?

No, it isn't required. However, it's a great opportunity to work closely with a UD faculty member on a project, and funding opportunities are available.

Learn About the Honors Project

What is the Business Honors Program?

The Honors Program is happy to partner with the Dayton Undergraduate Business Leadership Experience (DoUBLE) program. Students in the DoUBLE program enjoy benefits from both the University Honors Program and the UD School of Business.

Student Benefits and Housing

What are the benefits of the Honors Program?

Honors students receive a variety of benefits, including:

Access to six signature programs that provide experiential learning opportunities only available to honors students.
Priority registration.
Elevated library privileges.
Access to honors study rooms in the library and the Honors Student Lounge in Alumni Hall.
Ability to apply for a one-time Cordell W. Hull International Fellowship to assist with the costs of international study, research or service projects.
Funding for honors projects, with additional funding available for international research, service and leadership — or that advance the realization of a just society — through the Patrick F. Palermo Honors Program Founders Fund.
Assistance applying for prestigious awards, national competitive fellowships and graduate school.
Ability to graduate with an Honors or Honors with Distinction diploma.

Is honors housing available?

Honors housing is available but is not required.

First-Year Housing Options

First-year honors students will typically be housed with other honors students on an honors floor — or with classmates in the Core Program in a first-year residence hall.

Depending on their major, honors students may also choose an appropriate Integrated Learning-Living Community, such as Women in Science and Engineering (WISE).

Upperclass Housing Options

Honors students have the opportunity to live in an Honors Special Interest House during their junior and senior years.