Welcome to the Honors Program at Utah Valley University  

Welcome to the Utah Valley University Honors Program! By choosing to join the Honors Program, you have demonstrated a genuine investment in the quality and depth of your undergraduate education. The entire Honors Program staff is here to advise you in your search for excellence. Many students, when asking about participating in Honors, wonder if it's harder; I always answer, "It's not always more work, but it is better work." In a series of small classes with other highly motivated students, you will find true peers willing to be guided by faculty invested in their students' intellectual potential. You will discover in yourself the ability to grapple with texts and ideas that have fascinated the world's great thinkers, writers, artists, and scientists, as well as the courage to try out new and challenging ideas, places and experiences. We look forward to sharing the journey with you.

Kate McPherson, Ph.D.
Professor of English
Honors Program Director

Honors Program Mission 

The UVU Honors Program seeks out highly motivated and diverse students who exhibit curiosity, creativity, passion, initiative, and flexible thinking. Admitted students receive specialized academic and social opportunities beyond the typical collegiate experience. We promote student success through intensive advising, inclusive experiences, classes with outstanding faculty, and sustained peer-group interactions during cultural events, outdoor adventures, and research endeavors. Through imaginative and intellectual engagement, Honors students build on their personal, professional, and civic potential.

Eligibility

We encourage any student with curiosity, talent, and drive apply for admission to the Honors Program through a competitive application process that assesses them holistically based in part on two short admissions essays. There is no minimum GPA or test score required to be admitted. We welcome and support students from all backgrounds seeking any face-to-face baccalaureate or associates degree.

To earn Honors Program distinction on the transcript and diploma and to wear our regalia, students must complete between 20 and 31 credits of Honors level coursework based on their completed credits at the time of admission. An overall GPA of at least 3.40 must be attained to qualify for the Honors Program Graduate distinction.

Objectives

• 1. Encourage students to realize intellectual potential through challenging academic experiences

• 2. Prepare students to embark successfully on post-baccalaureate endeavors

• 3. Immerse students in the cultural and outdoor excellence of Utah and its region