Why study University Honors Scholar?

Global Citizen Scholars Changing the World

The University Honors Program (UHP) develops students into global citizen scholars who lead innovative efforts toward solving the world's complex problems. 

Our purpose is to prepare the most curious and motivated students to tackle the world's next big challenges. We support students with resources and opportunities to start learning how to make a positive impact wherever they turn their attention as soon as they arrive on campus. 

The University Honors Program comprises students in the top 7% of University of Cincinnati undergraduates, nearly 1400 in total across all nine undergraduate colleges. We offer an inclusive community in which students are inspired to make an impact from their very first semester on campus. Our students focus on UC's Next Lives Here core values of inclusion, innovation, and impact to then graduate among the most competitive professionals in the world.

Career Possibilities

The University Honors Program (UHP) is committed to developing students into the leaders of today and tomorrow. The UHP focuses on reflection and helping students understand and work towards solutions for the world’s complex problems as well as connecting honors experiences to career goals. 

The UHP's requirements fit seamelessly into your college's co-op, internship, clinical, or other career related opportunities. 

Major Maps

Why the UHP?

Forget honors being about AP classes and solely about academic rigor. The University Honors Program continues to innovate the next generation of honors education. We offer an individualized program that asks students to explore, define, and reflect on their own interests and passions. Through experiential learning, our students consider how they can start to contribute toward solving any of the world's complex problems that matter most to them while developing knowledge and skills that contribute to career goals. 

Honors Experiences

Honors experiences are the core to the University Honors Program. Each student is required to complete five honors experiences by graduation with an expectation to complete at least one per year. Honors experiences can be any combination of three different types of experiences: honors seminars, pre-approved, and self-designed experiences. Every honors experience meets the following criteria:

• experiential learning is at the core of the experience
• consist of at least 75 hours of total time commitment
• reflection is present and supported by major milestones of the experience
• an instructor, advisor, mentor or other expert is an available resource

The purpose of the University Honors Program is not to make you do more or harder work because you are an honors student. Rather, it is about finding meaning and gaining deeper learning in what you are already doing. It’s about discovering and diving into your passions. It’s about taking risks and trying new things inside and outside the classroom. It’s about applying your knowledge and skills in real-world settings. Finally, it’s about transformation - academically, professionally and personally.

Learn more about the curriculum and the UHP's requirements here. 

Advising

University Honors students are assigned to an honors advisor by college or major. Students can see their advisor by using My Bearcat Network (MBN) to make appointments. 

Meet the UHP advising team!

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

A common question students have is, "Why should I commit my time to this program? What are the benefits? What do I get out of it?" Choosing to participate in the University Honors Program isn't just an academic decision; it's a step towards realizing your fullest potential. We don't just promise to amplify your excellent UC education; we offer a transformational journey equipped with both tangible and intangible benefits designed to prepare you for a successful and fulfilling future. 

Learn more about benefits of the UHP on our website.

Special Programs

Signature programs include:

UHP Discover

Biomedical Research and Mentoring Program

Tales of Resilience 

UHP Student Leader Roundtable 

Learn more about the UHP's framework, benefits, and signature programs. 

Admission Requirements

Interested in Joining University Honors?

Do you strive to be an engaged student passionate about making an impact in your field, on campus, in your communities, or across the world? Are you looking for a program that will encourage you to explore your interests and provide support to maximize your opportunities? Each year, through three different pathways, the University Honors Program recruits new students who are excited to join this community of diverse scholars to be better leaders, innovators, and explorers.

Interested high school students can learn more here. 

Interested current UC students can learn more here. 

Interested transfer students can learn more here. 

The UHP values students who have excelled academically while also demonstrating leadership capacities, a willingness to take on challenges, and an interest in becoming engaged in local and global communities. We are looking for reflective learners with a demonstrated history of making an impact and being inspired to help solve the world's complex problems.

Transferring to UC Requirements

We welcome transfer students to the UHP! 

Applications from students who are transferring to UC from another college or university are accepted year-round. Transfer students must apply at least one month before they begin courses at the University of Cincinnati. 

Learn more and access the UHP's transfer student application here. 

International Student Requirements

International students are an important part of the UHP community and have the same requirements as domestic students. Please see our graduation requirements page to learn about those requirements. 

Graduation Requirements

To earn the University Honors Scholar designation upon graduation, students must successfully complete the following:

• Five honors experiences (designated honors seminars, pre-approved experiences or self-designed experiences)
• Maintain an online learning portfolio, including an annual Year in Review reflection
• Meet with a UHP advisor for first-year, mid-point and final year honors advising
• Earn a grade of C- or higher in Gateway to University Honors (HNRS1010)
• Have a cumulative University GPA of 3.2 or above. Student who have a cumulative University GPA of 3.75 or above will receive the designation of Distinguished University Honors Scholar.
• All requirements must be completed while you are an undergraduate student. 

Graduates receive a UHP medal to wear during UC’s Commencement ceremonies, representing completion of this signature academic program. This designation will also appear on your official UC transcript.

Learn more about the UHP's graduation requirements here. 

Accreditation