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    Mar 29, 2024  
American University Catalog 2020-2021 
    
American University Catalog 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

American University Honors Program


We begin in wonder, journey in curiosity, and ultimately, dare to know. The AU Honors Program brings together a diverse community of students and faculty to learn in experiential and inquiry-driven ways. Propelled by curiosity and a willingness to take risks, our students endeavor to push the bounds of the known and the knowable throughout their shared academic journey. The program supports students as they dare to contribute to knowledge, creative expression, and meaningful change.

Students in AU Honors practice the fundamentals of research and critical thinking through a sequenced curriculum that includes Honors sections of AU Core classes; research experiences from across academic fields and disciplines; a Challenge Course in which they form teams to complete a collaborative project; interdisciplinary colloquia; and a Senior Capstone, which may be completed in their major.

Admission to the Program


Interested incoming students must complete an application that includes several essays, and admission is based upon excellence in their high school academic performance, demonstrated potential for high performance as undergraduate students, and their fit with the program. Enrollment is highly selective; students entering in their first year receive a merit-based scholarship and may be eligible for financial aid.

Students demonstrating exemplary achievement during their first year at AU, or students transferring to AU to begin their sophomore year, may also apply to the AU Honors Program. Students entering the program at the start of their sophomore year take an additional Honors Colloquium in lieu of the first year curriculum.

Program Requirements


  • 18-23 credit hours of AU Honors coursework with grades of C or better
    • Students entering the program as freshmen must complete 23 credit hours
    • Students entering the program as sophomores must complete 18 credit hours, including an additional 3 credit hours of Honors Colloquium in lieu of the 8 credit hours of first year coursework
  • Minimum 3.00 GPA in AU Honors coursework
  • Minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA during all program enrollment
  • Minimum 3.50 cumulative graduating GPA to receive the American University Honors Program notation on the final transcript

Course Requirements


First Year (8 credit hours)


Honors Colloquium I (3 credit hours)


Complete one of the following:

Upper-level Honors in the Major


Complete 3 credit hours of an honors section from the following or other upper-level coursework offered in conjunction with an Honors in the Major  program:

Honors Colloquium II (3 credit hours)


Complete one of the following:

Upper-level Honors in the Major


Complete 3 credit hours of an honors section from the following or other upper-level coursework offered in conjunction with an Honors in the Major  program:

Honors Supplement


Honors Capstone (3 credit hours)


Complete one of the following:

AU Honors Capstone


Capstone Supplement