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Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I know if I can participate in the program?

If you are an incoming freshman, you have to meet one of the following criteria: in the top 10% of your graduating high school class; have an 1800 or higher combined total on the SAT; have a 650 or higher on any one section of the SAT; or have a 27 or higher on the Act. If you are a current IPFW student, you must have taken at least 12 credit hours and have an accumulative GPA of 3.30.

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Are Honors courses harder than other classes?

Honors courses are not necessarily harder than a normal class. They are more in depth, and typically focus more on application and hands-on experience.

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What are the benefits of being in Honors?

There are many benefits to the Honors Program. Our Honors courses have smaller classes. Enrollment for these classes are capped at 20 students so there is more interaction between the professor and the students. Students can register with the juniors after taking an honors course, which is especially beneficial to students who are in competitive majors because it allows them to get into the classes that they need before they become filled.  For students who would like to get involved in research or have a mentor, a myriad of possibilities exist within the Honors Program. There are employment possibilities at the Honors Center. There are also scholarships and teaching assistantships available to Honors Program students. Honors courses show up on your official transcript and could play a significant role in entry to a competitive graduate or professional school or a tight job market. You can also hang out in the Honors Center. Everyone in the Honors Program is considered a member of the Honors Student Group.

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Are there awards for completing the program?

You do receive awards in the honors program. After you have completed 9 credit hours of honors courses, you receive a pin which can be worn at graduation. Once you have completed the program, you will receive a medal and a certificate at graduation.

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Is it too late to join?

Students can join the honors program at any time, although joining sooner has obvious benefits.

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Will Honors help me get a job?

The honors program can help you in a tight job market. It could play a significant role if the job is very competitive.

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I didn’t attend the eligibility reception. Do I have to?

The Honors eligibility reception is designed to help you become familiar with honors at IPFW. While attendance is encouraged, it is not required.

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I’m doing honors in my major. Is that the same thing?

If you are doing honors in another program or for your major, it is not the same as the honors program. Having honors in your major will be listed on your diploma for that major. The Honors Program is a separate certificate.

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Do I need to take a certain number of Honors credits each semester or year?

You do not need to take a certain number of credits each semester. The number of honors credits that a student takes is up to the student. You could take 6 credits one semester and zero credits the next. The goal is to reach 18 credits by the time you graduate.

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Are the requirements for the Honors Program more than what I have to take for my major?

The requirements are not more courses than you already have to take for your major. Our Honors courses are general education courses that are required for every major. You can also H-option a course that you already have to take and receive Honors credit.

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How do I receive Honors credits?

You can receive Honors credits in two ways. One way is to take an Honors class. The other way to H-option a course.

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What if Honors Classes do not fit into my schedule or do not interest me?

If the Honors classes offered do not interest you or fit into your schedule, you can H-option any course to receive Honors credits.

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What is an H-Option?

An H-Option is a contract between a student and the professor of a non-honors course. The contract alters the course in some way to provide the student with honors credits for the course.

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What courses can I H-Option?

You can H-option just about any course. Most professors are willing to do an H-Option.

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What do I do to H-Option a course?

To H-Option a course, talk to the professor to find out if an H-option would work for the course. The student and the professor should sit down and discuss what can be done to make the course and honors course. Once you and the professor have come to an agreement, fill out the H-Option contract. All contracts must be in by the end of the 4th week during the fall and spring semesters or the 2nd week of the summer.

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What can I do for the Honors Project?

A variety of things could be done for the Honors Project. The project could be an extension of the senior project or undergraduate honors thesis that is required for most majors. A project could also be the continuation of one of the student’s H-options. The topic of the project should be something that sparks the student’s interest.

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Can I Wear my Honors pin to graduation?

The Honors pin can be worn at graduation.

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Can I Wear my cords for an Honorary society to Graduation?

The cords from a nationally affiliated honors society with a chapter at IPFW can be worn at graduation.

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