Full group of first year honors students at Lincoln Park from first year honors retreat.
illustration of yellow rolling hills

Honors Program

Explore your world and its complex questions with a community of scholars through UNC Honors Program.

Unleash Your Curiosity

Are you curious about the world around you? Do you ask complex questions and challenge yourself by seeking solutions where none seem to exist? If yes, you belong at UNC’s Honors Program!

You join a small community of faculty and peers who challenge you to think critically through an interdisciplinary lens. Together, you dive deep into critical issues and explore research and creative innovations.

UNC honors students are the best and brightest, dedicated to learning, creative thinking and making a difference in our communities.

Honors Program Requirements

Apply to Honors Now

Incoming High School Students and transfer students may apply through their UNC Admitted Student Portal.

Current UNC Students can apply through our application link.

Honors Application Information
Group of students in front of a mural of Einstein.

The UNC Honors Experience

Why Honors?

Go beyond the walls of the classroom and the confines of the textbook to reach your goals.

Benefits of being in honors:

  • Faculty Mentorship
  • Opportunity to Gain Priority Enrollment
  • Honors Residential Learning Communities
  • Honors Scholarship Opportunities
  • Academic and Professional Workshops
  • Publication opportunities
  • Recognition on Diploma

Student Honors Activities Council planning retreat in the mountains.

Students in front of large rock in the mountains. Student Honors Activities Council planning retreat.

First Year Honors

Begin your journey as part of a learning cohort. Practice interdisciplinary analytical skills and build a foundation for academic success.

Dr. Kristin Bovaird-Abbo teaching at an Honors Colloquium.

Kristin Bovaird-Abbo First Year Honors Colloquium talking to students

University Honors Program

Expand your studies with interdisciplinary seminars and real-world learning. You’ll develop an in-depth honors research, applied, or creative capstone project in any discipline.

Honors course on the lawn.

Group of students outside on grass with laptops in class setting.

Honors Capstone Experience

The Honors Capstone curriculum provides upper-division students the opportunity to engage in in-depth study of a topic either within or outside of their major degree program and culminates in an Honors Capstone Project. Capstone may be completed as part of University Honors or as a stand-alone experience.

Clare Bolon presenting at Western Regional Honors Conference.

Western Regional Honors Conference, Clare Bolon presenting and talking to other student attendees.

McNair Scholars Research Program

McNair Scholars is dedicated to nurturing the academic potential of talented first generation undergraduate students and preparing them for success in graduate studies. McNair Scholars is a pathway through Honors Capstone Experience, and all McNair Scholars complete a research project that dual counts for Honors, graduating with Honors on their transcript if they complete all of the requirements.

McNair Scholars at 2025 Western Regional Honors Conference.

Group of four students in professional dress with conference name badges.

Leadership Pathway through Honors

UNC offers an Applied Leadership Certificate with 12 credits of leadership studies coursework. The LEAD courses also count towards Honors requirements, and students may complete the University Honors Program through a leadership pathway with 6 credits of leadership seminars, 3 credits of a leadership internship, a leadership capstone, with one additional honors elective.

President's Leadership Program Students at Colorado Leadership Alliance conference

Group of students posing on stairwell at Colorado Leadership Alliance conference

North of the Norm

See how a few of UNC’s honors students and alumni are making an impact on their future and in their communities.
Image of Parker Coffelt leaning against a glass wall in campus building

Parker Coffelt

Twelve hours from home and separated from the single mother who raised him as an only child, Parker Coffelt didn’t waste any time getting acclimated to the college life.

Madeline Dannewitz standing on stairs on campus with her graduation stole around her neck

Madeline Dannewitz ’24

At age 19, Madeline struck out on her own, leaving her family home and the tight-knit religious community she grew up in in Northern California.

Image of Rosemary Gonzalez sitting on grass with her graduation gold stole

Rosemary Gonzalez ’23

When Rosemary first moved to Greeley, she felt like an imposter who didn’t belong. Forging connections became her key to success as a nursing student.

Lifelong Learning

Photo of Maddie Azari standing with Honors donor, Dr. Ron Edgerton. Maddie is holding the Becky Edgerton Memorial Award plaque

ALUMNI

"Honors gifted me with so many wonderful things. From friends to mentors, conferences to committees, I am a better student and leader because of these programs and their impact on me."

Madeline Azari ’18

B.A., Theatre Arts: Secondary Education

Coordinator for Student Leadership Development, University of Colorado-Boulder

Connect with Madeline on LinkedIn
Photo of Maddie Azari standing with Honors donor, Dr. Ron Edgerton. Maddie is holding the Becky Edgerton Memorial Award plaque

Areas Affiliated with Honors Program

Honors Program Faculty and Staff

Get In Touch