Honors Program
At Harford Community College we understand that if you're not challenged, nothing changes.
The Honors Program exemplifies this.
We're looking for students who are interested in pursuing intellectual challenges and opportunities above and beyond their program of study—those who know they can make a difference in the world and those who inspire a spirit and readiness for what's next.
Are you academically talented? Curious? Eager to engage with new ideas and experiences?
We're excited to meet you.
THE HONORS PROGRAM NURTURES AND CHALLENGES ACADEMICALLY TALENTED AND CURIOUS STUDENTS."It creates an intellectual environment that stimulates high-level critical and creative thinking, and provides engaging experiences for students to deepen and enrich their scholarly knowledge, social networks, and professional opportunities.”
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW about the Honors Program
Admission to the Honors Program is based on eligibility at the time of application submission. In certain circumstances, exceptions may be permitted with the consent of the instructor or Dean.
NEW STUDENTS
New students applying to the Honors Program must:
• have applied to the College
• be eligible to enroll in college-level English and reading
• earn a qualifying score on math assessment
• have achieved a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.2 in high school
CURRENT and NEW TRANSFER STUDENTS
Current and new transfer students applying to the Honors Program must:
• be eligible to enroll in college-level English and reading
• earn a qualifying score on math assessment
• possess a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.2 and have earned a minimum of nine credits
in college-level courses
OR
• have earned a 1200 or higher composite SAT score or a score of 24 or higher on the
ACT.
CONTINUOUS HONOR PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
To remain eligible for the Honors Program over multiple semesters, a student must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in Honors courses AND an overall minimum GPA of 3.20.
Honors courses are limited to 15 students to allow for more personalized instruction, enriched learning, and greater depth of analysis, synthesis and evaluation of material. This learning community offers greater interaction between faculty and students and both are often asked to participate in College events such as dinner with the President, panel discussions, and research presentations. Honors students receive special recognition at Commencement and transfer with an Honors course designation on their transcript. That in itself can lead to a wider variety of scholarships. Former honors grads have transferred to institutions such as Georgetown University and University of Maryland College Park and students are often directly admitted into their honors programs.
Honors students are afforded opportunities to conduct and present research, attend conferences, plan educational field trips, and represent the College on various levels.
Each spring the Honors Program hosts the Scholars Summit where students in all academic fields, including those from neighboring colleges, can apply to present undergraduate research, scholarship, creative activities, and service-learning projects. Project submissions may include poster boards, research papers, and presentations. Prizes are awarded for Best Scientific Work, Best Creative Work and Best Poster Presentation.
Although not directly related, many Honors students also participate in one or more of the Honor Societies on our campus.
To successfully complete the Honors Program and earn an Honors designation on your transcript, you must earn a minimum of 9 credits in Honors courses, possess a minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA in all honors courses upon completion of the Program AND hold an overall minimum GPA of 3.20.
THE HONORS PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is awarded to students who earn an A or B in an Honors course at Harford. It provides students with the cost of tuition for one subsequent Honors Course. The Honors Scholarship may be awarded to students twice during their studies in Harford's Honors Program.
TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS
Honors Program completers who earn an overall 3.50 GPA or above are eligible to seamlessly transfer to the Honors Program at one of the following colleges and universities in addition to receiving the benefits shown below:
• Transfer to the Honors Program at Towson University and receive a $1,250 annual scholarship
• Transfer to Goucher College and receive an $8,000 scholarship
• Transfer to the Honors Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and receive a $4,000 annual scholarship and up to $6,500 with membership to Phi Theta
Kappa
• Automatic admission to the Salisbury Honors College and receive a $1,000 scholarship
• Automatic admission to the University of Baltimore’s Helen P. Denit Honors Program
• Automatic admission to Sweet Briar College’s Honors Program
• Automatic admission to the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore’s Honors Program
APPLY to the Honors Program
