Program overview:

The Honors Program's mission is to foster a community of active, lifelong learners who are prepared to thrive in a complex, interconnected world, through interdisciplinary courses on critical topics across all academic disciplines.  
The program strengthens students intellectually by challenging them academically, encouraging intellectual curiosity, and developing their research, writing, critical thinking, and communications skills.  
In keeping with St. Francis College's Franciscan tradition, Honors students are encouraged to embrace our core Franciscan values of care for creation, compassion, humility, and service to others. By offering courses across a wide variety of disciplines, the program enhances the academic experience of students in every major.  
 

Program Director: Jim Freeman, J.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

The Honors Program provides students with the opportunity to study and investigate areas of interdisciplinary interest and personal passion. Students complete six  three-credit Honors courses, beginning with the Freshman Seminar, and culminating in the one credit online Senior Honors Seminar.  
 
Freshman Seminars focus on a timely theme selected by the Honors Director and introduce them to the seminar format and interdisciplinary methods. Honors Seminars combine independent research with self-directed study. Grades are based on brief essays, oral presentations, and longer research projects rather than traditional examinations. Field trips are encouraged, and students are expected to attend or participate in cultural and social activities sponsored by the College, as well as complete a service component.  
Non-Freshman Honors courses offered each semester are selected from a growing catalog of interdisciplinary offerings. While the catalog includes all active Honors courses, students should consult the Program Director's Office for the most current schedule. Honors students receive priority registration and may enroll on the first day of registration.  
 
With small seminars and highly motivated peers, the St. Francis College Honors Program enables you to get the most out of your academic experience. Among classmates who are as intellectually curious as you are, you'll have the opportunity to complete enriching projects and dive deeply into subjects that matter to you. Honors students can participate in field trips, study abroad programs, and regional Honors Conferences. Each year, Freshman Seminars focus on a single theme, such as the American Civil War, environmental sustainability, or the evolution of our digital society. These topics are enriched through guest lecturers and special events, including the Dr. Francis J. Greene Honors Lecture Series. The Honors Program is about more than academics. Students become part of the larger Brooklyn community by volunteering with local organizations and serving as tutors for their fellow students.  
 

Benefits of the Honors Program:

•    Participate in field trips and study abroad opportunities.   
•    Attend regional Honors Conferences.   
•    Complete enriching projects and explore subjects and issues that matter to you.   
•    Participate in volunteer opportunities on and off campus.   
•    Engage in seminar-style courses across a wide variety of disciplines.   
•    Conduct original research and explore different perspectives on existing theories, concepts, and ideas.  

Eligibility:
 

Who Is Eligible:
•    Accepted to St. Francis College. 
•    90+ high school GPA. 
•    First-year student accepted for the Fall semester. 
 

Expectations and Academic Performance:

Students in the Honors Program must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA and remain enrolled as full-time students at St. Francis College. Students are expected to complete at least five upper year Honors courses, for a total of 19 Honors credits.  
If a student's GPA falls below the required minimum, they will be placed on academic probation and given one semester to restore their GPA to 3.5 or demonstrate satisfactory progress toward meeting the requirement. Once the GPA requirement is met, probation will be lifted. Students who fail to meet the minimum GPA requirement will be removed from the program.  
If circumstances prevent a student from completing coursework, enrolling in at least one Honors course each semester, maintaining the required GPA, or remaining enrolled full-time, they should schedule a meeting with the Director of the Honors Program.  
Students may also apply for admission to the Honors Program during the spring semester of their freshman year. A minimum 3.5 GPA is required for sophomore admission.