Program overview:

The Honors Program's mission is to foster a community of active, lifelong learners who are prepared to thrive in a complex and increasingly interconnected world. This is accomplished through interdisciplinary courses grounded in the liberal arts and social sciences.
The program strengthens students intellectually by challenging them academically, encouraging intellectual curiosity, and developing their research, writing, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.
In keeping with St. Francis College's Franciscan tradition, Honors students are encouraged to embrace the 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., Lecturer, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

Description:
The Honors Program provides students with the opportunity to study and investigate areas of interdisciplinary interest and personal passion. Students complete eight three-credit Honors courses, beginning with a year-long Freshman Seminar and culminating in a year-long Senior Honors Thesis.

Freshman Seminars focus on a timely theme selected by the Honors Director. Each student's Honors Thesis explores a topic of individual interest and requires in-depth research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The thesis culminates in a polished, thoroughly documented research paper, and students can present their work at the annual Honors Symposium. Each thesis is carefully supervised by the faculty mentor and reviewed by a designated member of the Honors Council.
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 can present their Honors Thesis at 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 and How to Apply:
Who Is Eligible:
•    Accepted to St. Francis College. 
•    90+ high school GPA. 
•    First-year student accepted for the Fall semester. 
How to Apply:
•    Submit your application to St. Francis College. 
•    Complete and submit your Scholarship Day Essay. 
•    Complete and submit your Honors Program Application. 
•    Attend Scholarship Day to participate in an interview with a member of the Honors Council.

Important Dates and Deadlines:
Our Scholarship Day competition has concluded. If you are interested in pursuing the Honors Program, please contact the Admissions Office.
Note: All students who apply to the Honors Program and submit an essay will automatically be entered into the Scholarship Day Competition. Essays will be reviewed for the opportunity to receive one of four full-tuition scholarships.

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 one Honors course each semester, for a total of 24 Honors credits. The final two courses are Honors Thesis I (HON 5997) and Honors Thesis II (HON 5998). Only students who earn a grade of B or higher in HON 5997 may enroll in HON 5998.
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 3.7 GPA is required for sophomore admission.