Can I join Honors even if I’m not a first-year student?

Yes! Please visit our Prospective Students page to learn more.

What Honors courses will I take?

Click here to learn more about the Honors curriculum. 

Will all my courses be Honors courses?
Honors students typically take one Honors course each semester. Students accepted into the Honors College are jointly enrolled in at least two colleges: the college in which they complete their major(s) and the Honors College. In this way, students in the Honors College are continually involved in Honors and are fulfilling the requirements for their major program of study at the same time.

Can AP credit be used to satisfy Honors requirements?
Because of the unique, interdisciplinary nature of the Honors curriculum, high school Advanced Placement courses cannot be used to waive courses in the Honors curriculum. However, AP courses are very useful in preparing students for the kind of learning they will undertake in their Honors classes. Any AP credits earned may still transfer in as college credit, giving students extra space in their schedule to pursue additional opportunities like a second major, a minor, or a study abroad experience!

Do I have to take more courses to graduate with Honors?
The Honors curriculum is designed to complement the curriculum for your major. Honors fulfills many of the University’s general education requirements and integrates into your degree program, typically without increasing the number of courses you need to take to graduate. Of course, it is important to work with your Honors advisor and your major advisor to plan your course of study and make sure you are on track.  

What are the requirements to graduate with Honors?
To graduate with Honors, students need to achieve a 3.30 GPA and complete the full Honors curriculum. 

What is the Honors Thesis or Project?
The Honors thesis or project gives you an opportunity to work for an extended period on a question, topic, or project you are passionate about. You will work in close collaboration with a faculty mentor as you develop and execute the project. The thesis/project is a culminating experience in Honors through which you will gain many transferable skills, including project design, advanced inquiry/research, collaboration, and oral and written communication. These projects come in many different forms; some students will write a traditional academic thesis; for others, it will be a creative composition, such as music, creative writing, artwork, or dance; and for still other students it will take the form of innovative curriculum, engineering, or business design.   

What other support will I have?
The entire staff and faculty of the Honors College are here to support you. Since our classes are small and discussion-based, you are likely to form close relationships with your professors as well as with students outside your major. You will also have Honors-dedicated advising to help you register for classes and guide you throughout your years at UMaine. 

In addition, the Honors College offers a Mentor program for incoming Honors students. First-year Honors students are paired with students who have already completed at least one year in the Honors College to help them navigate college life, find resources, and learn good study habits.  

What if I am planning to study abroad?
We strongly encourage our Honors students to take advantage of all academic opportunities, including study abroad. Honors students studying for at least one semester abroad can often fulfill an Honors requirement at the same time. Students interested in studying abroad should work with their Honors advisor to make sure they will remain on track and receive credit for their experience. In addition, study abroad experiences often contribute to the development of wonderful Honors projects!  

Can I live in Honors housing?
Yes! Honors students can choose to live in the Honors Living-Learning Community and reside in one of our four residence halls. Of course, there is no requirement for Honors students to live in Honors housing; many live in other residence halls on campus or choose to live off campus.  

How will Honors help me after graduation?

One of the main goals of an Honors education is to provide you with significant academic opportunities while you are enrolled at the University of Maine. As your major will prepare you for your chosen field, Honors provides value-added benefits of interdisciplinary explorations and additional intellectual challenges. To an increasing degree, those who succeed in their chosen careers are those who can communicate effectively, ask probing questions, analyze possible answers, and select effective strategies, all of which are abilities that Honors develops in its students. And, of course, a degree granted with Honors and having the title of your thesis on your transcript will always impress potential employers and application reviewers.   

Suppose I try it and find it isn’t for me. Can I withdraw?
Yes, you can withdraw at any time after talking to your Honors advisor. The Honors courses that you have already taken will remain on your record; these courses count for regular university credit and often satisfy general education requirements.   

Can I talk with a current Honors student?
We’re happy to connect you with a current student! Our Honors Ambassadors are all current Honors students from a variety of years and majors. We encourage you to reach out to them with questions about Honors or UMaine. Learn more about the Honors Ambassadors here.

You can also email our Coordinator of Recruitment, Sarah Nesci (sarah.nesci@maine.edu), with any additional questions.