Honors Academics
About NC A&T State University’s Honors Academics
The Honors College at North Carolina A&T State University offers a dynamic, 24-credit curriculum designed to foster academic achievement, personal growth, and professional development. Students participate in non-credit engagement activities that support holistic development, such as attending lecture series and cultural events, completing community service hours, and contributing to campus and community initiatives. Students select one of five distinct Honors Pathways, each blending rigorous coursework with hands-on experiential learning.
- Disciplinary: Deepen expertise in your major through advanced honors courses, contracts, and seminars.
- Research: Engage in undergraduate research, culminating in a capstone or thesis project.
- Industry & Pre-Professional: Prepare for your career with internships, practicums, and clinical experiences.
- Global: Broaden your perspective through study abroad, foreign language minors, or global service opportunities.
- Leadership: Develop leadership skills via specialized courses, minors, and campus roles.
- 12 credits of honors coursework (seminars, contracts, graduate-level courses)
- 12 credits of pathway-specific experiential or advanced learning (e.g., research, internships, study abroad, leadership roles).
Students are expected to complete at least 3 honors credit hours per semester to remain in good standing. Advisors and Honors Staff provide guidance to ensure students meet milestones and can switch pathways if needed, with careful planning. Honors students at North Carolina A&T State University can earn honors credits through a variety of academically rigorous and flexible options. Each is designed to deepen learning, foster creativity, and encourage engagement with faculty and peers.
Experiential learning is central to the Honors College experience. Depending on your chosen pathway, you’ll participate in activities such as:
- Undergraduate Research: Conduct original research projects, present at the Honors Research Showcase, and submit work to your digital portfolio.
- Internships & Practicums: Gain real-world experience in your field, supported by university resources and faculty mentorship.
- Study Abroad & Global Engagement: Immerse yourself in new cultures and global learning opportunities.
- Leadership Roles & Training: Take on leadership positions or complete specialized training and certificates.
- Service Learning: Participate in community-based projects that address local needs, integrating academic knowledge with hands-on service.
- Capstone, Thesis, or Senior Projects: Complete major-specific projects, often showcased at conferences or university events. Students document their experiential learning using Suitable (our progress tracking system), maintaining records, reflections, and digital portfolios. Creative projects are encouraged, with examples including research papers, podcasts, short films, art installations, interactive websites, and more. These projects allow students to synthesize theory, apply research methods, and communicate their findings in innovative ways.
Faculty play a vital role in the Honors College experience, serving as mentors, collaborators, and guides for both coursework and experiential learning:
- Mentorship and Project Supervision: Faculty work closely with Honors students to design and supervise honors contracts, research projects, and creative endeavors. This partnership allows students to pursue individualized interests and develop advanced skills.
- Curriculum Development: Faculty contribute to the creation and delivery of honors seminars, cohort courses, and experiential learning opportunities, ensuring that content is current, challenging, and relevant.
- Assessment and Feedback: Through regular meetings, feedback on assignments, and evaluation of projects, faculty help students refine their work and achieve academic excellence.
- Support for Experiential Learning: Faculty assist students in identifying and documenting internships, research experiences, study abroad programs, and leadership roles, ensuring these activities meet honors standards and contribute to holistic growth.
- Conference and Recognition: Faculty encourage students to present their work at conferences (both internal and external), and campus events, celebrating achievements and fostering a culture of scholarship. Faculty also encourage students to submit their scholarly research and creative work for publication.
Faculty involvement is essential for maintaining the rigor and vibrancy of the Honors College, and students are encouraged to actively engage with faculty throughout their academic journey.
