Honors

Introduction

The College of DuPage (COD) Honors Program offers our students courses in an enriched learning environment. Classes provide for a learning experience that emphasizes critical and creative thinking and class discussion. An Honors notation appears on the transcripts of participating students. If transferring to a baccalaureate institution, that notation alerts those schools to the fact that you are willing to challenge yourself academically. View Honors Course offerings

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become an Honors student?
To become an Honors student, you must meet the following criteria:

• College students must have completed no fewer than 8 semester college-level credits with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
• Students new to college must meet one of the following criteria: high school cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or ACT score of 25 or above.
• Students new to COD and who meet the admissions criteria should visit the Office of Admissions and Outreach or call (630) 942-2380 to complete their registration. Current or former COD students who meet the admission criteria should visit the Counseling and Advising Center or call (630) 942-2259.

Are Honors courses more work than "regular" courses?
One of the main differences in regular courses and Honors courses is not necessarily the amount of work but the type of work required. Honors courses emphasize critical and creative thinking and class discussion and use primary texts. Honors courses are not advanced in the same sense as high school advanced placement courses. Rather, Honors courses at COD are enriched; they offer the material in greater depth. An 1100-level Honors course is an introductory course – it is not equivalent to a higher level course, and Honors grades are not weighted. View Honors Course offerings

What are the benefits of taking Honors courses?
Honors courses will be noted on your transcript. That notation tells the baccalaureate schools to which you apply that you are willing to challenge yourself academically. This is especially important for students who are interested in highly competitive fields, like medicine or engineering, and/or those interested in transferring to selective four-year schools, like the University of Illinois, Northwestern and Georgetown. Additionally, Honors students enjoy a significant advantage when it comes to competing for scholarships. View Honors Course offerings

Will my diploma/transcript have an Honors notation?
All Honors courses successfully completed will earn an Honors designation on your COD transcript, but in order to receive an Honors Scholar notation, you must complete 15 credits of Honors courses, including an Honors seminar and/or Humanities 2210, Leadership Development. COD recognizes Honors Scholars each spring at the Celebration of Academic Excellence.

Who is a typical Honors student?
Honors students tend to be highly motivated and enjoy learning. In addition to being committed to academics, many also actively participate in volunteer work, college organizations and clubs, and cooperative education. Further, many of our of Honors students have family commitments and/or hold outside jobs.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement that Honors students must maintain?
Yes. Honors students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. If your cumulative GPA falls below 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, your Honors eligibility will be suspended. It can be reactivated, upon request, once your cumulative GPA again reaches 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.

Is tuition waived for Honors courses?
No, tuition is not waived for Honors courses.

As a member of the Honors Program, would I be eligible for acceptance into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society?
Yes, you would be eligible for acceptance into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa requires the completion of 12 credit hours at COD and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

May students join the Honors Program at any time?
Yes, students may join the Honors Program at any time.

Which courses are offered as Honors courses?
The majority of Honors courses offered fulfill the general education requirements that are part of the core curriculum for any major. Other courses will meet the elective credit hours needed to earn an associate's degree. View Honors Course offerings

May part-time students join the Honors Program?
Yes, part-time students may join the Honors Program.

Are scholarships available for the Honors Program?
Yes, but scholarships are not awarded or managed by the Honors program. The Presidential and Adult Student awards are for students who excel academically and they are administered through the Office of Admissions and Outreach. There are other scholarships available as well through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

How do I register for Honors Courses?
You may register for Honors courses using our convenient online registration process or in person at the Registration Office.

Who should I contact for Honors Program advising assistance?
If you are a student new to COD, please visit the Office of Admissions and Outreach or call (630) 942-2380.

If you are a returning or current COD student, please visit the Counseling and Advising Center or call (630) 942-2259.

 

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Honors Program Office
honorsprogram@cod.edu
Berg Instructional Center
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3533, (630) 942-3318

Administration/General Information
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3400, (630) 942-3249

Advising/Counseling
Students new to COD
Office of Admissions and Outreach
Glen Ellyn Campus
Student Services Center (SSC), Room 2207, (630) 942-2380

Returning or Current COD Students
Counseling and Advising Center
Glen Ellyn Campus
Student Services Center (SSC), Room 3200, (630) 942-2259