COD's Honors Program offers many benefits, including
- Honors sections of required courses and electives
- Smaller class sizes for in-depth learning
- Extracurricular activities and events
- Honors classes labeled on transcripts
- Honors Independent Study opportunities
- Honors Contract for non-honors classes
- "Honors Scholar" designation on transcripts
- Transfer scholarship opportunities
- Study Abroad scholarship opportunities
- State and national conferences
- Student Success Counselors
- Celebration of Academic Excellence in April/May
Who can take Honors classes?
- Students with a 3.2/4.0 GPA after at least 8 college-level credit hours
- High school graduates with a 3.5/4.0 GPA or 25 ACT/1200 SAT
- Students granted an e-permit by the Honors instructor
- No application is necessary.
Become an Honors Scholar
All Honors sections look great on a transcript, but for students who fulfill the following requirements, a special “Honors Scholar” designation will be put on the transcript at graduation. For this, you must:
- Complete 15 Honors credits through Honors Courses and Honors Contracts
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
- Graduate with a COD degree or certificate
Students who complete 9 or more Honors course credits and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 have the designation of “Honors Scholar Candidate” on their transcript, regardless of whether they graduate.
A Special Honors Contract Project in Music
Student Justin Gjata's solo recital
COD Stories
“I thrive on knowing that I’m a part of something bigger that is actively working to improve the world.” - David Bettinardi
David's COD StoryCOD Stories
“I loved the honors courses! I also liked the option of turning a regular course into an honors course when one wasn’t offered, which I did twice.” - Jude Dakak
Jude's COD StoryCOD Stories
"The opportunities I came across taught me to increase my comfort zone and spend more time in my learning zone." - Hajara Yasmin Isa
Hajara's COD StoryCOD Stories
"I am still at the very beginning of my journey. Even though it is a long one full of many challenges, I’m incredibly excited because this path gets me to my ultimate goal of becoming a doctor." - Mason Monen
Mason's COD StoryCOD Stories
“I loved being in classes at COD with people of all ages. I hope when I’m retired, I come back and take classes and keep learning about everything.” - Bella Kelly
Bella's COD StoryMission Statement
The COD Honors Program is a community of highly motivated students, faculty, and staff committed to cultivating in-depth learning, critical thinking and civic engagement in our diverse world. The Honors Program experience provides academic and networking opportunities to create future leaders and scholars.
Contact Information
Honors Program Office
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3418
(630) 942-3318
Email: honorsprogram@cod.edu
Dr. Lisa Higgins
Director, Honors Program
Professor of English