Honors Programs
College Contacts
Rachel Glade
Clinical Professor, Director of Communication Sciences and Disorders Program, and
Honors Program Director
Matthew Fey
Associate Director, COEHP Honors Program
Entry Requirements
New Freshman Students
Students must apply for admission to the University of Arkansas and receive official notification of acceptance to the university before applying to the Honors College.
- Option 1: Automatic Admission
- Students must have at least a 28 ACT composite score on one exam (1310 SAT equivalent) AND the minimum high school GPA of 3.85.
- Students who meet the Option #1 requirements will be invited to apply through their New Student Center after they have been admitted to the University of Arkansas. Students who complete the Option #1 application on their New Student Center will be automatically admitted to the Honors College.
- Option 2: Application Review
- Students who have at least a 3.90 high school GPA but do not have the necessary ACT/SAT score for automatic admission will be invited to complete an application in the spring of their senior year. Their application must include an essay and academic resume.
Current & Transfer Students
- Current University of Arkansas students:
- Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.50 on all UA coursework to be eligible.
- Transfer students:
- Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.50 on all coursework to be eligible to apply to honors after they are admitted to UA.
Students who are within three major semesters (fall or spring) of graduating are not eligible to apply.
Program Requirements
The College of Education and Health Professions requires the following:
- 18 credit hours of honors courses
- Of these 18, up to 8 hours may be any honors course offered at UA.
- At least 10 honors credits of the total 18 honors credit hours should be within your program of study (nursing, curriculum and instruction, etc.) Of those 10, 4 hours relate to your honors thesis/project.
- Written submission of the honors thesis/project to the COEHP Honors Council and oral
presentation of the honors thesis/project to faculty and students within COEHP. - Maintain at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average at UA.
College Contacts
Brian Haggard
Professor of Biological Engineering, Director of Arkansas Water Resources Center and
Honors Program Director
Bryan Hill
Associate Dean for Student Success
Entry Requirements
New Freshman Students
Students must apply for admission to the University of Arkansas and receive official notification of acceptance to the university before applying to the Honors College.
- Option 1: Automatic Admission
- Students must have at least a 28 ACT composite score on one exam (1310 SAT equivalent) AND the minimum high school GPA of 3.85.
- Students who meet the Option #1 requirements will be invited to apply through their New Student Center after they have been admitted to the University of Arkansas. Students who complete the Option #1 application on their New Student Center will be automatically admitted to the Honors College.
- Option 2: Application Review
- Students who have at least a 3.90 high school GPA but do not have the necessary ACT/SAT score for automatic admission will be invited to complete an application in the spring of their senior year. Their application must include an essay and academic resume.
Current & Transfer Students
- Current University of Arkansas students:
- Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.50 on all UA coursework to be eligible.
- New students not initially qualifying for the Engineering Honors Program are eligible after one term if they earn at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA
- Transfer students:
- Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.50 on all coursework to be eligible to apply to honors after they are admitted to UA.
Program Requirements
The College of Engineering requires the following:
- Complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of honors courses.
- A minimum of 6 of these 12 hours must be in engineering.
- For the honors courses outside of engineering, there are many options that will count toward your engineering degree requirements. Many courses on the approved humanities/social science elective list also have honors sections. Calculus and physics honors courses are also available.
- Participate in an undergraduate research or design experience, and prepare an undergraduate thesis.
- Fulfill any additional departmental requirements.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50.
College Contacts
Eunjoo Cho
Assistant Dean of Honors, Associate Professor in the School of Human Environmental
Sciences
Isabel Whitehead-Adams
Coordinator of Honors Programs
Entry Requirements
New Freshman Students
Students must apply for admission to the University of Arkansas and receive official notification of acceptance to the university before applying to the Honors College.
- Option 1: Automatic Admission
- Students must have at least a 28 ACT composite score on one exam (1310 SAT equivalent) AND the minimum high school GPA of 3.85.
- Students who meet the Option #1 requirements will be invited to apply through their New Student Center after they have been admitted to the University of Arkansas. Students who complete the Option #1 application on their New Student Center will be automatically admitted to the Honors College.
- Option 2: Application Review
- Students who have at least a 3.90 high school GPA but do not have the necessary ACT/SAT score for automatic admission will be invited to complete an application in the spring of their senior year. Their application must include an essay and academic resume.
Current & Transfer Students
- Current University of Arkansas students:
- Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.50 on all UA coursework to be eligible.
- Transfer students:
- Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.50 on all coursework to be eligible to apply to honors after they are admitted to UA.
Students who are within three major semesters (fall or spring) of graduating are not eligible to apply.
Program Requirements
The Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences requires the following:
- Students must maintain a GPA of 3.50 in order to remain in the program.
- Students falling below that average will have one semester of probation to raise their GPA.
- Graduation with honors distinction requires each student complete a total of 15 honors credit hours for the Bumpers College Honors Program.
- Incoming freshman are required to enroll in the AFLS 102H3 Honors Perspectives course. Students who enter the program after freshman year are not required to enroll in the course and may enroll in 3 credit hours of honors courses in subjects of their choosing.
- All students must complete the AFLS 341H3 Honors Proposal Development and Research Methods course before the completion of
90 credit hours.
- Complete 9-12 credit hours of Honors courses. Students are encouraged to take Honors courses within Bumpers as well as Honors courses in other colleges.
- Complete 3-6 thesis credit hours focused on conducting a Research, Creative, or Team Thesis Project along with a final written thesis document. Enrollment in thesis hours is by permission only. Please complete the request to enroll form and obtain the signature(s) of your Academic Advisor and Honors Thesis Mentor. The signed form should be returned to aflshnrs@uark.edu or the Waldrip Student Center in AGRI 205.
College Contacts
Brian Holland
Assistant Professor of Architecture and Honors Program Director
Entry Requirements
New Freshman Students
Students must apply for admission to the University of Arkansas and receive official notification of acceptance to the university before applying to the Honors College.
- Option 1: Automatic Admission
- Students must have at least a 28 ACT composite score on one exam (1310 SAT equivalent) AND the minimum high school GPA of 3.85.
- Students who meet the Option #1 requirements will be invited to apply through their New Student Center after they have been admitted to the University of Arkansas. Students who complete the Option #1 application on their New Student Center will be automatically admitted to the Honors College.
- Option 2: Application Review
- Students who have at least a 3.90 high school GPA but do not have the necessary ACT/SAT score for automatic admission will be invited to complete an application in the spring of their senior year. Their application must include an essay and academic resume.
Current & Transfer Students
- Current University of Arkansas students:
- Must earn a 3.50 or greater cumulative GPA in all course work while carrying a full academic load (applies to all courses within and outside of the U of A). Please also note that transfer students need to complete a full semester at UA before they are eligible to apply to the Honors College.
- Transfer students:
- U of A students who have already been accepted into an honors program in another college and are transferring to the Fay Jones School must have a 3.50 or greater cumulative GPA.
Students who are within three major semesters (fall or spring) of graduating are not eligible to apply.
Program Requirements
The Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design requires the following:
- Completion of 18 hours of honors designated courses, to include a minimum of:
- Honors elective (any Honors course at the university) (3 hours)
- Honors Professional Core (any Honors professional core in the Fay Jones School) (3 hours)
- Honors Professional Electives or upper-level (30000+) university honors courses (6 hours)
- ARDS 315H3, Honors Methods of Design Inquiry (3 hours)
- ARDS 514H3, Honors Capstone (3 hours), including the following:
- Honors Capstone defense with honors capstone committee and public presentation
- Honors Capstone document, minimum of 2,500 words; specific formatting may be geared toward discipline-specific content.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50
College Contacts
Jill Geisler Wheeler
Director of Honors and Experiential Learning
Laurence Hare
Executive Director of Undergradute Excellece & Global Engagement and Associate Professor
of History
Entry Requirements
New Freshman Students
Students must apply for admission to the University of Arkansas and receive official notification of acceptance to the university before applying to the Honors College.
- Option 1: Automatic Admission
- Students must have at least a 28 ACT composite score on one exam (1310 SAT equivalent) AND the minimum high school GPA of 3.85.
- Students who meet the Option #1 requirements will be invited to apply through their New Student Center after they have been admitted to the University of Arkansas. Students who complete the Option #1 application on their New Student Center will be automatically admitted to the Honors College.
- Option 2: Application Review
- Students who have at least a 3.90 high school GPA but do not have the necessary ACT/SAT score for automatic admission will be invited to complete an application in the spring of their senior year. Their application must include an essay and academic resume.
Current & Transfer Students
- Current University of Arkansas students:
- Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.75 on all UA coursework to be eligible. You must complete one full-time semester at the U of A before you apply.
- Transfer students:
- Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.75 on all college coursework to be eligible to apply to honors after they are admitted to UA.
Students who are within three major semesters (fall or spring) of graduating are not eligible to apply.
Program Requirements
Fulbright College requires the following:
- Must complete a minimum of 22 credit hours, including a team-taught Interdisciplinary Foundations course in the first year, a research thesis or capstone project, and choice of honors elective courses.
- Must complete all honors courses in residence and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50.
- Must also complete a capstone project in one of the following categories:
- An Honors Creative Performance, in which a student prepares an artistic performance for an audience and prepares a written report detailing and reflecting on their process and results.
- An Honors Creative Project, in which a student creates an original work, including but not limited to original works of art, graphic design, musical composition, film production, long fictional work, substantial translated work, and in which the student prepares a written report detailing the creative development process and reflecting on the outcomes.
- An Honors Research Thesis, in which the student investigates a significant research question, employing the methods and resources utilizes by one or more academic disciplines and sharing the results through a documented written report.
- An Honors Service Project, in which the student designs, plans, and carries out a significant act of service that demonstrates clear application of honors learning. The project should include a written report detailing the design and planning process, assessing the impact of the project, and reflecting on the outcomes.
College Contacts
Sarah Dobrzykowski
Teaching Assistant Professor and Director of Walton Honors
Jason Adams
Director for Honors Programs
Blaise Simecek
Assistant Director for Honors Programs
Alexis Dewey
Honors Academic Advisor
Entry Requirements
New Freshman Students
Students must apply for admission to the University of Arkansas and receive official notification of acceptance to the university before applying to the Honors College.
- Option 1: Automatic Admission
- Students must have at least a 28 ACT composite score on one exam (1310 SAT equivalent) AND the minimum high school GPA of 3.85.
- Students who meet the Option #1 requirements will be invited to apply through their New Student Center after they have been admitted to the University of Arkansas. Students who complete the Option #1 application on their New Student Center will be automatically admitted to the Honors College.
- Please note: Enrollment in Walton Honors is contingent upon a student being qualified to take MATH 20503 Finite Mathematics in their first semester at the university. To place into MATH 20503,
a student must have achieved at least one of the following prior to the beginning
of college: 1) A score of at least 26 on the math portion of the ACT, 2) A score of
at least 620 on the math portion of the SAT, or 3) A score of at least 60 on the Math placement test.
Students can also test out of MATH 20503 based on earned math credit through AP, IB, or a dual enrollment course. Please contact the Walton Honors Office if you have any questions regarding math placement.
- Option 2: Application Review
- Students who have at least a 3.90 high school GPA but do not have the necessary ACT/SAT score for automatic admission will be invited to complete an application in the spring of their senior year. Their application must include an essay and academic resume.
Current & Transfer Students
- Current University of Arkansas Students who entered the UA with either a minimum 3.85 high school GPA or a 28/1310 ACT/SAT
may apply upon completion of one semester after meeting the following requirements.
Students who did not have a minimum 3.85 high school GPA or a 28/1310 ACT/SAT may
apply upon completion of two semesters meeting the following requirements.
- 3.75 cumulative UA GPA in all course work
- Applications will not be accepted from students who are within three major (fall/spring) semesters of anticipated graduation date.
- UA students who have already been accepted to an honors program in another college and are transferring to the Sam M. Walton College of Business must have a ≥ 3.5 cumulative GPA
- Transfer students are eligible to apply after completing one semester of coursework meeting the following
requirements.
- 3.75 cumulative UA GPA in all course work
- Applications will not be accepted from students who are within three major (fall/spring) semesters of anticipated graduation date.
Note: Transfer freshmen entering the UA in good standing with less than 24 hours completed at a previous institution may be eligible to join during their first semester. Please contact Director for Honors Programs Jason Adams to determine eligibility.
Program Requirements
The College of Education and Health Professions requires the following:
- Course Requirements for Students Who Entered WCOB Honors Before Fall 2023:
- Requirements for Walton Scholars Program:
*The Walton Scholars track is designed for students who begin the Walton Honors Program in their first semester at the University of Arkansas.- Complete 17 hours in honors courses with a minimum of 9 hours completed from the following honors business courses ACCT 2013H, ACCT 2023H, BLAW 2013H, ECON 2013H, ECON 2023H, WCOB 1033H, MKTG 3433H, SCMT 2103H, MGMT 2103H, or FINN 3043H (excluding WCOB 1111H). The remaining honors hours may be selected from the State Minimum Core. MATH 2564 may be used as honors credit towards completion of the 17 required honors hours. It is recommended that students must complete a minimum of 12 honors hours within the first 30 hours at the Fayetteville campus.
- Complete MATH 2554 with a grade of "C" or better within the first 45 hours at the Fayetteville campus and prior to taking upper-level business courses.
- Demonstrate a proficiency in a foreign language. This requires 0 to 12 hours of course work. Students may demonstrate proficiency by completing the 2013-level course in any foreign language offered at the University of Arkansas. Students whose native language is not English must complete a 2013-level course other than their native language from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish or Swahili or COMM 2303 and 2323. Students must complete a foreign language or communications course within the first 90 hours at the Fayetteville campus.
- Two three-hour honors colloquium courses chosen from the following: WCOB 3003H (May be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit) ACCT 4003H, ECON 4003H, FINN 4003H, MGMT 4003H, ISYS 4003H, MKTG 4003H, SCMT 4003H, SEVI 4003H or other business honors colloquium courses offered irregularly. One three hour honors colloquium must be completed within the first 90 hours at the Fayetteville campus.
- Complete the honors capstone course SEVI 3013H/MGMT 3013H Honors Strategic Management.
- A three-hour thesis (WCOB 499VH or ACCT 310VH): The thesis is a major independent writing project under the leadership of a Walton College or University of Arkansas faculty member and arises from a research project, business plan, business competition or internship. It is recommended for students to start preparing for their thesis in their third to last semester.
- Requirements for the Departmental Scholars Program:
*The Departmental Scholars track is designed for students who begin the Walton Honors Program after completing one or more semesters at the University of Arkansas.- Complete nine hours of honors courses to be selected from pre-business core, business core or State Minimum Core. MATH 2564 may be used as honors credit towards completion of the 9 required honors hours.
- Students must also complete MATH 2554 with a grade of "C" or better within the first 60 hours at the Fayetteville campus and prior to taking upper-level business courses.
- Demonstrate a proficiency in a foreign language. This requires 0 to 12 hours of course work. Students may demonstrate proficiency by completing the 2013-level course in any foreign language offered at the University of Arkansas. Students whose native language is not English must complete a 2013-level course other than their native language from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish or Swahili or COMM 2303 and 2323.
- Two three-hour honors colloquium courses chosen from the following: WCOB 3003H (May be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit) ACCT 4003H, ECON 4003H, FINN 4003H, MGMT 4003H, ISYS 4003H, MKTG 4003H, SCMT 4003H, SEVI 4003H or other business honors colloquium courses offered irregularly. Students may also choose to complete one three-hour honors colloquium in an area of study outside of the Walton College, such as HNRC 4013H.
- Complete the honors capstone course SEVI 3013H/MGMT 3013H Honors Strategic Management, which should be completed within the first 90 hours at the Fayetteville campus.
- A three-hour thesis (WCOB 499VH or ACCT 310VH): The thesis is a major independent writing project under the leadership of a Walton College or University of Arkansas faculty member and arises from a research project, business plan, business competition or internship. It is recommended for students to start preparing for their thesis in their third to last semester.
- Requirements for Walton Scholars Program:
- Updated Course Requirements for Students Entering WCOB Honors in Fall 2023 and Beyond:
- Walton Scholars Program:
*The Walton Scholars track is designed for students who begin the Walton Honors Program in their first semester at the University of Arkansas.- Complete 21 hours in honors courses with a minimum of 9 hours completed from the following honors business courses: ACCT 2013H, ACCT 2023H, BLAW 2013H, ECON 2013H, ECON 2023H, WCOB 1033H, MKTG 3433H, SCMT 2103H, MGMT 2103H, and FINN 2043H (excluding WCOB 1111H). The remaining honors hours may be selected from the State Minimum Core. MATH 2564 may be used as honors credit towards completion of the 21 required honors hours. It is recommended that students must complete a minimum of 12 honors hours within the first 30 hours at the Fayetteville campus.
- Complete MATH 2554 with a grade of "C" or better within the first 45 hours at the Fayetteville campus and prior to taking upper-level business courses.
- Two three-hour honors colloquium courses chosen from the following: WCOB 3003H (May be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit) ACCT 4003H, ECON 4003H, FINN 4003H, MGMT 4003H, ISYS 4003H, MKTG 4003H, SCMT 4003H, SEVI 4003H or other business honors colloquium courses offered irregularly. One three-hour honors colloquium must be completed within the first 90 hours at the Fayetteville campus.
- Complete the honors capstone course SEVI 3013H/MGMT 3013H Honors Strategic Management.
- A three-hour thesis (WCOB 499VH or ACCT 310VH): The thesis is a major independent writing project under the leadership of a Walton College or University of Arkansas faculty member and arises from a research project, business plan, business competition or internship. It is recommended for students to start preparing for their thesis in their third to last semester.
- Maintain a minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA for all courses taken at the University of Arkansas.
- Departmental Scholars Program:
*The Departmental Scholars track is designed for students who begin the Walton Honors Program after completing one or more semesters at the University of Arkansas.- Complete 12 hours of honors courses to be selected from the pre-business core, business core, or State Minimum Core. MATH 2564 may be used as honors credit towards completion of the 9 required honors hours.
- Students must also complete MATH 2554 with a grade of "C" or better within the first 60 hours at the Fayetteville campus and prior to taking upper-level business courses.
- Two three-hour honors colloquium courses chosen from the following: WCOB 3003H (May be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit) ACCT 4003H, ECON 4003H, FINN 4003H, MGMT 4003H, ISYS 4003H, MKTG 4003H, SCMT 4003H, SEVI 4003H or other business honors colloquium courses offered irregularly. Students may also choose to complete one three-hour honors colloquium in an area of study outside of Walton College, such as HNRC 4013H.
- Complete the honors capstone course SEVI 3013H/MGMT 3013H Honors Strategic Management, which should be completed within the first 90 hours at the Fayetteville campus.
- A three-hour thesis (WCOB 499VH or ACCT 310VH): The thesis is a major independent writing project under the leadership of a Walton College or University of Arkansas faculty member and arises from a research project, business plan, business competition, or internship. It is recommended for students to start preparing for their thesis in their third to last semester.
- Maintain a minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA for all courses taken at the University of Arkansas.
- Walton Scholars Program:
Our most ambitious scholars are willing to take academic risks, such as an international internship or a daunting research project, But boldness without wisdom may not work out so well. They have to be sage in their selections.
—Dean Lynda Coon
Honors Curricula
Honors Courses
Honors courses challenge you to think across disciples, connect with experts and dive deep into big questions through dynamic, discussion-based learning.
Spring 2026 Honors College Course Offerings
Signature Seminars
Honors College Signature Seminars are three-hour courses on timely topics taught by top faculty named Dean’s Fellows. Admission is by application, and selected students earn the title of Dean’s Signature Scholar—a strong resume boost. Some seminars may also fulfill degree requirements.
- Supply Chain & Society
Marc Scott
Tuesdays, 1–3:45 p.m. | GEAR 129 - From Fayetteville to Freedom and Back: Nelson Hackett's Flight from Slavery
Michael Pierce
Mondays, 2–4:45 p.m. | GEAR 129 - Crafting the Cold War
John Blakinger
Wednesdays, 2–4:45 p.m. | FNAR 316
Forums
Our one-credit Honors College Forum series connects honors students with top faculty and community leaders to discuss trending topics—from politics to business to the arts—offering exceptional networking and engagement opportunities.
- AI Speech & the Law
Kim Petrone
Tuesdays, 11:00–12:15 p.m. | GEAR 129 - Psychiatry: Past, Present, Future
John Spollen
Thursdays, 5–6:15 p.m. | GEAR 129 - Frank and Fay
Greg Herman
Thursdays, 11–12:15 p.m. | GEAR 243 - World Cup
Todd Cleveland
Wednesdays, 12:30–1:45 p.m. | GEAR 243
Retro Readings
Our Retro Readings courses offer a classic liberal arts “close reading” experience. In 75-minute seminar discussions, faculty and honors students from all colleges explore timeless works—authors, artists, composers, or revolutionary ideas—through a contemporary lens.
- Presidential Speeches
Noah Pittman
Wednesdays, 5:15–6:30 p.m. | GEAR 129 - Bible
Lynda Coon
Mondays, 5:15–6:30 p.m. | GEAR 129
Trajectory Courses
These one-credit courses help you maximize your honors experience while preparing for life after graduation. Top faculty and experts guide you in exploring innovative careers, professional schools, competitive awards, and practical steps toward your goals—all designed to fit easily into a busy honors schedule.
- Law School
Andrew Dowdle & Louise Hancox
Wednesdays, 3–5 p.m. | GEAR 129 - Med School
Mack Ivey & Jonathan Langley
Wednesdays, 3:45–5 p.m. | GEAR 258 - The Imagination Workshop
Sandy Edwards
Tuesdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m. | GEAR 129
Advanced Special Topics
Advanced special topics courses give faculty the chance to teach on emerging issues, timely themes, or areas of personal expertise not typically offered in the regular curriculum. These courses allow students to explore new ideas, test out innovative approaches, and engage with material that reflects current conversations in research and society. Because topics change from semester to semester, students can experience something unique and often one-of-a-kind during their time in the Honors College.
- CRISIS
Honors Arkansas
May 11-21 | 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. (for 1 hour); 9:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (for 3 hour)
Honors Passport
The Honors College has partnered with top faculty to offer signature 2-week intersession study abroad experiences that take our students to historically and culturally significant sites around the globe.
Passport: Dolomites
Jon Johnson & Francesco Bedeschi
Embark on a thrilling 15-day honors course that takes you cycling through the breathtaking Dolomites and iconic cities of Italy from Venice to Rome. This immersive journey blends exhilarating outdoor adventure with deep dives into how sustainable tourism, bike infrastructure and community health intertwine across Italy’s stunning landscapes.
Dean’s Faculty Fellows
Dean’s Faculty Fellows are nominated by the academic leadership of their home colleges. As fellows, they offer Honors College Signature Seminars on topics related to their current research programs.
Daniel Kennefick
Physics
In Totality: The History of Science through the study of Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Rogelio Garcia Contreras
Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Venture Innovation
Faculty Awards
Honors faculty work hard to support honors students! Our faculty awards recognize their dedication and commitment to our students.
The Honors College also holds a staff awards and reception to recognize those who go the extra mile to help students on campus and beyond.
