The Honors Program in the Arts and Sciences (ASC) provides high-ability students with opportunities to pursue challenging academic programs. Honors students are encouraged to construct an enhanced curriculum that includes honors courses, upper-division courses, rigorous sequences, honors seminars, a strong major that includes a significant research experience, and a minor or second major.
Pursuing a major in the arts? (Art, Art Education, Dance, Design, Music, Theatre) See the Arts Honors Program web site for more information.
Honors Contract and General Education Requirements
An Honors Contract represents a commitment to completing a rigorous and coherent program of study while at Ohio State. Submitted at the conclusion of your second year, the Honors Contract will affirm your intention to continue to undertake strong course work, especially honors and 4000-level courses (500- and 600-level classes under quarters), throughout your undergraduate curriculum. Each Honors Contract is subject to approval by the ASC Honors Committee. Completion of an approved Honors Contract and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.4 lead to graduation with honors in the Arts and Sciences. Students working toward an Honors Contract are expected to follow the ASC Honors Guides to the General Education Requirements.
Undergraduate Thesis Leading to Graduation with Honors Research Distinction
The Undergraduate Thesis provides students in the ASC Honors Program with an opportunity to undertake a substantial independent research project under the guidance of a faculty member. If you are planning to complete an Undergraduate Thesis, you can expect to devote approximately two semesters to your project, and you must complete a minimum of 4 credit hours of 4999H research credit in the relevant discipline. The Undergraduate Thesis application must be submitted to the ASC Honors Office for approval upon enrollment in 4999H. If you successfully complete the thesis project, graduate with at least a 3.4 cumulative grade point average, and meet all departmental and honors curricular requirements for the project, you will graduate with honors research distinction.
*** If you are not a current member of the ASC Honors Program, you may pursue a thesis project leading to graduation with research distinction if you have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 by the time you graduate (more details).***
Honors Courses
Approved Honors courses are offered in a number of disciplines and present an opportunity for you to enhance your program of study. These courses are designed to challenge you to think critically about the subject matter, usually through a combination of discussion, special projects, and/or significant research or writing assignments. Honors courses are typically limited to 25 students and taught by faculty.
Multiple Majors
If you are pursuing more than one major, you need to consider whether you want to work toward a single degree with multiple majors or two degrees.
Graduation Honors
The Honors Contract and the Undergraduate Thesis both lead to program honors upon graduation. Students graduating with exemplary cumulative grade point averages are also eligible for Latin honors.