Curriculum Requirements
The Commonwealth Honors College curriculum requirements are geared to the level and type of inquiry students pursue as honors students. The first requirements are in the Breadth of Study curriculum guide, and include courses both in the honors college and in academic departments. The second set of requirements addresses the deeper understanding that students receive in the Depth of Study component of our honors education. These requirements vary according to which track students choose for Depth of Study. The choices are either multidisciplinary honors (MH) or departmental honors (DH).
In addition to Ideas That Change the World (HONORS 201H) and one of the Honors Discovery Seminars (HONORS 391AH), the honors curriculum requirements include the following set of required honors courses. For departmental honors, a department may have additional requirements.
Honors College Writing
Ideally taken in the first year.
Two General Education Honors Courses
Ideally taken in the first two years.
One Honors Course at Any Level
Usually taken in the junior year.
One 300-Level or Above Honors Course
Usually taken in the junior year.
Honors Thesis, Part 1
Usually taken in the fall semester of the senior year.
Honors Thesis, Part 2
Usually taken in the spring semester of the senior year.
Breadth of Study
First Year
General Education honors course
As an CHC student, you may fulfill the UMass Amherst General Education (Gen Ed) requirements by taking courses specifically designed for honors students.
Three or more credits. Required (one of two). Ideally taken in the first year. If you have already completed UMass Gen Ed requirements, you may be able to substitute any honors course by petition.
Ideas That Change the World
HONORS 201H
A Signature Honors Class, this interdisciplinary seminar will challenge you to think critically about the world, explore some of the profound ideas that have shaped it, and expand your own creative potential.
Four credits. Required. Ideally taken in the first year. Also fulfills UMass I and DU Gen Eds.
Honors College Writing
ENGLWRIT 112H
Exclusively for CHC students, this course focuses on further developing writing, revising, critical thinking and editing skills for academic, professional, civic, and personal purposes.
Three credits. Required for all first-year CHC students. If College Writing is completed prior to CHC admission, any Gen Ed honors course (three or more credits) can be substituted.
Sophomore Year
Honors Discovery Seminars
HONORS 391AH
Each of these Signature Honors Courses offers an in-depth, discussion-based exploration of a question intriguing the faculty member teaching it, and are open to CHC students of any major.
One credit. Required (one seminar). Ideally taken in the sophomore year.
Gen Ed Honors course
As an CHC student, you may fulfill the UMass Amherst General Education requirements by taking courses specifically designed for honors students.
Three or more credits. Required (two of two). Ideally taken in the sophomore year. If you have already completed UMass Gen Ed requirements, you may be able to substitute any honors course by petition submission.
Depth of Study
Junior Year
Choose a track
Common characteristics of honors courses within the major are small class size, increased pace, advanced-level readings, lots of discussion, and a learner-centered approach that encourages you to be the co-creator of your educational experience.
Departmental Honors
Each department has department-specific requirements for fulfilling the DH track.
Any level honors course in your major
Three or more credits. Ideally taken in the junior year.
300 level or higher honors course in your major
Three or more credits. Ideally taken in the junior year.
Multidisciplinary Honors
Any level honors course
3 or more credits. Ideally taken in the junior year. Consider taking the Junior Year Common Experience (Honors 323H), four credits, also fulfills UMass SB and DU Gen Eds.
300 level or higher honors course
Three or more credits. Ideally taken in the junior year. Consider taking the Junior Year Common Experience (Honors 323H), four credits, also fulfills UMass SB and DU Gen Eds.
Senior Year
The honors thesis centers around an original investigation of a topic of your choice. Every honors thesis will take the form of a written document, in some cases accompanied by a physical artifact like a musical score, film, computer program, or invention that demonstrates critical thinking, a mastery of disciplinary material, and the communication of complex ideas.
Departmental Honors
Honors Thesis Part 1 in your major
Three or more credits of a year-long commitment with the same instructor. Ideally taken in the senior year.
Honors Thesis Part 2 in your major
Three or more credits, second part of a year-long commitment with the same instructor. Ideally taken in the senior year.
Multidisciplinary Honors
Honors Thesis Part 1
Three or more credits of a year-long commitment with the same instructor. Ideally taken in the senior year.
Honors Thesis Part 2
Three or more credits, second part of a year-long commitment with the same instructor. Ideally taken in the senior year.