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 or Departmental Honors.
Breadth of Study
First Year
General Education Honors course
As an Honors College student, you may fulfill the UMass Amherst General Education (Gen Ed) requirements by taking courses specifically designed for Honors students.
3+ 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 Commonwealth Honors College 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.
4 credits. Required. Ideally taken in the first year. Also fulfills UMass Gen Ed I + US-DU.
Honors College Writing
ENGLWRIT 112H
Exclusively for Honors College students, this course focuses on further developing writing, revising, critical thinking and editing skills for academic, professional, civic, and personal purposes.
3 credits. Required for all first-year Honors College students. If College Writing is completed prior to CHC admission, any Gen Ed Honors course (3+ credits) can be substituted.
Sophomore Year
Honors Discovery Seminars
HONORS 391AH
Each of these Signature Commonwealth Honors College courses offers an in-depth, discussion-based exploration of a question intriguing the faculty member teaching it, and are open to Honors College students of any major.
1 credit. Required (one seminar). Ideally taken in the sophomore year.
Gen Ed Honors course
As an Honors College student, you may fulfill the UMass Amherst General Education requirements by taking courses specifically designed for Honors students.
3+ 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. Options for upper-level Honors courses.
Departmental Honors
Each department may have special requirements for fulfilling the DH track.
Any level Honors course in your major
3+ credits. Ideally taken in the junior year.
300 level or higher Honors course in your major
3+ credits. Ideally taken in the junior year.
Multidisciplinary Honors
Any level Honors course
3+ credits. Ideally taken in the junior year. Consider taking the Junior Year Common Experience (Honors 323H), 4 credits, also fulfills UMass US-DU and SB.
300 level or higher Honors course
3+ credits. Ideally taken in the junior year. Consider taking the Junior Year Common Experience (Honors 323H), 4 credits, also fulfills UMass US-DU and SB.
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
3+ credits of a year-long commitment with the same instructor. Ideally taken in the senior year.
Honors Thesis Part 2 in your major
3+ credits, second part of a year-long commitment with the same instructor. Ideally taken in the senior year.
Multidisciplinary Honors
Honors Thesis Part 1
3+ credits of a year-long commitment with the same instructor. Ideally taken in the senior year.
Honors Thesis Part 2
3+ credits, second part of a year-long commitment with the same instructor. Ideally taken in the senior year.
