First Year Guide

In your first year, you will focus on Breadth of Study. Be bold here, and enjoy the process as you explore a variety of classes that interest you.

Our small, discussion-based Honors courses are a wonderful introduction to intellectual life as a first-year Commonwealth Honors College (CHC) student.

Courses to consider

We encourage you to take at least one or two of the following Breadth of Study honors courses in your first year.

  • Honors College Writing (ENGLWRIT 112H) (3 credits) 

    If College Writing is completed prior to CHC admission, you may substitute any Honors general education course (for students admitted to UMass prior to Fall 2024) OR any Honors course (3+ credit) (for students admitted to UMass in Fall 2024 or after). 

  • Ideas That Change the World (HONORS 201H) (4 credits) 

    This also fulfills two university requirements, one in US Diversity and one in Interdisciplinary General Education.  

  • General Education Honors Course (3+ credits) 

    If you have already completed UMass General Education requirements, you can also take any Honors course (3+ credits) as a substitute.

Study Abroad 

If you’re interested in study abroad, you must discuss this with your Honors advisor as well as the advisor in your major by the end of your second semester. That way, you can create a plan that will enable you to fit in the coursework requirements for your major and your study abroad interests. 

Scholarships 

You may be eligible to apply for a scholarship as early as your second semester. Be sure to explore CHC scholarships, as well as those offered by your major, department, and college. 

Cultivate Relationships with Faculty 

Building productive academic relationships with faculty members is key to a successful undergraduate experience and will be necessary for helping you to develop your ideas and progress through the completion of your Honors Thesis. You should start to develop these relationships in the first few weeks of class. 

CHC Tip: Take advantage of faculty office hours, ask questions, and check out faculty research interests. Relationships with faculty members can be one of the most enriching aspects of your academic career. Refer to the Research Guide for more information. 

Advising Meetings 

One of the great advantages of being an CHC student is our highly individualized advising. You are required to meet with an Honors advisor at least once a semester. 

These meetings help you to: 

  • Strategize your academic schedule
  • Learn about co-curricular opportunities
  • Plan for study abroad and other activities
  • Start to think about your Honors Thesis.  

Good Standing 

  • Keep in mind that a 3.400 minimum cumulative GPA and a minimum grade of B or higher in all Honors courses is required each semester. 
  • You will also need 45 graded residence credits to graduate from Commonwealth Honors College. 
  • All of the required CHC curriculum courses are counted as part of the 120 credits required to graduate from UMass Amherst. 

Guides

First Year Guide

In your first year, you will focus on Breadth of Study. Be bold here, and enjoy the process as you explore a variety of classes that interest you.
Sophomore Year Guide

In your second year, you should aim to complete the Breadth of Study requirements and continue to explore classes in multiple disciplines and interests.
Junior Year Guide

In your junior year, you’ll progress to Depth of Study, delving deeper into your academic journey.
Senior Year Guide

During your senior year, you’ll work on your Honors Thesis, which is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences you’ll have as an honors student.