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.

Taking a range of courses exposes you to different approaches, perspectives, and ways of thinking.  

Courses to consider

We encourage you to take an Honors Discovery Seminar (HONORS 391AH), one of the Breadth of Study requirements, and complete any remaining Breadth of Study requirements not yet completed in your first year.

• Honors Discovery Seminar (HONORS 391AH) (1 credit)

These Honors Signature courses (1 credit) encourage exploration of different perspectives and approaches through small, discussion-based classes, which are open to Commonwealth Honors College (CHC) students of any major. 

Multidisciplinary or Departmental Honors

By the end of sophomore year, you should choose either to continue on the Multidisciplinary Honors track or apply for the Departmental Honors track, which must be approved by the department. 

Multidisciplinary Honors

Multidisciplinary Honors (MH) gives you the opportunity to broaden your academic interests between two or more disciplines, and is the suggested choice for students who wish to pursue Honors Thesis work beyond the boundaries of the primary major. Learn more about Multidisciplinary Honors.

Departmental Honors

Departmental Honors (DH), which requires approval by the department, is the suggested choice for students who wish to pursue advanced scholarship in the major. As departments have their own requirements, meet with your department’s Honors Program Director to learn more about Departmental Honors requirements. Learn more about Departmental Honors.

Study Abroad 

If you’re interested in study abroad, you must discuss this with your honors advisor and the advisor in your major by your third semester. This collaboration will enable you to create a plan that will allow you to complete coursework requirements for your major and your study abroad interests. 

Thesis Workshops 

This series of workshops will give you an excellent overview of what to expect and how to prepare for the Honors Thesis—from the development of an idea through submission of the final paperwork. 

Scholarships 

It’s always a good idea to apply for a scholarship. You should look into Commonwealth Honors College scholarships as well as those available through your major, department, and college. If your GPA is 3.800 or higher, visit the Office of National Scholarship Advisement (ONSA) to explore nationally competitive scholarships such as the Rhodes, Truman, Fulbright, and Marshall.  

Research Opportunities 

You are encouraged to begin exploring research opportunities at UMass during sophomore year. The Office of Undergraduate Research is a great starting point for learning about research across all disciplines and for connecting with faculty. 

Research Funding 

The Honors Research Assistant Fellowships can help fund the exploration of a research topic with a faculty member in an independent study. This competitive funding opportunity is by application only.

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 develop your ideas and progress through the completion of your honors thesis. Refer to the Research Guide for more information about developing academic relationships with faculty. You could begin to pursue research in a faculty lab or propose an independent study with a faculty member. You should also start investigating the different honors thesis approaches to decide whether you will pursue the individually contracted thesis or a thesis seminar. 

Advising Meetings 

One of the great advantages of being a Commonwealth Honors College student is our highly individualized advising. You are required to meet with an honors advisor at least once a semester. These meetings help you strategize your academic schedule, learn about cocurricular opportunities, plan for study abroad and other activities, and 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.