DePaul University's Honors Program offers a challenging alternative to the Liberal Studies Program for well-prepared, serious students in any major.
The University Honors Program:
- Seeks to broaden students' perspectives beyond their academic majors
- Fosters critical thinking, self-reflection and an examination of values
- Encourages active, participatory learning
- Promotes interdisciplinary and cross-cultural studies
- Cultivates intellectual, social, and cultural enrichment in an environment of unity and support
- Provides an Honors community and experience extending beyond the classroom, making use of the diverse cultural opportunities of Chicago.
In order to meet these goals, the program offers small classes organized in a seminar format and taught by faculty committed to academic excellence and the attainment of lifelong learning strategies. Benefits of our scholarly community include academic advising, an Honors Lounge, a student government, peer mentoring, student-faculty dinners, newsletters, cultural outings, service activities, and many other experiences that enrich the Honors community while extending the Honors experience beyond the classroom.
For questions, feel free to give us a call at 773-325-7302, e-mail us at honorsprogram@depaul.edu, or stop by either our Lincoln Park campus office at 990 W. Fullerton, Suite 1200, or the Loop campus office at 25 E. Jackson Blvd., 1635 Lewis.
Admission Information
Most students who enter DePaul?s Honors Program are in the top ten percent of their high school class, have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and a score of at least 27 on the ACT or an equivalent of 1210 on the SAT Critical Reading and Math. Because we know that test scores and grades represent only one part of a student?s academic profile, we encourage all highly motivated students with strong reading and writing skills to consider applying to the University Honors Program.
A select group of students are invited to apply to the Honors Program after they are admitted to DePaul University. Each honors application is individually reviewed by the Honors Committee. If you have questions or would like more information, contact the Honors Program.
University Honors Program staff
Helen Marlborough, Director
McGaw 234
(773) 325-7486
hmarlbor@depaul.edu
Nancy Grossman, Assistant Director
990 W. Fullerton, Office 1204
(773) 325-7875
ngrossma@depaul.edu
Robert Vallier, Assistant Director
25 E. Jackson Blvd., Lewis 1635 (LOOP)
(312) 362-8777
rvallier@depaul.edu
Matt Shaw, Program Assistant
990 W. Fullerton, Office 1206
(773) 325-7301
mshaw1@depaul.edu
Honors Advising
Your Honors Advisor is available to help you reach your academic goals. If you need information about DePaul and the University Honors Program; assistance in deciding on a major or minor; information about degree and University Honors Program requirements; assistance with academic planning; help with scheduling or enrollment problems; or if you just want to be sure you’re on track academically, you may contact your Honors Advisor for an appointment.
If you are in the College of Commerce or CDM your advisor is Dr. Bob Vallier (25 E. Jackson Blvd., #1635 Lewis Center, 312-362-8777, rvallier@depaul.edu).
If you are in Education, LA&S, Theatre or Music you should contact Nancy Grossman (990 W. Fullerton, #1204, 773-325-7875, ngrossma@depaul.edu).
Feel free to email your advising questions to the appropriate advisor, call for an appointment, or stop by the appropriate Honors Office to sign up for an advising session.
Contact Information
Our Lincoln Park office is located at:
DePaul University Honors Program
990 W. Fullerton, Suite 1200
Chicago, Illinois 60614
Phone: (773) 325-7875
Our Loop office is located at:
Lewis Center
25 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1635
Phone: (773) 325-7302
Fax: (773) 325-4877
Email: honorsprogram@depaul.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Honors Program right for me?
To help you decide, here is some basic information. The University Honors Program at DePaul University is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council. Our goals are to encourage students to broaden their perspectives beyond their academic majors and to foster critical thinking, self-reflection, and a thoughtful examination of values.
In addition, courses in the University Honors Program require active, participatory learning and promote interdisciplinary and cross-cultural studies; they require that students develop proficiency in a second language and the skills necessary for independent research. Honors courses reward intellectual inquisitiveness; they encourage students to question easy assumptions and received ideas. The program also helps students see themselves as members of larger and diverse communities in which they can become leaders. It also prepares students for post-graduate studies.
Students who do well in our program are eager learners willing to take on challenges both in and out of the classroom. They flourish in an atmosphere of intellectual rigor, high expectations, and lively (but friendly) debate. We cannot promise that the program will be easy, but we do know that those who stay in the program benefit from an interdisciplinary and diverse perspective and a firm foundation for advanced studies. If you have applied to the program and would like to speak with an Honors student ambassador, please call the Honors Program office.
2. How will the Honors Program affect my GPA?
Most Honors students maintain high grade point averages. Perhaps because they are motivated by smaller class sizes, increased student-teacher interaction, and the intellectual liveliness of their classmates, Honors students generally receive grades in Honors courses similar to or even higher than their grades in other university courses.
3. Can I double major and still be in the Honors Program?
Definitely! Students in the Honors Program take the same number of courses as students in the Liberal Studies program. As an Honors student you will not take more classes than other students, but rather different courses in a different format. Whether you can double major depends on the majors you choose and the number of electives each allows.
4. Does the Honors Program count AP credit?
The University Honors Program will accept AP credit for up to two courses from our core requirements. AP credit beyond the two replacement courses, or AP credit for courses outside of the Honors core, can be applied toward major requirements or open electives. Students who have taken an AP test in high school should check with DePaul University's Office of Student Records to find out the scores needed for AP credit at DePaul. Consult your Honors advisor for further information.
5. Can I join the program at a later point in my college career?
Students interested in being considered for the University Honors Program after they have begun their studies at DePaul should contact the University Honors Program to receive a Transfer Application and upon completion, bring it to the Honors Program office, 990 W. Fullerton, Suite 1200. Admission decisions for these students will be based on academic performance and space availability in the Honors Program. Applicants will be contacted for an interview by an Honors Program advisor.
6. What will happen if I drop out of the Honors Program?
Students may withdraw from the Honors Program at any time. Completed Honors courses will substitute for the equivalent Liberal Studies requirements. It is important that you let the Honors Program know of your plans to withdraw. Please call or e-mail your Honors advisor about your decision to withdraw from the Honors Program.
7. Will the Honors Program help me get into a professional / graduate school?
The Honors Program at DePaul prepares students for graduate studies through its demanding, writing-intensive courses, the Senior Thesis option, and individualized academic advising. Graduates from the Honors Program receive an "Honors Program Graduate" designation on their official transcripts and are noted in the commencement program. Honors Program graduates have been accepted into prestigious graduate schools such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Boston University, the University of Chicago, University of Krakow, Georgetown, The London School of Economics, Rutgers, the University of Warwick, DePaul Law School, Loyola Medical School, William and Mary Law School, University of Wisconsin Medical School, and the University of Wisconsin Chemistry PhD. program.
While the Honors Program confers distinction on its graduates, that alone is not enough to guarantee admission into graduate school. Students should plan on taking an active approach towards their academic career while at DePaul. The Honors Program provides opportunities for students to widen their perspectives and become academically and culturally informed through lecture series and other events. We also keep an updated list of scholarships and fellowship opportunities that students may explore. Careful planning and research will help students find both academic and professional opportunities.
8. Can I apply to the Honors Program if I am a transfer student?
While we welcome transfer students, the structure of the Honors Program makes it difficult for students who come to DePaul towards the middle or end of their academic career to transfer into the Honors Program. Students who have completed a substantial portion of their liberal studies requirements may qualify for the Honors Research Option, a program designed to allow students beyond the first year in their academic program to experience the benefits of Honors-level intellectual inquiry. Interested students should contact the University Honors Program.
9. Does the Honors Program offer financial aid?
The Honors Program does not offer any scholarships or other forms of financial aid. We do post outside scholarship opportunities on our website as they are brought to our attention. For more information on financial aid through DePaul, please visit the Office of Financial Aid's website at http://www.depaul.edu/financial_aid/current/index.asp.
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