Academics
Areas of Study

Honors Program

Honors Program

About Honors
Application Requirements

Our Honors Program is developing the next generation of great thought leaders!

The program provides students with an academic experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Our integrated program consists of learning that is integrated into both General Studies Honors and University Capstone Honors.

In General Studies Honors, students complete the university’s General Studies requirements through both designated Honors sections and Honors Option Contracts to fulfill their requirements in the program.

In University Capstone Honors, students complete Honors Option Contracts in upper-level courses and develop an in-depth, year-and-a-half-long research project for the Honors Capstone. The Capstone is the pinnacle of the Honors experience and is an invaluable piece of a student’s portfolio and provides a tangible example of the advanced skills they possess upon graduation.

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Honors students benefit not only from the customizable education of the program but several other perks only found here:

Collaborate with world-class faculty members.

Honors Option Contracts and mentorship through the Capstone project let you work closely with esteemed faculty in your courses to promote your professional, academic, and personal growth.

Lead your peers on and off-campus.

Learn the skills and commitment it takes to become a leader in your community. There’s a reason Honors students have excelled as Student Body Government officials and NCAA Athletics captains.

Benefit from unique opportunities.

Honors Students benefit from private study spaces, lounge access, annual Honors Retreats, merit-based scholarships, and a final Capstone project that would be an impressive addition to any Graduate School or professional portfolio.
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Three young adults are interacting in a modern, industrial-style space. One person with green hair is smiling and holding a bag, while two others are engaged in conversation, one gesturing with their hands. The background features large concrete pillars and a well-lit environment.
Honors Graduates at stadium in gap and gown
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A group of seven graduates wearing blue caps and gowns stands together on a grassy area, with a brick building and trees in the background. They are smiling and appear to be celebrating their graduation, with some wearing honor cords.
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Honors Lounge for private study, group collaboration, and socialization.

Supportive mentorship from Honors staff and your Honors Capstone committee members.

Fun, engaging social events.

Honors Lounge for private study, group collaboration, and socialization.

Supportive mentorship from Honors staff and your Honors Capstone committee members.

Engaging, fun social events.

Honors retreat every Fall semester for new students.

Merit scholarship opportunities to boost your financial aid package.

Jobs and internships on and off-campus.

Honors retreat every fall for new students.

Merit scholarship opportunities to boost your financial aid package.

Internships and jobs on and off-campus.

A group of people interacting in a spacious indoor area, with several individuals standing in front of presentation boards. Some are engaged in conversation while others appear to be observing the boards. The setting has a modern design with large windows and a light-colored floor.

Across all areas of study, the Honors Program gives you the freedom to customize your education and pursue your passions–your way.

Honors Contracts allow you to infuse your regular courses with Honors-level initiatives and projects.

Interdisciplinary Honors classes place you among Honors peers and faculty to thrive under challenging, rewarding coursework.

Explore Our Honors Curriculum
Learn About Honors Contracts
Learn About Honors Capstones

Honors Program Admissions Criteria

The Gallaudet Honors Program admits students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and are seeking to challenge themselves and elevate their academic experience. Our Honors Curriculum provides foundational courses, Honors Option Contracts, and a Capstone aimed at developing and refining your academic skills for success in graduate school and employment.

The Honors Program uses a holistic admissions process, meaning we consider the whole person as we screen applicants. We are typically looking for a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and have achieved ACT Reading scores of 26 or higher or SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing (ERW) scores of 620 or higher. Our past experience has shown that students arriving with these benchmark scores are ready to access and tackle advanced coursework.

We do consider students who meet one of these benchmarks and are close in the other, and we particularly look at the GPA in this case and the course transcripts. We review your entire Gallaudet application materials package and look at your transcripts, your application essay, and letters of recommendation. We are primarily looking for evidence that you demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Academic achievement
  • Academic curiosity and pursuit of advanced knowledge
  • Academic persistence
  • Leadership qualities
  • Growing clarity of academic purpose and goals

Your regular Gallaudet application will be reviewed for Honors Program eligibility when you apply to the University. Your materials for general application to Gallaudet should reflect the above qualities as we review your application. Should you qualify, Admissions will send you notification and an invitation to contact us for an introductory conversation.

Available seats in the Honors Program are limited! It is in your interest to apply early.

You also have the option of applying to the Honors Program after you are here! We recognize that intellectual flowering and motivation sometimes occurs after arriving here at Gallaudet. Please keep this option in mind as well; in this case your GPA and recommendations will have weight. 

We look for students who demonstrate intellectual motivation, dedication to a program of study, and critical thinking skills to engage and wrestle with texts and concepts in order to further their academic journeys in graduate school and life beyond the university.

Learn about the Honors Program
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