Honors Students

Honors Curriculum

To graduate with Honors, you must take an Honors Seminar (HON 100) and an Honors Forum (HON 250) and complete any combination of the other experiences below to earn a total of 20 points:

  • Honors Seminar – HON 100 (1 point): This one-credit-hour, discussion-heavy course will prepare you for your honors journey by teaching you how to analyze hard issues, voice your opinion respectfully, and think of yourself as a scholar. We recommend that you take the Honors Seminar the first full semester after you join the Honors Program.
  • Honors Courses (3 points each): These honors-exclusive sections of general education courses allow you to explore subjects more deeply and widely than you would in regular class sections. Small class sizes and enriched content facilitate student-centric learning. Discussion and collaboration among students and faculty encourage you to be an active participant in the learning process, aiding in the development of your autonomy in the discovery and synthesis of knowledge.
  • Honors Contracts (2 points each): These one-credit hour extensions of regular JCCC classes allow you to further explore a subject in depth. Scholars in career programs (for example, nursing) may need to rely primarily on Honors Contracts; however, Honors Contracts are generally not encouraged.
  • Exploratory Experiences (2 points each): The Exploratory Experience is designed to allow you to search, discover, and learn more about yourself, society, and your chosen career path outside of the classroom. You have an opportunity to engage in the community – acquiring valuable skills, experience, and knowledge while earning points toward honors completion. All Exploratory Experiences are counted only after you have submitted a reflection.
  • Public Presentations (2 points each): These presentations give you the opportunity to exercise your public speaking skills and share research findings with others. Scholars often present on a project written for an honors course or contract.
  • Honors Forum – HON 250 (1 point): This three-credit-hour course focuses on issues and topics not offered in the general curriculum. The course incorporates discussion and projects with an emphasis on content and skill development. You may take the Honors Forum at any point in your honors journey.

It is recommended that you fill out the Honors Completion Map to help you plan your pathway through Honors. The map will be sent to the you once you submit it so you can bring it to your next counseling meeting. Also be on the lookout for events to assist you as you plan your honors journey!