School and College Honors Programs
The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers a rich and varied undergraduate education to all who seek it, but some students wish to challenge themselves with an even more intensive academic experience. From its earliest days, the University of Wisconsin–Madison has welcomed and nurtured students of outstanding intellectual ability and accomplishment. Since the founding of the first honors program in 1958, honors study at the UW–Madison has offered an environment of challenge and opportunity for students who want to make the most of their university experience.
Honors programs are designed for students looking for more intensive academic work. High grade-point averages are required to maintain honor student standing. Programs vary among the schools and colleges; see specific school or college information. Honors programs at the UW–Madison are based in the particular colleges and schools. Each has its own admissions requirements, activities, and programming, which you will find on their individual web sites. Contact the programs individually for more information.
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Honors Program
School of Education Honors Options
College of Engineering Honors Program
School of Human Ecology Honors Program
College of Letters & Science Honors Program
School of Nursing Honors Program
Scholars Programs
Academic Enrichment Oppportunities
Resource for Advisors
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Honors Program
The Honors program in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences provides a challenging and intellectually rewarding experience for high-achieving undergraduates. Students are accepted into the program based on grades in high school or college, or by providing evidence of unique intelligence and curiosity.
For more information, contact: John Klatt, Assistant Dean, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, 116 Agricultural Hall, 1450 Linden Drive, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, (608) 262-4618, jklatt@cals.wisc.edu.
School of Education Honors Options
Through a unique collaboration between the School of Education and the College of Letters and Science (L&S), students in the School of Education are offered the opportunity to participate in the L&S Honors Program. Education students may participate in the L&S Honors in the Liberal Arts (HLA), Honors in the Major (HM), or Comprehensive Honors (both HLA and HM) curricula. See the L&S Honors section for more details and contact information.
College of Engineering Honors Program
The College of Engineering considers all its students honors students in the sense that all engineering classes are challenging, focused, and require unusual academic ability. Nonetheless, honors opportunities are available on a limited basis in the College of Engineering. The Engineering Honors in Liberal Arts Program is open to a select group of entering freshmen with unusual ability and unusually broad interests in liberal arts. In addition, several engineering degree programs allow students to earn the Honors in Research distinction. For more information, contact: Andrew E. Greenberg, Associate Faculty Associate, 2020 Engineering Hall, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, (608) 890-1534.
School of Human Ecology Honors Program
The School of Human Ecology Honors Program provides an opportunity for students to pursue coursework in a greater depth than is possible in regular courses. Honors program members are eligible to enroll in courses that are offered for honors credit only, to participate in campuswide activities for honors program students, and to apply for special research funding opportunities. The honors program is a school-wide program open to all students, regardless of major. Completion of the honors program requirements results in an Honors Degree from the School of Human Ecology upon graduation.
For more information, contact: Student Academic Affairs Office, 1300 Linden Drive, Room 1194 Nancy Nicholas Hall, Madison, WI 53706, (608) 262-2608.
College of Letters & Science Honors Program
The College of Letters and Science (L&S) Honors Program attracts some of UW–Madison’s most motivated and talented undergraduates who challenge and learn from each other while working closely with faculty members. By bringing students and professors closer together in small classes and individual research settings, the Honors Program fosters a feeling of community even as students push themselves to explore the very frontiers of knowledge. In addition to traditional course work, most Honors students pursue research projects of their own, and many find this experience so exciting that they go on to earn advanced degrees in the nation's best graduate and professional schools.
For more information, contact: L&S Honors Program, Washburn Observatory, 1401 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706, (608) 262-2984, honors@honors.ls.wisc.edu.
School of Nursing Honors Program
The UW–Madison School of Nursing offers an Honors Degree for those high-ability undergraduate students seeking early research involvement with a faculty mentor. Students who successfully complete the Honors Program graduate with distinguished academic performance and receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honors. In addition, students of the Honors Program acquire an enriched view of nursing science.
For more information, contact: Anne Jozwiak, University Services Program Associate, School of Nursing, UW–Madison, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53792-2455, (608) 263-5171, ajozwiak@wisc.edu.
Scholars Programs
The UW–Madison offers a range of other programs that resemble honors programs in many respects, and may offer financial support to their participations. In addition, Scholarships@UW–Madison offer a comprehensive list of scholarships available.
The Chancellor's Scholarship Program
Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program provides opportunities and resources to prepare eligible undergraduate students with career interests in collegiate teaching and research to pursue graduate studies leading to a doctoral degree. The goal of this program is to increase the number of students in doctoral degree programs who are low-income and first-generation undergraduates or students who come from groups underrepresented in graduate education.
For more information, contact: McNair Office, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 408 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, (608) 262-063, McNair@bascom.wisc.edu.
Academic Enrichment Opportunities
UW–Madison offers students many ways to enrich their academic programs, regardless of the major field of study they choose to pursue, and in addition to Schools and College Honors programs. Engaging in research, studying abroad, being part of learning communities, becoming a student leader, engaging in service learning—these are all vital components that enhance and strengthen classroom learning. This partnership between in- and out-of-classroom learning form the foundation of the Wisconsin Experience. The university encourages students to take advantage of opportunities to integrate their learning experiences.
Learning communities
Service learning
Undergraduate research opportunities
Study abroad
Undergraduate Academic Awards Office
