The Honors Program provides opportunities for talented and motivated undergraduates to excel in their academic studies. Students complete a challenging inquiry-based curriculum that encourages learning through independent research and creative expression. They enjoy intimate and personalized educational experiences within the setting of a large research university through small classes, dedicated advising, peer mentorship, and faculty guided projects. The Honors Program encourages critical thinking and excellence in oral and written communication; instills respect for diversity and commitment to social justice; and develops the capacity for civic engagement and leadership. It fosters among its students and faculty a sense of identity and a joy of learning, which it promotes within the university and beyond.
The Honors Program is a four year program, with the first two years dedicated to an Honors curriculum built around inquiry as well as specially designated “A Sections, which are small, discussion-based versions of regular departmental offerings. These courses are designed to meet General Education and/or distribution requirements for students in the Honors Program. A full list of Honors (HON) and A Section courses is available in the “Courses” section.
In the junior and senior years, Honors students undertake course work and independent work that culminates in an independent research thesis or creative work in their chosen major under the supervision of a faculty mentor. This Senior Honors Project is supported through a curriculum in the Honors Program, but may also be undertaken through the course work offered in the student’s major that fulfill similar milestones (a project proposal, independent work supervised by a mentor). The Senior Honors Project is presented at the spring or fall Undergraduate Showcase, or in other venues, such as a recital or performance.
To graduate with Honors, students must complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree and maintain a minimum cumulative and major GPA of 3.2. Their Senior Honors Project must be positively reviewed and assessed by their committee to receive the four year “Honors” designation. Students may also be nominated for the Honors Project Prize. Upon graduation, students will receive a diploma, their achievement is acknowledged at Commencement, and a notation is made on their transcript.
Admission to the Honors Program is by invitation to high school students with outstanding academic records and aptitude test scores. Others may be nominated or may apply with the recommendation of a high school teacher or counselor. UH Manoa students may also apply in their first year with the recommendation of a university instructor.
*Students admitted to the Selected Studies program (originally the lower division component of the Honors Program) prior to Fall 2016 are eligible to complete the Sophomore Honors Award once they complete 2 Honors courses and 2 A-Sections courses and maintain a 3.2 GPA in those courses and overall. A special notation is made on the student’s transcript. These students are encouraged to proceed to the Upper Division Program to complete the four year program. New students will no longer be able to participate in the Selected Studies program.
Honor Societies
Alpha Kappa Delta, International Sociology Honor Society
Alpha Omega Alpha, National Honor Society in Medicine
Beta Alpha Psi, National Accounting Honor Society
Beta Gamma Sigma, National Business Honor Society
Beta Phi Mu, International Library Science Honor Society
Chi Epsilon, National Civil Engineering Honor Society
Delta Omega, National Honor Society for Public Health
Delta Phi Alpha, National German Honor Society
Eta Kappa Nu, National Electrical Engineering Honor Society
Eta Sigma Delta, International Hospitality Management Honor Society
Gamma Kappa Alpha, National Honor Society for Italian
Gamma Sigma Delta, National Agriculture and Human Resources Honor Society
Gold Humanism Honor Society, Medical Honor Society
Golden Key International Honour Society, International Undergraduate Honor Society
Japanese National Honor Society
Kappa Tau Alpha, National Journalism Honor Society
Lambda Delta, Freshmen Honor Society
Lambda Pi Eta, National Honor Society for Communication
Mortar Board, Senior Honor Society
National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Sophomore Honor Society
Omicron Delta Epsilon, International Honor Society in Economics
Phi Alpha Theta, National Honor Society in History
Phi Beta Kappa, National Liberal Arts and Sciences Honor Society
Phi Upsilon Omicron, National Home Economics Honor Society
Pi Delta Phi, National French Honor Society
Pi Kappa Lambda, National Music Honor Society
Pi Lambda Theta, National Education Honor Society
Pi Sigma Alpha, National Political Science Honor Society
Pi Tau Sigma, National Mechanical Engineering Honor Society
Psi Chi, International Honor Society in Psychology
Regents and Presidential Scholars
Sigma Delta Pi, National Spanish Honor Society
Sigma Phi Alpha, National Dental Hygiene Honor Society
Sigma Pi Sigma, National Physics Honor Society
Sigma Theta Tau, National Honor Society in Nursing
Tau Sigma, National Honor Society for Transfer Students
Tau Sigma Delta, National Honor Society in Architecture and Allied Arts
For further information on these honor societies, contact the appropriate academic unit.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Toward a Degree, Minimum UH Mānoa Academic Standard, and Good Academic Standing
Once a student has attempted at least 24 college credits at UH Manoa, he or she shall make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree and remain in good academic standing by maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0.