Prospective Students

Join a community of talented and motivated students. Pursue meaningful, focused research. Gain the knowledge and the skills to become a successful innovator, researcher, artist, or professional.

Vibrant educational community

  • dedicated living and learning spaces, including Honors residence hall accommodations, classrooms, study spaces, and computer lab
  • small classes, taught by leading faculty
  • collaboration among students, faculty, and the community

Intellectual diversity & academic excellence

  • far-reaching course offerings
  • course enrichment activities
  • focused academic advising
  • preparation for competitive national awards

Exciting & impactful scholarship

  • engagement in research, working closely with faculty
  • active discovery through investigation
  • Honors Project requirement

Admission

There is no application for admission to the Honors College; instead, you will be invited to join the college based on your application to UMass Dartmouth. Learn more about Honors College admission

Commonwealth Scholars

Students who fulfill the requirements of the Honors College graduate as Commonwealth Scholars, a statewide recognition of exceptional academic achievement. The Commonwealth Scholar honor is inscribed on the student's diploma and transcript.

Transformative learning opportunities

Honors courses challenge you to explore new ways of understanding the world. Some recent examples:

  • The End of History: American Triumphalism in the 1990s and Beyond 
  • Friends with Benefits: Interpersonal relationships and health
  • The U.S. Civil Rights Movement, with an alternative spring break trip to Alabama

Benefits

  • Early registration: plan the perfect schedule by registering early for classes
  • Small classes: more personal attention and contact with leading faculty
  • Social events & trips: scheduled throughout the school year, and planned by the Honors Student Council
  • Leadership roles: on the Honors Student Council, across campus, and beyond
  • Local focus/global vision: opportunities for study, service, internships, and experiential learning in our SouthCoast region

Additional Information

Please review the following videos to learn more about the Honors College! 

Honors College Overview with Doctors Amy Shapiro and Brian Ayotte

Student Perspectives: