Honors College

Who We Are

The Honors College at Slippery Rock University is a community of driven students who want their education to mean something. We offer enriched coursework, mentored research, real leadership opportunities, and experiences that go far beyond the classroom — all built into your existing degree, with no extra credits required.

What You'll Do

• Choose from 45+ Honors courses per semester in small seminar settings designed for deeper learning and stronger faculty relationships
• Pursue original research or creative work alongside a faculty mentor in your discipline
• Travel each fall and spring on cultural immersion trips - recent destinations include Chicago, New York City, and Washington, DC - transportation and housing included
• Develop leadership skills through the Honors Student Executive Board, committees, and peer mentorship.
• Earn priority class registration, an Honors transcript designation, and an Honors cord at commencement

Student Voice

“To me, Honors is about unlocking your potential and pursuing new challenges. It’s a community that encourages curiosity and growth, where every member is encouraged to be the best version of themselves, both academically and personally. Honors offers an environment filled with opportunities — a place where we’re empowered to lead, connect, and build skills that prepare us for what’s ahead.”

— Jaeda Johnston, ’26 | Honors Student Executive Board President

What You'll Build

Six academic outcomes guide every Honors student's experience and prepare you for life beyond graduation.

• Authentic Leader: Lead yourself and others through real challenge and change.
• Community Collaborator and Changemaker: Put your values into action in communities that need them.
• Scholar and Creator: Ask big questions and build the skills to answer them.
• Global Citizen: Engage the world with curiosity, humility, and open eyes.
• Healthy and Resilient: Build the habits that support your wellbeing, strengthen your resilience, and keep you moving toward your goals.
• Career Ready: Graduate ready to lead in a career landscape that keeps evolving.

How To Apply

Eligibility

Meet two of the following six criteria:

• High school GPA of 3.8 or higher
• College GPA of 3.25 or higher
• SAT 1220 or ACT 25
• Active or veteran military service
• Letter of recommendation from a teacher, administrator, professor, or supervisor addressing your motivation, engagement, commitment, and leadership
• Referral from the Office for Community Engaged Learning, Global Engagement, Inclusive Excellence, or Student Engagement and Leadership

Application Materials

• Résumé of extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership experiences
• Essay response (500 words or fewer) — see prompt below

Essay Prompt

SRU Honors students design a personalized, purposeful Honors experience built around their goals and aspirations. Throughout their time in Honors, students select coursework and experiences that align with six distinct learning outcomes. These outcomes guide how students grow as leaders, scholars, collaborators, global citizens, resilient individuals, and professionals.

In 500 words or fewer, select ONE of the six Honors learning outcomes and:

• Describe how your academic or extracurricular experiences align with this outcome.
• Explain how your experiences demonstrate your ability to grow and remain resilient when facing challenges related to this outcome.

Your response should help us understand not only what you have done, but how you think, reflect, and grow through challenge.

Deadline

Apply by January 15 to be considered for an Honors scholarship. Applications accepted on a rolling basis after that date.

Apply Now

Scholarships

The Honors College offers a limited number of scholarships of $1,500 per year, renewable for up to four years, to qualified incoming first-year students. Awards are based on a holistic review of your Honors application, including your résumé and essay. Apply to the Honors College by January 15 to be considered.

We were built for students like you.

Contact us

Honors College
Watson Hall 190
honorscollege@sru.edu
724.738.4003

Jennifer Willford, Director
jennifer.willford@sru.edu
724.738.2696