Honors Program Overview
The Honors Program at Ohio Christian University is designed to prepare students for graduate studies. The honors program enhances the undergraduate educational experience of students who have demonstrated high academic proficiency throughout high school or through their first year of college. The program consists of learning activities that engage students in advanced levels of research. It provides an avenue for students to develop communication and writing skills, develop critical thinking skills, and improve their ability to integrate faith and learning in their professional field. The curriculum and activities are interrelated and encourage conversation between liberal arts courses, the Bible, and the student’s professional field.
A $500 per semester scholarship is included for students accepted into the Honors Program.
The cost of the senior project is underwritten by the program. Qualifying expenses include materials, copying, and binding the project, and similar associated costs.
The Honors Program requires enrollment in an honors seminar each semester, and completion of a senior capstone project.
You can find out more by scheduling to video chat with a professor who leads the Honors Program.
Admission to the Honors Program in the First/Freshman Year
Students beginning the first full year of college who meet the following requirements are eligible for admission to the Honors Program. These items must be completed prior to registering for classes.
- Two references in writing from persons familiar with the academic abilities of the applicant.
- Submission of a completed Honors Program Application form and 300- to 350-word essay.
- Interview with the Honors Program Committee.
Additionally, most students admitted to the Honors Program have demonstrated the following minimum metrics of scholastic aptitude:
- ACT composite score of 27 or above, or SAT composite score of 1280 or above.
- High School GPA of 3.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Admission to the Honors Program as a Transfer Student
Students transferring to Ohio Christian University at or before the start of their second/sophomore year may be admitted to the Honors Program if they satisfy the following requirements:
- 3.5 GPA in all undergraduate work completed.
- ACT composite score of 27 or above, or SAT composite score of 1210 or above.
- Letter of recommendation from two professors at the previously attended college or university.
- Submission of a completed Honors Program Application form and 300-350 word essay.
- Interview with the Honors Program Committee.
Continuation
To continue in the program, the Honors Scholar must meet the following requirements:
- Maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher.
- Enroll in the fall and spring Honors Seminars.
- Progress toward completion of other Honors Program requirements, including an acceptable Senior Honors Project.
Senior Project
The Senior Honors Project includes a project proposal, completed at the beginning of the junior year, and the honors capstone project, completed during the junior or senior year.
The Senior Honors Project is completed under the direction of a mentoring faculty member and includes a substantial written report, similar to an undergraduate thesis. Each honors student conducts research in the major or approved research field and communicates the findings in a capstone presentation. Projects may include a variety of research, development, application, or creative works. Specific requirements with respect to the type of work, the format of the project report, and other details are determined by the student s area of concentration and proposal.
The Senior Honors Project contract requires the signatures of the student, mentoring faculty, and Honors Program Director. Honors graduates are recognized at graduation and receive a special certificate and honors medallion. Completion of the Honors Program is noted on the transcript.
