Joining the College of Letters & Science (L&S) Honors Program is a terrific way to maximize your undergraduate education.
On this page you will find information about:
- the three Honors degree tracks available in L&S
- additional opportunities for L&S Honors Program students
- Honors student perspectives
- additional resources related to Honors at UW
The Honors Program provides three tracks (or paths) to an Honors degree
Honors in the Liberal Arts
Mirroring the broad, multidisciplinary learning approach of all L&S bachelor degrees, this track requires at least 24 credits of Honors classes (about one class per semester) with at least 6 credits each in of the L&S breadth areas:
- humanities/literature
- social sciences
- biological/physical/natural sciences
Why? You may enjoy learning about new subjects and wish to fully embrace the benefits of a liberal arts education.
How to apply: Please review the guidelines on either the Incoming Student or Continuing/Transfer Student admissions pages.
Honors in the Major
Most L&S majors offer an Honors track specifically designed for that field. Components of this option vary by major, but typically include:
- keeping a certain minimum grade-point average
- taking specific higher level classes in the major
- a final capstone project, often writing a senior thesis.
Why? You may want deeper training in major-specific content as well as opportunities to develop research, writing, and critical thinking skills.
How to apply: Students may pursue Honors in the Major once they have started their academic career at UW-Madison and have officially declared a major.
Comprehensive Honors
L&S’s highest credential for bachelor’s degrees, combining successful completion of both Honors in the Liberal Arts and Honors in the Major.
Why? You may want to take advantage of all of the engaging courses and experiences the Honors Program makes available.
How to apply: You may begin your path toward Comprehensive Honors by completing the application for Honors in the Liberal Arts. Then, once on campus, consider pursuing Honors in the Major, too!
More Information About Honors Degree Tracks
- Incoming students will learn about L&S degree requirements during Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR).
- For full details of requirements and policies for Honors degree tracks, you can visit our Honors degree tracks page and use the Guide.
- We encourage current UW students to schedule an appointment with an Honors advisor.
If you are interested in Honors but unsure which path is the best fit for you, consider applying to join the Honors Program through Honors in the Liberal Arts. This helps you get connected with the Honors Program as soon as possible, and you can consider incorporating Honors experiences in different subjects. Honors advisors can support you in the process of defining your educational path and selecting courses that reflect your interests and goals.
Additional Program Opportunities
The L&S Honors Program offers students access to:
- small, discussion-driven courses and discussion sections led by faculty members and reserved for Honors Program students
- grants to financially support research experiences, study abroad, and community leadership projects
- a dedicated academic advising team that supports students throughout their undergraduate education
- informal dinners, workshops, and presentations for Honors students with faculty and staff from a variety of disciplines
- social and service events with other Honors Program students
Want to see examples of how students engage in the Honors Program? Check out recent issues of our annual newsletter.
Student Perspectives
Andreas Kyrvasilis
I am very grateful for my time at the Honors program. Honors undoubtedly enriched my academic experience by affording me access to smaller classes and helping me form connections with professors who then became my mentors. I also met some of my best friends in college through the Honors FIG. All in all, the Honors program was an integral part of my Wisconsin Experience!
Najhee Purdy
My Honors experience has allowed me to take classes outside of the Biochemistry major that has shaped me into the person I am today. My honors classes challenged me to think both critically and creatively about many of the current social, economic, and scientific issues within our society today. Most importantly, I have been able to make meaningful connections with faculty that will last long after graduation.
Elizabeth Wahmhoff
Joining the Honors program was one of the best decisions I made during my time at UW-Madison because it allowed me to go above and beyond in a wide variety of disciplines. While I am an English major, the Honors courses I took in the sciences were some of my favorites and I developed a passion for sustainability because of them. My Honors experience has made me a better thinker and a more rounded individual who is able to look at a problem from multiple perspectives.