"Opportunities for the Intellectually Adventurous"
Join a diverse community of aspiring scholars who share a passion for learning and the desire to expand their personal and academic horizons.
Student's Spot
"...this program will invigorate every second of your scholastic experience!"
-James Lew, Honors Club President
The Honors Program Philosophy and Goals
Designed for highly motivated students, the San Diego Mesa College Honors Program encourages the cultivation of curiosity and makes possible the exploration of ideas and subjects beyond customary coursework and programs. Honors students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty through study in designated Honors courses, and through flexible independent study programs designed to augment standard curriculum. The Honors Program helps students develop the ability to create and to engage in special intellectual challenges, and promotes an enthusiastic learning environment among a community of faculty and students.
Honors Program Eligibility
If you are a self-directed student or feel you have the potential to successfully engage in a richer, more complex course of study, the Honors Program offers you tremendous opportunities. Enrolling in an Honors course or fulfilling an Honors contract allows you to explore your intellectual potential and to enhance your learning capacities.
You may apply to the Honors Program online at https://studentweb.sdccd.edu/honors/ . Eligibility requirements for the Honors Program are listed below. Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the Honors Coordinators and the Honors Program Dean.
First Semester Students
- One of the following is recommended:
- High School GPA of 3.5, or GPA of 3.0 with letters of recommendation from two former teachers
- SAT score of 1650 or ACT score of 25, and qualifying college placement test scores
- Mesa College faculty recommendation and approval from an Honors Coordinator
Continuing Students
Students who have completed at least twelve units of college-level coursework should have an overall GPA of 3.25.
Honors Course vs. Honors Contract
Courses
Honors courses are offered each semester in a variety of subject areas, and are listed in the Schedule of Classes. Honors courses vary according to discipline, but all intend to increase the range and depth of the learning experience by stimulating the use of strong critical thinking skills, generating lively discussion, facilitating student collaboration, and teaching advanced research and writing skills. See a current listing of Honors courses.
Contracts
You can potentially turn almost ANY class into an Honors Class by utilizing an Honors Contract. (Exceptions: online courses, summer and short-term courses). An Honors Contract provides students and faculty the flexibility to design a syllabus for an honors level course of independent study to be completed in conjunction with fulfilling the requirements of almost any class. Students meet regularly with their instructor to discuss their work, and Honors credit is noted on their transcript.
To Establish an Honors Contract
Honors Contracts must be created and submitted early in the semester, so it is vital to plan ahead. First, discuss your interest in establishing an Honors contract with your instructor either before or during the first week of classes. Be prepared to explain why you are interested in pursuing additional study in this course. If the instructor is willing to create a contract with you, schedule an appointment to create the Honors Syllabus. Obtain an Honors Contract Form from the Honors Office. You and the instructor will complete the syllabus and the form and return those materials to the Honors Program Coordinator for approval.