Program Overview

College of Arts & Sciences Honors Programs

The College of Arts & Sciences Honors Programs at Suffolk University offer a unique opportunity for students to pursue knowledge on a whole new level, while enjoying special opportunities to learn, bond with fellow honors students, and present research at national honors conferences across the country.

Program Overview

The academic journey begins with the Honors Community Scholars Program, where students spend their first two years in the University Honors Program taking classes that challenge them to think critically and apply their studies to the world around them. At the end of their sophomore year, students can apply to the highly selective Honors in the Major Program. If selected, students spend their third and fourth years refining their academic focus and developing a signature project to share at the annual honors symposium.

Program Structure

• The Honors Community Scholars Program is designed for the first two years of study.
• The Honors in the Major Program is available for students in their third and fourth years.
  • Students must apply to the Honors in the Major Program at the end of their sophomore year.
  • The program involves further refining academic focus and developing a signature project.

Community and Resources

• The College of Arts & Sciences offers a Honors Living Learning Community (LLC) where students can get to know their peers.
• Students can attend LLC events throughout the year.
• The college provides special academic advising to help students map out and maximize their course of study.
• Students can hone their leadership skills by serving on the Honors Council or as an Honors Ambassador for prospective students.
• Career advice is available from honors alums who have achieved professional success.

Faculty and Mentorship

• Suffolk faculty members are student-centered and dedicated to promoting student success.
• Honors students can engage in intellectual conversations with faculty mentors in their classrooms.
• The college offers Facul-Teas, special events where faculty share insights into academic subjects they are passionate about.
• A full calendar of visiting scholars is available each semester to speak to the honors community.

Honors Contract System

The honors contract system allows a student to take any regular course and work with a faculty member to take the course requirements and expectations to the honors level. The system involves:

• Completing an application form, which includes:
  • Student information
  • Professor information
  • Description of how the student plans to satisfy the three components of contracting
• The three components of contracting are:
  1. A substantial paper or project (15-20 page research paper or a project of equivalent time/effort)
  2. Sharing knowledge/skills/experiences gained through part 1 with a larger audience
  3. Regular contact with the faculty member outside of class to discuss the student's progress and answer questions regarding the paper/project

Alumni Spotlights

The college features alumni spotlights, showcasing the achievements and experiences of honors program graduates, such as:

• Lauren Muro-Belandria, who worked towards global cultural understanding through the Fulbright Program's English teaching assistant award.
• Maggie Randall, who has never shied from the call of public service, whether volunteering on a wildland fire crew or working as chief of staff for a Massachusetts state senator.
• Marley Belanger, whose rich and varied undergraduate experience led to an equally rich and varied career.
• Andrew Brown, who found a dream job as a College of Arts & Sciences Honors Program alumnus.