Program Overview

The Honors College

The Honors College offers a unique learning experience for undergraduate students. The college provides a comprehensive curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and research programs.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes a range of courses, such as Human Situation and Programs & Minors. The Human Situation course explores the human experience and the complexities of the modern world.

Experiential Learning

The Experiential Learning program provides students with hands-on experience in various fields, including community engagement, research, and debate. The program includes the following components:

• Office of Community Engagement (OCE)
• Community Advocacy & Responsive Engagement (CARE)
• Community Health Workers Initiative (CHWI)
• Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement Designation (HCCE)
• Honors in Community Health (HICH)
• Honors Debate
• Learning Abroad/Away
• Undergrad Research

Undergrad Research & Major Awards

The Undergrad Research & Major Awards program recognizes and supports outstanding undergraduate research. The program includes:

• About: An introduction to the program
• Faculty Resources: Support for faculty members
• Honors Thesis: A comprehensive research project
• Major Awards: Recognition of outstanding research
• PBK & PKP: Honors societies
• Undergrad Research Programs: Various research opportunities

Global Bioethics: Engaging Rome with the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics & Human Rights

This learning abroad trip is designed to engage students with critical issues in bioethics and medical humanities from a global, cross-cultural perspective. The program includes:

• A site-based learning program in Rome
• Integration with the UNESCO Chair's ongoing initiatives
• Exposure to international research internships and graduate education opportunities

Trip Details

• Trip dates: May 15-24, 2026
• Course enrollment: Students must be enrolled in Global Bioethics HONS 3397H in Spring 2026 with Professor John Lunstroth
• Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students in all majors
• Cost: Estimated total cost between $4,500 and $4,800
• Funding: Opportunities for scholarships, including the Honors College Travel Scholarship and the International Education Scholarship

Trip Highlights

• Imperial Forum: Exploring ancient history and Greek and Roman ideas of personhood and identity
• Villa Borghese Museum: Discussing the nature of care, compassion, and classical ideals
• Vatican Museum: Reflecting on the relationship between art, spirit, and science
• St. Peter's Basilica: Exploring global bioethics, multicultural perspectives, and religious traditions

FAQ

• Visa requirements: US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Italy
• Passport requirements: Students are responsible for their own passports
• Safety: Italy is at a Level 2 travel advisory
• Accommodation: Students will stay in a hotel near the university
• Scholarships: Available through the UH Learning Abroad Office and the Honors College Travel scholarships
• Chaperones: Two faculty members, Dr. Ben Rayder and Dr. John Lunstroth, will accompany the trip
• Course enrollment: Required for trip participation, students must enroll in HONS 3397H Global Bioethics with Professor John Lunstroth