Program Overview

Introduction to the McBride Honors Program

The McBride Honors Program at the Colorado School of Mines is a 21-credit upper-level Honors program that leads to an Honors Minor in Public Affairs. The program is designed for students who want to explore the world in all its facets, with all its marvelous complexity, and develop valuable skill sets that will help them succeed in their future careers.

Applying to the McBride Honors Program

To apply to the McBride Honors Program, students must submit an application and participate in a follow-up interview with a mix of McBride faculty and student directors. The application process is competitive, and admission is contingent upon space available and academic performance.

Requirements for Admission

• Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.9 to be admitted and remain in the program.
• Students must also maintain a 3.0 GPA in all their McBride coursework.
• Students who fall below these standards will be given a probationary semester to get their grades up.
• There is also an appeal process to petition to remain in the program.

Scheduling and Credits

The McBride Honors Program requires 21 credit hours of Honors coursework. Students typically take six Honors seminars, one per semester for three years, which fulfill all of their HASS requirements except NHV. In addition, McBride students must fulfill a three-credit practicum requirement.

Impact on Course Schedule

• McBride courses usually meet on Wednesday evenings, from 6:00-9:00 pm.
• Students should plan on taking an Honors course at that time every semester from their sophomore to their senior year.
• Students will also need to set aside time to fulfill the three-credit practicum requirement.

McBride Classes

McBride classes are taught in a seminar format, which puts the focus on students to master the material and develop their skills through reading, writing, research, and discussion.

Writing Intensive

• Every McBride class puts significant emphasis on helping students hone and refine their writing skills.
• Faculty members put extra effort into helping all students improve, from the first seminar to the last.

Seminar Style

• Most McBride courses are taught as seminars, which are small classes devoted to exploring ideas through discussion and debate.
• Students are expected to take responsibility for their own educations, to work diligently, and to work independently.

Other Opportunities

The McBride Honors Program offers various opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning, such as study abroad programs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.

Study Abroad

• McBride students are encouraged to study abroad, but it is not a requirement.
• The program offers special awards to facilitate foreign educational experiences.

Awards and Scholarships

The McBride Honors Program offers various awards and scholarships to its students, including:

• Honors Enrichment Awards
• Phillips 66 awards
• Additional $1000 awards for students in the First Year Honors Experience
• Awards for the top two sophomores, juniors, and seniors
• A campus citizenship award
• Honors Writing Center Fellowships
• Honors Teaching Assistantships

Benefits of the McBride Honors Program

The McBride Honors Program helps students develop valuable skill sets, such as critical thinking, writing, and communication skills, which are essential for success in their future careers. Having the word "Honors" on their resume and transcript can also give students an advantage in the job market.