University Honors Program
Achieve more. Explore deeper. Lead boldly.
If you're a high-achieving, curious student who wants more from your college experience, the University Honors Program may be right for you. You’ll take small, discussion-based classes, work closely with faculty mentors and join a supportive community that challenges you to think critically and lead with confidence.
What you’ll gain:
- Academic challenge: Complete 24 honors credits, including seminars and a senior capstone.
- Priority access: Register early and take honors-only classes.
- Career and research opportunities: Access undergraduate research, internships and travel.
- Personalized support: Receive one-on-one advising and earn honors recognition on your transcript.
Eligibility
- First-year students: 3.75 or higher high school GPA
- Transfer or current students: 3.5 or higher college GPA
- Show strong academic curiosity and writing ability
Steps to apply
- Submit a personal statement
- (Optional) Include a letter of recommendation
- ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ by Feb. 15 for priority consideration (rolling admissions after)
Honors program application and admission
Before you can apply to the Honors program, you must be admitted to ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥. Once you’re admitted, follow the application steps for your student type.
First-year, including international first-year applicants
The first-year application is for students who will be entering ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ following graduation from an accredited U.S. or international high school or those who have been home-schooled. If you have completed advanced placement or dual-credit courses, you should apply as a first-year applicant.
Applicant checklist
- Be admitted to ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥.
- Complete the , including:
- Unweighted cumulative high school GPA. (If un÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥, email honors@uidaho.edu.)
- Your SAT or ACT test score (optional).
- One high school writing sample. Upload as a Word document; Common App essays will not be accepted.
- Two additional short essays based on a choice of .
Essay prompts
You must submit two short essays (about 250 words each) with your application form. Make sure your essays are 12-point font, double-spaced and have 1-inch margins. You must submit either a Word document or PDF. Google Docs are not accepted.
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Transfer and current U of I student applicants
If you’ve taken college or university credits after graduating from high school, you’ll as a transfer or current U of I student.
Transfer students:
You’re eligible to apply if you’re transferring to ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ from a community college or another university.
Current U of I students:
You can apply after completing at least one full-time semester at U of I. For example, if you started as a first-year student in the fall, you’d be eligible to apply once fall grades are posted and after meeting with Honors staff.
Applicant checklist
- Complete the .
- Submit previous college or university transcripts to ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥.
- Have a cumulative transfer or U of I GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Participate in a with Honors Program staff to review completed coursework.
Deadlines
To ensure timely enrollment in honors courses, your application and two compositions should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester you wish to start.
All admitted students are automatically considered for honors scholarships and do not need to submit a separate scholarship application.
Admission decision
Admission notifications will be sent by email within two weeks of a completed application.
Let's get started
You’ll stand out in the job market and graduate school with the distinction and experience that comes from Honors.Â
Quick links
Your Honors experience
As an honors student, you’ll belong to a close-knit community that helps you grow inside and outside the classroom.
- Live with other honors students in the Honors Living Learning Community.
- Get involved through leadership, events and service projects.
- Build relationships with faculty members in small, engaging classes.
- Develop real-world skills through research, professional development and global learning.
Honors courses
Fall 2025 Honors courses
- Registration details: CRN – 47366, Section No.14
- Registration details: CRN – 47964, Section No.31
- Registration details: CRN – 47438, Section No.02
- Registration details: CRN – 47445, Section No.02
- Registration details: CRN – 50336, Section No.02
- Registration details: CRN – 47467, Section No.02
- Registration details: CRN – 48800, Section No.04
- Registration details: CRN – 49189, Section No.03
- Registration details: CRN – 48810, Section No.04
- Registration details: CRN – 47688, Section No.02
- Registration details: CRN – 48851, Section No.01
- Registration details: CRN – 48846, Section No.01
- Registration details: CRN – 48850, Section No.01
- Registration details: CRN – 49712, Section No.02
- Registration details: CRN – 47534, Section No.02
- Registration details: CRN – 48784, Section No.07
- Registration details: CRN – 49027, Section No.02
- Registration details: CRN – 49024, Section No.02
- Registration details: CRN – 48329, Section No.10
- Registration details: CRN – 48378, Section No.02
- Registration details: CRN – 48844, Section No.05
Contact University Honors Program
You can connect with the main office by email at honors@uidaho.edu and phone at 208‑885‑6141.
Meet our people
Sandra Reineke
Director and associate professor of political science
Diane Carter
University Honors Program associate director
ISUB 327
Elisabeth Meyer
University Honors Program specialist
ISUB 315C
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the University Honors Program?
Admission review for first-year applicants right out of high school is based on a holistic approach, including an unweighted high school GPA, one high school writing sample and two short essay responses to Honors Program writing prompts. Applicants must be admitted to ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ before they apply online to the Honors Program.
Transfer and current students must have an GPA of 3.5 and meet with Honors Program staff to determine if they have enough university credit hours remaining to be able to complete the program.
Once admitted to the University Honors Program, how do I remain in it or what are the requirements?
Students who were admitted to the program for fall semester 2021 or later must complete a minimum of 21 Honors credits before graduating. Students may use a maximum of two Honors Program Course Contracts towards the Honors credit hour requirement. Students must also complete one engaged learning experience from the approved list and maintain a U of I cumulative 3.3 GPA.
Does the University Honors Program offer its own courses and, if so, what types of courses?
Honors Program coursework counts towards students’ degrees. Students are not required to take any additional courses. The courses are small, discussion-based and taught by select faculty members.
Can students in the University Honors Program pursue any area of study?
The University Honors Program curriculum satisfies many general education requirements, and students from all colleges participate.
Does the University Honors Program offer scholarships?
All first-year student applicants are automatically considered for Honors Program scholarships and do not need to apply again for scholarships. The scholarships are renewed up to three times if GPA and program standards are met.
Does the University Honors Program offer housing options?
Honors students may apply to live on campus in McCoy Hall or the Honors Living Learning Community.
Does it cost extra to be in the University Honors Program?
It does not cost more to be a student in the Honors Program.
What are the benefits of being in the University Honors Program?
The benefits include studying in small, discussion-based Honors classes, priority registration for classes regardless of major and year, personalized advising, undergraduate research funding, Honors housing and numerous academic and cultural opportunities.
Make connections
Fill out this form to connect with a current Honors student.