University Honors Current Students

Freshmen Level Classes (Students take all four classes) 

FALL

HON 1100 Writing Rhetorically (3 units)*

Concentrated composition course for first-year Honors students. Examines the ways written language functions in various contexts. Students will conduct research and draw upon critical readings of texts to develop their own arguments, as well as examine and use rhetorical strategies that respond to different situations. Satisfies GE requirement A2, Written Communication.

HON 1200 Thinking Critically (3 units)

Analysis of various kinds of reasoning employed in everyday life and in more specialized contexts, to develop each student's skill in understanding and using carefully constructed arguments. Illustrations will include materials drawn from contemporary issues. Satisfies GE requirement A3, Critical Thinking. Corresponds to HON 104B

SPRING

HON 1000 Constructing Knowledge (3 units)*

An exploration of the ways in which knowledge is constructed and the active role individuals play in the creation of their own learning. Satisfies GE requirement E, Foundation Seminar.

HON 1300 Communicating Orally (3 units)

Introduction to effective speech communication with emphasis on thinking about the decisions that are made to construct informative and persuasive presentations that are rhetorically and visually engaging. Satisfies GE requirement A1, Oral Communication. Corresponds to HON 104C.

*HON 1000 and 1100 are required for the University Honors Program. Previous credit for these courses (AP, Dual Enrollment, etc) does not fulfill the requirement for the program.

Optional Sophomore Level classes (neither is a program requirement)

HIST 1460H: American Civilization—Honors (3 units)

Examination of historical development of the fundamental values of the American culture and the influences of these in selected areas of American life through reading and discussion of original documents and secondary scholarship. Satisfies GE requirement D, US History.

PSCI 2030H: American Government—Honors (3 units)

Examination of the political structure and processes of the American governmental system, including study of primary documents. This course meets the state code requirements in U.S. Constitution and state and local government. Satisfies GE category D in American Government.

Junior-Level Interdisciplinary Experience (students take one pair of courses)

*Transfer Student curriculum begins here.

FALL

HON 4100 Senior Research Workshop (1 unit)

Workshop designed to advance progress on students' individual research theses. Students will meet to discuss research strategies and challenges and to review each other’s' work.

FALL or SPRING (one of the following pairs)

HON 3100/3150 Natural Sciences & Humanities (3 units each, concurrent enrollment)

Inquiry into a discrete scientific topic integrative with study of that topic's subject matter in the Humanities. Satisfies GE requirements B, Upper Division Scientific Inquiry, and C.

HON 3200/3250 Social Sciences & Natural Sciences (3 units each, concurrent enrollment)

Inquiry into a discrete scientific topic integrative with study related social scientific issues. Satisfies GE requirements B, Upper Division Scientific Inquiry, and D, Upper Division Social Science.

HON 3300/3350 Social Sciences & Humanities (3 units each, concurrent enrollment)

Inquiry into a discrete social scientific topic integrative with study of that topic's subject matter in the Humanities. Satisfies GE requirements D, Upper Division Social Science, and C.

Senior-Level Project Support Workshops

SPRING

HON 4500 Senior Research Symposium (1 unit)

Workshop designed to complete senior theses and project and to prepare students for presentation of work. Students will review one another's work, collaborate on the planning of the Spring Symposium, and workshop their presentations.

Honors Course or Independent Study in the Major (3 units)

This course will be the place for completion of the senior research project.

Freshmen Level Classes (Students take all four classes)

FALL

HON 1100 Writing Rhetorically (3 units)

Concentrated composition course for first-year Honors students. Examines the ways written language functions in various contexts. Students will conduct research and draw upon critical readings of texts to develop their own arguments, as well as examine and use rhetorical strategies that respond to different situations. Satisfies GE requirement A2, Written Communication.

HON 1200 Thinking Critically (3 units)

Analysis of various kinds of reasoning employed in everyday life and in more specialized contexts, to develop each student's skill in understanding and using carefully constructed arguments. Illustrations will include materials drawn from contemporary issues. Satisfies GE requirement A3, Critical Thinking. Corresponds to HON 104B

SPRING

HON 1300 Communicating Orally (3 units)

Introduction to effective speech communication with emphasis on thinking about the decisions that are made to construct informative and persuasive presentations that are rhetorically and visually engaging. Satisfies GE requirement A1, Oral Communication. Corresponds to HON 104C.

HON 1000 Constructing Knowledge (3 units)

An exploration of the ways in which knowledge is constructed and the active role individuals play in the creation of their own learning. Satisfies GE requirement E, Foundation Seminar.

Optional Sophomore Level classes (neither is a program requirement)

HIST 1460H: American Civilization—Honors (3 units)

Examination of historical development of the fundamental values of the American culture and the influences of these in selected areas of American life through reading and discussion of original documents and secondary scholarship. Satisfies GE requirement D, US History.

PSCI 2030H: American Government—Honors (3 units)

Examination of the political structure and processes of the American governmental system, including study of primary documents. This course meets the state code requirements in U.S. Constitution and state and local government. Satisfies GE category D in American Government.

Junior and Senior Level Classes

Nursing Students follow a different curriculum path than our First-Year Cohort Curriculum for their upper division classes. More information will be added soon.

To maintain membership in the University Honors Program, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3.

Academic Probation

When students’ GPAs fall below that threshold, probation procedures are put into effect. Students on probationary status will be given one academic year to increase their GPAs to the program minimum.

The probation process is as follows:

1. GPA checks are conducted by Program Counselor after each semester;
2. Students below the required 3.3 program minimum GPA are notified by email of probation status;
3. Probation students are required to schedule an appointment with the Program Counselor;
4. A Probation Contract will be reviewed and signed by both the student and the Program Counselor;
5. Check-ins will continue with the Program Counselor each semester until the student is either removed from probation OR;
6. Should the student not raise the GPA above the program minimum, the student will meet with the Director for dismissal and next steps.

A Note about Honors in the Major

While the University Honors Program sets 3.3 as its minimum cumulative GPA, some majors require students to maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA to participate in honors in the major programs. Membership in the University Honors Program does not automatically qualify students for participation in major-specific honors programs. Completion of an honors research or creative project in the major is required of students wishing to receive transcript notations of completing the requirements of the University Honors Program.

Under Construction

Description

All University Honors Students must complete a Senior Project. It can be completed through either the department Honors Program in your discipline, interdisciplinary, or through an independent study in the University Honors Program. The Senior Project may take various forms depending on your discipline. As you develop your project, you should seek out a mentor in your discipline who can advise and support you as you undertake the work. The mentor must be a full-time faculty member who possesses expertise in the subject who is willing and able to provide criticism and direction. If you believe a mentor who does not fit this description is important, discuss your reasons with the program Director. The mentor will be expected to evaluate the final project.

Types of Projects

Whatever form the project takes, it should be a demanding exercise (3 units = roughly 140 clock hours of work) and the resulting presentation should demonstrate in depth skill and understanding of the topic you choose. As you begin to explore possibilities, you should think in terms of finding an approach, idea, or project that excites you and will provide a stimulating research experience. If it isn’t exciting, then it will likely not hold your interest. It is never too early to begin exploring possibilities. Your project should be attendant to the conventions of written and oral presentation that are particular to the discipline. Your mentor can be helpful there, too, but HON 4100, and 4500 will begin to equip you to identify these conventions for yourself.

You may also need to consider issues of funding. The Honors Program does not have a budget to support Honors Projects. If your project requires funds for materials, research travel, or any other potential expenses, you will need to locate funds. The program staff are happy to suggest potential sources, but you may begin by examining whether professional and disciplinary associations have grant monies for undergraduate research. The National Science Foundation, for example, may have small grants, but you would need to apply for funds, which can be a lengthy process

If you are conducting research that involves human subjects, you will also need to go through the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process, which requires completion of forms. IRB ensures that research with human subjects is conducted ethically and can be a time-consuming process, so plan accordingly.

Junior Year Activities

In the junior year, the University Honors Program will begin to prepare you to initiate their project. At the Junior Class Retreat, during the winter intersession, you will be instructed in the steps necessary to undertake the project. Topics of the retreat will include:

Conceptualizing a project idea

Identifying and approaching a faculty mentor

Understanding the project requirements

Defining disciplinary conventions

In your junior year, you will plan your project in the spring semester. That planning will culminate in the submission of a project proposal. The proposal form can be located at this link: Proposal Form. The proposal is due by the end of week 15 of the spring semester. You should work with your faculty mentor as your complete the proposal ask your faculty mentor to review it before submission to the Honors Program Director.

Senior Year Activities

In the senior year, you will work on and complete your project. You do so by enrolling in an independent study or honors course in your major. You should follow the guidance of the department in which your are working regarding what course is appropriate. Work on the project may require activity throughout the senior year, even though the independent study or honors course is for a single semester.

You are also required to enroll in two 1-unit workshops, taking one in the fall semester and the other in the spring semester. In the fall semester, you will learn about research and inquiry in a workshop that promotes awareness of the assumptions and conventions that define your project and methodologies. In the spring semester, you will learn about the various ways in which research is presented (in both oral and written forms) and will identify the conventions that define presentations in your particular discipline.

You are required to complete two components of the project:

• a written document that meets the conventions of the particular discipline and that is due by the end of week 15 in the spring semester;
• an oral or poster presentation as appropriate to the discipline, which can be presented at Meeting of the Minds, CSUSB's student research symposium, or any other conference.

Your faculty mentor should email the Honors Program Director to communicate that they approve your final project when you submit it to the Director.

Counseling and Psychological Services

For students seeking psychological support, either through one-on-one counseling or through groups organized around different particular interests, CAPS provides students with a variety of options for tending to their personal well-being.

Career Center

The Career Center at California State University, San Bernardino empowers students and recent alumni to develop a lifelong skillset for an ever-changing labor market through exploration, programming, and experiential learning opportunities to meet their personal and professional goals.

Handshake

CSUSB Handshake is a 24/7 online platform that empowers students to navigate their unique path to success. CSUSB Handshake offers tools for personal exploration and growth such as assessments, internships, interviewing, professional communication skills, networking, job posting, and so much more.

Academic Services & Advising

Advising and Academic Services provides guidance to undergraduate students throughout their academic journey by assisting them in making informed decisions that support their academic, personal, and career goals.

Office of Student Engagement

The Office of Student Engagement supports and encourages student success through curricular and co-curricular opportunities that foster a holistic collegiate experience. The office can assist students in finding club opportunities and other co-curricular activities on campus.

Office of Community Engagement

The Office of Community Engagement facilitates service learning, community-based research and volunteer service by engaging students, faculty and community partners in collaborative partnerships that serve the public good. We lead the university-wide culture of community engagement as a high impact practice that contributes to student success.

Affinity Centers

The CSUSB Affinity Centers are located in the San Manuel Student Union and offer additional support to a wide variety of students identities.

Advising in honors is not only to support your academic endeavors but also your career goals through inquiry, exploration, and application.

Goals of Honors Advising:

• Empower students with the autonomy to align their purpose with their major and career goals.
• Create educational plans based on strengths, abilities, aspirations, interests, and values.
• Help students uncover research interests that add innovative scholarship and knowledge to their academic discipline.
• Draw correlations between curricular and co-curricular experiences to enhance academic learning and career trajectory.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Appointment Procedures & Guidelines:

When signing up for an appointment, choose:

Academic Advising OR University Studies >

Select Appointment Type >

Honors Program 

Schedule an Appointment with the Program Counselor

*If Honors Program does not appear under appointment type, please email honors@csusb.edu with:

Subject line:  "Honors Program not listed for Advising Appointment"

To include in body of email: First and last name, student ID number, brief statement for purpose of meeting.

A variety of organizations offer funding for undergraduates to participate in research. Some of these are discipline-specific while others are more open to a range of fields. Below are a list of examples, but this is hardly exhaustive. Explore other options by talking to faculty in your major. Take a look at our Summer Research page to learn about what some of our CSUSB Honors Program students have done with some of these programs.

The National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates*

Provides fellowships for undergraduates to participate in scientific research at different sites around the country.

The APA Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity Grant*

Funds undergraduates, who have little to no laboratory experience, to be research assistants in a real laboratory setting.

The Environmental Protection Agency*

Offers the Greater Research Opportunities Undergraduate Fellowships to juniors and seniors. Fellows will be given the opportunity to research in their field, including the physical, biological health, and social sciences, as well as engineering. This fellowship allows students to work in EPA facilities and laboratories and enhance their undergraduate education and experience.

The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program*

Designed for sophomores who are committed to be future professors who could address the educational consequences of racial and ethnic imbalance in higher education.

The New Science Summer Fellowship Program*

Gives undergraduate researchers the opportunity to pursue proof-of-concept research projects based on ideas that are either too early to be funded by a traditional grant, or otherwise fall outside the scope of typically funded research.

The Amgen Scholars*

Sponsors students to undertake research projects under some of the top faculty in 17 leading institutions in science and biotechnology.

Humanity in Action*

Provides strong fellowships for summer study abroad on topics concerning tolerance for minorities and promotion of democratic values in developing countries.

The Boren Scholarships/Fellowships*

Funds study abroad for undergrads and grads in ‘geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security,’ with ‘national security’ broadly defined. Informational videos for the Boren Scholarships/Fellowships can be found here.

William J. Clinton Fellowship for Service in India

Places young college grads with NGOs working in India to improve citizens’ lives in numerous areas.

Truman Scholarship Foundation*

Funds up to $30,000 for graduate study; selects approximately 60 juniors annually who have the potential to become “change agents” in many walks of life, such as education, government, and public administration. An informational video for the Truman Scholarship Foundation can be found here.

Rhodes Trust

Supports a second B.A. or graduate study in a wide array of fields at Oxford University, Oxford, England. Informational videos for the Rhodes Trust can be found here.

Gates-Cambridge

Supports graduate study in any field available at Cambridge University, England. Informational videos for Gates-Cambridge can be found here.

Marshall Fellowships

Supports graduate study in a wide array of fields at one of several universities in the UK, including Scotland.

Mitchell Scholarship

Supports graduate study in a wide array of fields at one of several universities in Ireland.

The James Madison Graduate Fellowships

Supports graduate study for educators intending to teach American history at the secondary level.

The DAAD, or German Academic Exchange Service*

Funds internships, research, and programs of study for undergrads and graduate students at one of over 300 German institutions of higher ed; largest such program in the world; no language requirement but lessons will be taught.

The Goldwater Scholarship*

Supports undergrad study in the junior and senior years for students in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

Gilman International Scholarship*

Supports 4 weeks or more of travel abroad for undergrads in any field; must be Pell Grant recipient.

The Woodrow Wilson Fellowship

Funds up to $30,000 for master’s-level study awarded to STEM majors who wish to teach at the secondary level; includes 3 years of mentoring, requires 3 years of teaching in a ‘high-need urban or rural secondary school in the state where the master’s work is done” (Indiana, Ohio, or Michigan, where the 17 participating universities are located). Students who “have demonstrably strong math and science backgrounds, if not a STEM major per se, may also be considered.”

SMART (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) Scholarship*

Funds undergrad and graduate study in the sciences, math, and engineering; requires 1 year of research for the Department of Defense for each year of study funded.

Rotary International*

Funds summer travel and/or graduate study in up to 80 countries, irrespective of major.

Institute for Public Policy*

Funds minority students from their sophomore year all the way through grad school, preparing them to participate in the global economy.

The Fogarty International Center

Provides funding to perform research and to train researchers in a variety of global health areas. Through these extensive programs, Fogarty and its partners throughout the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are working to build sustainable research capacity in low- and middle-income countries.

Global Health Corps

Works to train the leaders of tomorrow in global health issues; places fellows in specific locations and partner institutions abroad.

Humboldt Foundation Chancellor Fellowships*

Funds a research project undertaken in Germany for professionals in economics (among other areas) who have at least the undergrad degree in hand and some work experience; includes a mandatory 4-month language course.

The Udall Scholarship*

For sophomores and juniors “for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to American Indian nations or to the environment.”

Schwarzman Scholars

Provides Scholars with learning opportunities with leaders from China and the world through high-level interactions at lectures, an internship program, a mentors network, and intensive deep-dive travel seminars.

Critical Language Scholarship*

Provides a fully funded summer overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students.