Academic Resources
The life of the mind is never ordinary. Stimulate yours with extraordinary Honors experiences at the University of Delaware. We provide our students with the programs, quality of teaching, and special opportunities to stretch their minds to the limit. At the intellectual heart of the Delaware campus is the Honors Program. Competition for a spot in the Program is fierce. The Honors Program and Honors courses provide a unique academic experience available for the intellectually curious student who is up for the challenge.
The University Honors Program
Honors attracts a diverse group of students who become full participants in the life of the campus and at the same time create their own vibrant community. In Honors housing, students gather to study, exchange ideas, or plan trips to museums in New York or Baltimore. About half have been involved in the arts. Some continue to pursue the arts through private lessons or participation in University Band or amateur theatre groups. A quarter of the Honors Program student population were involved in athletics in high school. Most have at least one strong nonacademic interest, and many have done significant volunteer work in their communities. Quite a few represent the student leadership on campus once they enroll at the University of Delaware.
Smaller classes are a key feature of the Program. Generally limited to 20-25 students, Honors courses thrive on the give-and-take of class discussion. The outstanding faculty who teach these classes expect active participation in learning. Your work will be evaluated by professors who have higher expectations and who are mentors as well as teachers.
Honors students can major in any academic discipline offered by the University of Delaware. In the freshman year students take half of their coursework in Honors. After their freshman year, students are expected to work toward Honors forms of recognition, including the General Honors Award, the Honors Degree, or the Honors Degree with Distinction.
The University Honors Program is highly selective, but does not rely on any single academic criterion. We recognize a broad range of excellence. Last year, most of the students were in the top 5% of their high school graduating class, and nearly all were in the top 10%. Fifty-one were valedictorian or salutatorian. The middle 50% had SAT scores between 1990 and 2130 and high school GPAs between 3.80 and 4.00 on a 4-point scale.
Applicants to the Honors Program receive automatic consideration for merit scholarships (However, applying to Honors is not a requirement for receiving a scholarship). Nearly all of the freshmen who enroll in the Honors Program receive some kind of scholarship support.
More InformationTo learn more about other aspects of the Honors Program, see the Honors Program website. Under applying to UD, see also the Honors Program section.
Summer College for HS Sophomores & Juniors
Summer College is an exclusive opportunity for academically talented High School Sophomores and Juniors to live and learn on one of the most beautiful college campuses on the East Coast. During the Summer College program, students live together in a University residence hall, take courses for college credit, and enjoy the independence and excitement that can only be found at a top national university. Summer College is overseen by the University Honors Program. Check back soon for upcoming dates for the Summer College program.
Participating in Summer College will give you a competitive edge. Selective institutions, like the University of Delaware, are interested in students who demonstrate the ability to succeed in college-level work in an independent environment. Summer College students benefit from the exposure to the rigors of UD course offerings and announce their interest in UD by spending five fascinating weeks with us during the summer. Find out more about Summer College and apply today!