Why Honors?

The University Honors Program at DU brings together students, faculty, and staff who are curious, engaged, and enthusiastic about learning and the world around them. At no additional cost, we are proud to offer our students a range of courses that fulfil Honors and DU Common Curriculum requirements, on and off campus events, dedicated Honors Advisors, and more. 

Explore the benefits below to see what makes Honors at DU different—and why our students choose to join.

Botanic Gardens Field Trip

Enriched Curriculum

Our program works to support students’ entire academic wellbeing, and that starts by helping them take advantage of the resources at DU and building a sense of curiosity about opportunities and pathways that are available. The Honors Sequence—a three-part course requirement—allows students to explore their curiosities embrace the unknown, and take intellectual risks. Grounded in reflection and designed to align with their passions, students receive the tools and freedom to define what success truly looks like for them. Further, students complete additional small, discussion-based courses (some of which simultaneously fulfill about half of DU’s Common Curriculum) taught by DU’s top faculty as they pursue graduation. 

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Research and Scholarly Work

Have a question you can’t stop thinking about, or a topic you’re eager to explore more deeply? Each Honors student has the opportunity to explore questions or experiences that matter to them by achieving distinction in their major (a requirement for receiving University Honors). While specific requirements for distinction vary by major, Honors students are supported by faculty mentors, peer mentors, and Honors advising—no prior experience with independent study is necessary! 

Learn more about Student Research and Creativity at DU, including grand funding and mentorship here. 

We also partner with the DU Undergraduate Research Journal, which is a biannual, peer-reviewed publication of research articles from all undergraduate disciplines. The journal staff is comprised entirely of DU undergraduate students and works in conjunction with the Undergraduate Research Association to promote academic research across all disciplines. Many Honors students have published their work with DUURJ, and many more are involved with its editorial team.

Students attending a show

Connection and Community

We know Honors students work hard, but we believe the college experience is also about balance. Each quarter our students have a range of on and off-campus events to participate in, at no extra cost. Love sports? Join us for a Nuggets or Rockies game. Love live theater? Join us for a show in downtown Denver. We also know that food draws a crowd and host dozens of events each year, like brunch, taco bars, and ice cream socials, where students can grad a bite and connect with one another. While we typically see high attendance, all events are optional. 

Want to get to know our community? Head to @du_honors on Instagram!

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Additional Perks

  • The Honors Residential Experience

    Enjoy the benefit of living among a network of peers who are also participating in the University Honors Program. Our program hosts two Honors floors specifically designed for first-year students, located in Dimond Family Residential Village and Johnson-McFarlane Hall for the 26-27 academic year (specific buildings subject to change year to year). We encourage incoming students to live on a Honors floor, but is not a requirement. Students can indicate a preference for living on an Honors floor after admittance to the program.

  • Priority Registration

    As an Honors student, you’ll have priority registration, giving you earlier access to classes and more flexibility when building your schedule.

    Each quarter, you’ll receive a registration time ticket with the date and time you can register for the upcoming quarter. Honors students should check their time ticket before registration opens to make sure their priority status is reflected.

  • Build What Comes Next

    Honors gives you the tools, support, and opportunities to make the most of your time at DU. Through Honors-specific workshops, you can plan your four years and explore your academic and professional goals. Get an introduction to the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowship Advising, which connects students with fellowships, graduate school opportunities, and other ways to take their goals further.

    Want to get involved? Lead and shape the Honors community through the Honors Student Association, Peer Mentorship, or Honors Council.