Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications is the Honors program looking for in prospective students?Northeastern University automatically reviews the top 10% of the incoming freshmen class for admittance into the Honors program. The reviewed qualifications include high school academic record/GPA and SAT/ACT scores.
Is there a separate application for the Honors program?
No, decisions are based on the general application the student sends to the university, which is then reviewed by admissions. Students may be considered for the Honors program if they fall within the top 10% of the incoming freshmen class.
How many students are currently in the Honors program?
As of the fall semester 2009, there are a total of 1,421 honors students.
How do Honors courses differ from regular courses at Northeastern?
Honors courses feature smaller class sizes and more in-depth discussion of course content. Honors sections of regular classes meet the requirements for Northeastern's core curriculum. In addition, the First Year Inquiry Series is designed for first-year Honors students. These courses cover a wide range of interdisciplinary topics. Honors seminars for upper-class students meet once a week, similar to a graduate course, and are more focused on classroom discussion than lecturing.
How many Honors classes are students required to take?In order to receive Honors Course Distinction, students must take a total of six honors courses, one of which must be an Honors Interdisciplinary seminar, before graduating.
Are Honors students required to do a thesis or research project in order to graduate?
Honors students are encouraged to do a Junior/Senior project, conducted with the support of a faculty member in the student's major. Each college has specific requirements for Honors projects; and the student should consult with an Honors faculty advisor or college Honors liaison. The Junior/Senior project is not required as part of the program, but it is highly encouraged. A student who completes a project successfully according to college requirements will receive Junior/Senior Project Distinction upon graduating.
Do Honors students have to maintain a certain GPA to be part of the program?
Honors students must maintain a 3.4 GPA to remain in good standing. Entering first year students who participate in Honors coursework will have both fall and spring semesters to achieve the required cumulative 3.4 GPA. First year students who do not have a 3.4 GPA but have at least a 3.0 GPA at the end of the spring semester of their first year will be put on probation for two academic semesters. Those first year students who have a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 at the end of the spring semester will no longer be eligible to participate in the Honors Program. Upper class students must maintain a 3.4 GPA to remain in good standing.
Where are Honors students placed for housing during their first year?
First-year honors students have the option of living in guaranteed Honors housing as part of the Honors Living Learning Community. The two main residence halls are International Village (INV) for first year students and West Village F (WVF) for upper class students.
What is a Living Learning Community?
A Living Learning Community or LLC is a community in a residence hall where students share a common theme or academic interest. There are twelve different LLCs to choose from, and the Honors program holds one of them. LLCs have programs and events that are specifically planned for that community. LLCs are a great place to live, and an easy place to make friends, since you already have a common interest.
To find out more information about Living Learning Communities please visit the Center for University Life website, www.neu.edu/reslife.