University Honors College Curriculum

University Honors students at UAA have a unique and challenging educational experience to provide the right start to their academic careers. The program curriculum is a total of 16 credits over three to four years. 

Honors Core Program Requirements

During their first three years of studies, students complete the Honors Foundation requirements (HNRS 192, HNRS 292, and HNRS 310) as well as HNRS 392. Successful completion of the Honors Foundation requirements will satisfy 3 credits of Humanities and 3 credits of Social Sciences under the General Education Requirements.  HNRS 392 prepares students for in-depth individual research, and in their senior year, University Honors students have a variety of capstone experiences to choose from.

To satisfy the Honors thesis requirement, a student may choose to take the Senior Honors Seminar (HNRS 490), Honors Thesis/Project (HNRS 499), or combine an Independent Study (HNRS 497) with an Honors Thesis/Project (HNRS 499). In addition, students who choose to do a senior thesis/project in their discipline may substitute up to 6.0 credits to satisfy senior Honors requirements.

Curricular Emphasis Programs

In addition to the Honors Core Program, students can elect a curricular emphasis within the Honors Curriculum.  For students interested in the sciences and engineering, the Natural and Complex Systems (NCS) Program is an excellent choice.  For students interested in Alaskan History and Politics, as well as leadership, the Forty-Ninth State Fellows Program provides invaluable opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.    

The Natural and Complex Systems (NCS) Program includes additional courses that focus on scientific, research-based projects that integrate student work across the Natural, Physical, Engineering, Mathematical, and Computer Sciences. This option is open to honors students in all disciplines but is targeted particularly toward students in science-oriented degrees. Honors students may take courses in the NCS Program if they meet the course prerequisites.

The Forty-Ninth State Fellows Program includes additional curriculum in democratic institutions and leadership. Focusing on politics, history, and Alaska, it consists of selected courses, weekly tutorials, and extracurricular activities. Note: Admissions for the 2012-2013 academic year have been suspended.