About Us
Where Curiosity Meets Excellence
The University of Louisville Honors Program creates a dynamic environment where ambitious students transform their academic journey into something extraordinary. Through small, discussion-based classes, personalized mentorship, and unique experiential learning opportunities, we help scholars across all disciplines dive deeper into their passions. Our community of over 1,500 students benefits from priority registration, specialized housing, research opportunities, and international experiences – all while maintaining the perfect balance of challenge and support to fuel their aspirations.
Connect with us
History & Mission
Established in 1982, the UofL Honors Program has grown from a small cohort of dedicated scholars to a thriving community of over 1,500 students. Our mission is to provide an exceptional undergraduate experience that combines the best aspects of a small liberal arts college with the resources and opportunities of a major research university. We strive to develop well-rounded leaders who think critically, engage globally, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Who we serve
Our program welcomes ambitious students from all academic disciplines - from engineering to fine arts, business to biology. We serve:
- First-year students seeking an enhanced college experience
- Transfer students ready to take their education to the next level
- Current UofL students looking to challenge themselves
- Students interested in research and graduate school preparation
- Future leaders eager to make global connections
The Honors Advantage
Beyond academics, our program is a gateway to transformative experiences. Through partnerships with faculty, community leaders, and global institutions, we offer:
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- Community engagement initiatives
- Professional development workshops
- Alumni networking events
- Leadership development programs
Frequently Asked Questions
The University Honors Program offers several key advantages to students:
- Priority course registration
- Access to exclusive Honors housing in Kurz Hall
- Small, discussion-based Honors courses (average class size: 18 students)
- Special first-year seminar experiences
- National and international travel opportunities
- Professional mentoring program
- Extended library privileges
- Access to Honors conferences and presentation opportunities
For First-Year Students:
- Apply to UofL first
- If you meet the GPA requirements, an Honors Program application will automatically appear in your New Cards Gateway checklist
- Complete the Honors application through the Gateway
For Current UofL or Transfer Students:
- Log into my.louisville.edu
- Return to this page
- Click the Application Information for Current/Transfer Students link. Note: This link will only work if you've logged into my.louisville.edu
Honors courses are designed to give you a more personalized and engaging academic experience. With classes capped at 25 students, you'll benefit from:
- More meaningful discussions and debates
- Closer relationships with professors and peers
- In-depth research opportunities
- Enhanced writing instruction
You'll find Honors courses across all programs and general education requirements, allowing you to choose classes that align with your interests and major.
After your freshman year, you can also enroll in our unique Honors Scholars Seminars. Limited to just 16 students, these interdisciplinary courses explore fascinating topics like:
- The impact of pop culture on society
- Environmental sustainability
- Current political events
- Global issues and perspectives
These seminars can count toward your upper-level requirements while offering an experience you won't find in traditional classes.
Honors courses are designed to be more engaging, not necessarily more difficult. Students often tell us they prefer Honors classes because they:
- Have more meaningful class discussions
- Build stronger connections with professors and classmates
- Dive deeper into interesting topics
- Develop stronger communication skills
While these courses may be more stimulating and thought-provoking, they're designed to challenge you in ways that inspire growth rather than simply add to your workload.
Absolutely! Our International Seminars are one of our most exciting offerings. These unique experiences combine a semester of in-depth study with subsidized international travel. Imagine:
- Exploring Darwin's theories in the Galapagos Islands
- Studying ancient art in Greece
- Discovering traditional culture in Japan
- Experiencing South African townships firsthand
- Following Tolkien's inspiration through New Zealand
We also offer National Seminars exploring destinations across North America, from Broadway in New York City to environmental studies in the Everglades.
The best part? Most travel expenses are subsidized by the University of Louisville, making these once-in-a-lifetime experiences more accessible to our Honors students.
Kurz Hall offers a unique living experience that many Honors students love. Located in the heart of campus, it features:
- A built-in community of fellow Honors students
- Easy access to classes and campus activities
- Study groups and social events
- Collaborative learning spaces
While living in Kurz Hall isn't required, many first-year students find it's the perfect way to jump-start their Honors experience. Space is limited and fills quickly, so apply early if you're interested!
The Honors course requirements are straightforward:
- Take three Honors courses in your first two years
- Complete one Honors course each year after that
- Earn at least 15 total Honors credit hours to graduate with Honors status
We structure it this way to ensure you're getting the most out of your Honors experience while maintaining flexibility with your major requirements. Most students find this schedule allows them to easily integrate Honors courses into their regular academic plans.
Honors students maintain a 3.35 or higher cumulative GPA. This benchmark helps ensure you're getting the most from your academic experience while preparing for future opportunities, whether that's graduate school, professional programs, or career advancement.
Your $50 per semester Honors fee provides access to:
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Special events and programming
- Research support
- Conference participation
- Living-learning communities
- Academic enrichment activities
We're committed to making Honors accessible to all students: the fee is waived for Pell-eligible students and only applies during fall and spring semesters.