The Commonwealth Honors Program at Worcester State University is designed to challenge and transform students through diverse and demanding coursework, experiences, and service learning, enabling them to grow as well-rounded scholars and engaged citizens. It builds strong community ties to sustain the intellectual and social development of its participants and to enhance the life of the University. The program is part of the Massachusetts Commonwealth Honors Program and a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council. Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are encouraged to contact the director for information regarding entrance into the program. Students who complete an independent research project and present it in a public forum earn the additional Commonwealth Honors Scholar designation.

Requirements

Freshman Students Entering with Fewer than 15 Credits (by invitation only)

Freshman Students Entering with 15+ Credits (by invitation only)

Students Entering as Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors (by invitation only)

Program requirements include maintaining an overall GPA of 3.2 and attendance at a minimum of two approved co-curricular activities per semester. Honors students may take up to two world language courses as honors and may transfer up to two courses taken abroad as honors, Courses will be counted as honors only if students achieve a grade of B or above in the class. Honors courses may also fulfill general education (LASC) or major/minor requirements. Honors courses may be all-honors sections or regular course sections with “embedded” honors seats.  

First-year, first-semester students who enroll with fewer than 15 completed credits will take seven 3-credit honors courses including honors FYS, EN-202, HO-200, and four additional 3-credit, honors-designated courses.

First-year, first-semester students who enroll with 15 or more credits through Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, or Early College will be required to take six honors courses including HO-200 and five additional 3-credit, honors-designated courses. Honors FYS is recommended.

Transfer students from a community college or a state or private four-year institution can transfer up to three honors courses for honors credit at WSU. Courses will count only if the student earned a B or higher in the transfer course. Transfer students will complete HO-200 and a minimum of two 3-credit honors electives at WSU. Transfer honors students must complete at least 50% of their 18 honors credits at WSU. Students entering as Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are not required to take the Honors First Year Seminar.

The Worcester State University Lt. Col. James F. Sheehan '55 Honors Program draws its faculty from multiple disciplines across campus. Each faculty member's information can be found at the respective department for each of the courses. For more information on the Honors Program, please contact the Honors Program Director at honors@worcester.edu.