Honors College

The UAF Honors College provides opportunities for students to pursue excellence in academic and personal development. We foster critical and independent thinking and help students become informed, responsible and active citizens. Honors students have access to small classes, research opportunities, intensive advising and scholarships. Students are encouraged to participate in service, leadership, research, study abroad, internships and other opportunities that contribute to their personal growth.

Eligibility

Students who meet at least one of the following criteria are automatically eligible for admission to the Honors College and can opt-in at the Honors College website.

  • 3.7 or higher cumulative GPA from high school (weighted)
  • 3.7 or higher UAF GPA (for students who have earned more than 30 college credits)
  • UA Scholar
  • Rising Honors Program Graduate

Students who do not meet at least one of these eligibility criteria, but are interested in petitioning for admission to the Honors College, are strongly encouraged to do so at the Honors College website. Petitions include an academic statement, letters of recommendation and an interview with Honors College staff and students.

Program Features

Honors College students complete a flexible schedule of courses that includes honors sections of general education courses and courses developed specifically for the Honors College. Other courses may be contracted for honors credit by students who work with individual professors. With approval by the director, students who study abroad may earn up to 6 honors credits per semester (up to 12 credits for year-long programs) for the academic courses they take at their host universities. Undergraduate students who complete graduate courses may count those courses toward their honors course requirement. Honors students are expected to complete a minimum of 6 honors credits each academic year.

The Honors College offers students intensive advising with an opportunity to develop a personal plan for their UAF years that builds in generous scholarships, extracurricular opportunities, research, leadership, service and more to meet the goals of each student.

The Honors College also features a Living-Learning Community (LLC) and dorm for first-year students. The Honors LLC allows students to live in a supportive environment, plan and participate in honors events with students who share similar interests, and gain a deeper connection to the Honors College.

College Requirements

To graduate as an honors scholar, students must fulfill GPA, capstone project or thesis, and honors course and credit requirements. All Honors College students are required to work towards one of the following levels of Honors College distinction, awarded at graduation:

  • Honors Scholar - 12 honors credits, 3.25+ GPA, and a capstone

  • Honors Scholar Distinction - 18 honors credits, 3.50+ GPA, 40 hours of service learning, and a capstone

  • Honors Scholar Highest Distinction - 24 honors credits, 3.50+ GPA, 80 hours of service learning, and a capstone

As noted above, to graduate as an Honors College student, a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 must be maintained. In addition to the other college requirements, students must work with a faculty mentor to complete a capstone thesis or project that includes a written component and an oral presentation at the annual Honors College Capstone Showcase event. Students who wish to graduate as an Honors Scholar with Distinction, or Honors Scholar with Highest Distinction, perform 40 or 80 hours of service learning, respectively. This can include volunteer work, participation in the Honors Student Advisory Council, attendance at campus-wide events, and other unpaid engagement opportunities. 

Climate Scholars Program

The Climate Scholars Program (CSP) is a signature track within the Honors College. Focusing on rapid environmental change, and climate resiliency and adaptation, CSP features unique and, in many cases, unparalleled opportunities to engage in experiential learning all over the State of Alaska and beyond. Climate Scholars may graduate with one of the following levels of distinction:

  • Honors Climate Scholar - 12 honors credits, including 2 intensive credits, 3.25+ GPA, and a climate capstone

  • Honors Climate Scholar Distinction - 18 honors credits, including 4 intensive credits, 3.50+ GPA, and a climate capstone

  • Honors Climate Scholar Highest Distinction - 24 honors credits, including 4 intensive credits, 3.50+ GPA, and a climate capstone

Rising Honors Program

The Rising Honors Program offers dual enrolled high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to begin their honors academic journey early. Rising honors scholars gain access to challenging honors courses, individualized support and a vibrant community of high-achieving peers through the UAF Honors College.

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to the Rising Honors Program, students must:

  • Be a high school junior or senior

  • Hold a minimum weighted GPA of 3.7

  • Be admitted as a dual enrolled student at UAF

Program Requirements

Participation in the Rising Honors Program provides a strong foundation for future success at UAF and positions students for full admission to the UAF Honors College upon matriculation. Students who complete the program may earn one of the following designations upon high school graduation, based on academic performance and honors coursework:

  • Rising Scholar - 6 honors credits, 3.5+ UAF GPA

  • Rising Scholar with Distinction - 12 honors credits, 3.5+ UAF GPA

  • Rising Scholar with Highest Distinction - 12 honors credits, 4.0+ UAF GPA

Where To Get More Information

Honors College
University of Alaska Fairbanks
417 Rasmuson Library, 1732 Tanana Loop
P.O. Box 756282
Fairbanks, AK 99775-6282
Email: uaf.honors@alaska.edu
Telephone: 907-474-6296