"Honors" at USC

There are really two types of “honors” at USC. First, there are a couple of honors programs. Second, there are honors with which you can graduate. The first don’t actually appear on your diploma, while the second sometimes do. Let’s break it down.

HONORS PROGRAMS

Thematic Option

According to Richard Edinger, Executive Director of USC Dornsife Honors Programs, “USC’s Thematic Option Honors Program (TO) offers students an interdisciplinary, alternative general education program that consists of a shared, rigorous academic experience at the center of a community of lifelong learners. Students benefit from outstanding professors, small class sizes, and special events, activities, and field trips that are designed to broaden their intellectual horizons outside of the classroom. Courses are designed to be engaging and relevant and give students perspectives on the history of ideas as traditional divisions between fields are removed and knowledge is woven together. Dedicated TO advisors help students navigate USC’s academic opportunities and are an incredible resource and support system for the community. If you delight in the sheer joy of learning and encountering new, different, and challenging ideas, Thematic Option can be a fantastic home to connect with like-minded peers.” Check out our blog article about TO from the perspective of a student in the program here.

Freshman Science Honors

The Freshman Science Honors (FSH) program—open only to first-year students entering in the fall semester with a USC Dornsife natural science or Health and Human Sciences major—allows such students to take advanced versions of general biology and general chemistry. Classes are smaller than the general 100-level courses, which means a lot of personal attention from faculty. But more than just small classes and great faculty, as the website explains, FSH “it’s a vibrant learning environment that includes special events, small labs, academic support, and a lively student community.” Special events include lectures, tours, and field trips and professors get to know students on a deep level, providing mentorship on possible careers and research opportunities. A team of FSH advisors are also there to assist students during their time at USC. Students can apply for the program after they have been admitted to the university. For more information, visit the FSH website.

HONORS SOCIETIES

There are numerous honors societies at USC. Some are housed within Fraternity and Sorority Life, such as the Order of Omega and Gamma Sigma Alpha. Others have national chapters, such as Phi Beta Kappa or Phi Kappa Phi. For the latter, students are generally invited to apply.

COMMENCEMENT HONORS

USC has numerous distinctions for graduating students coordinated through USC’s Academic Honors and Fellowships. There are three Scholar Distinctions. For each, ten students receive a $10,000 prize for graduate student or creative projects. The first is Renaissance Scholars,

Scholar Distinctions (Renaissance Scholars, Discovery Scholars, and Global Scholars) are academic honors that students may apply for and will receive at the time of graduation. Each year, ten exemplary students from each of the three distinctions are selected for a $10,000 prize either for graduate study or creative projects. The first is the Steven and Kathryn Sample Renaissance Scholar Distinction, which recognizes undergraduate students who have pursued two programs in widely disparate fields of study. The second is the Global Scholar Distinction, which recognizes undergraduate students who have spent at least 10 weeks abroad and completed a capstone project related to their international experiences. The third is the Discovery Scholar Distinction, which recognizes undergraduate students who have conducted groundbreaking research or created new artistic works. Students must apply to be selected for one of these distinctions and are listed in the graduation handbook.

GRADUATING WITH HONORS

Finally, I want to briefly discuss the opportunity to graduate with honors. First, participating in honors programs such as Thematic Option or Freshman Science Honors does not appear on your diploma.

Second, each department has specific criteria for graduating with honors, which often includes graduating with a certain GPA and sometimes includes completing an honors thesis.

Finally, of course, depending upon your GPA, you can graduate with an honors distinction, such as Summa Cum Laude, which appears on your diploma.

I hope this blog clarifies the many honors programs and distinctions available at USC for those of you looking for this opportunity.