Established in 1965, the Elmhurst University Honors Program provides honors-level liberal arts education dedicated to self-development and professional preparation. Designed to ensure that students experience both intellectual independence and academic achievement, the Honors Program fosters intellectual relationships among students and faculty and staff in support of the free exchange of ideas to enhance the integration of liberal learning and professional activity and to develop its members as future societal leaders in an increasingly global world.

Qualified students in any major may participate in the Honors Program. Honors Program students are concurrently enrolled in one of the University’s undergraduate programs through which they earn their bachelor’s degrees. Study in the Honors Program is intended to complement the curricula of all academic programs, providing students the benefits of challenging coursework with recognized teacher-scholars and other academically motivated students. Many Honors Program courses fulfill the University’s Integrated Curriculum requirements.

To be considered for the Honors Program, students must first be admitted to Elmhurst University. First-year and transfer students with excellent academic records are invited to apply for admission to the Honors Program. Students who demonstrate superior academic achievement while at Elmhurst and then present a faculty recommendation may also apply to the Program.

Program participants are expected to contribute to the well-being of the common life of the University, to maintain a strong academic record consistent with the expectations of the Honors Program and with the requirements of their academic scholarships, and to actively participate in Honors Program activities.

Participation in the Honors Program becomes a part of the student’s permanent academic record. Transcripts and diplomas acknowledge each participant as an Honors Program Member, an Honors Program Scholar or an Honors Program Global Scholar; students completing the Honors Program are recognized at the University’s Honors Convocation.

Mission Statement

The Elmhurst University Honors Program affords a unique, enhanced educational experience for distinguished undergraduates committed to the pursuit of academic excellence. Fostering intellectual independence, scholarly achievement and the integration of liberal learning and professional activity, the interdisciplinary program nurtures a community of learners and contributes to the intellectual vibrancy of the entire University.

Program Goals

• Provide intellectually stimulating experiences within courses and beyond

• Contribute to campus intellectual vibrancy

• Foster leadership skills

• Promote Service Learning and civic engagement opportunities

• Encourage international experiences and broader intercultural awareness

• Maintain a strong sense of community among participants and between students and faculty

• Support research opportunities

• Network with other Honors Program organizations to enhance our program

Program Description

The Honors Program combines unique academic opportunities with cultural and social activities throughout a student’s college career.

Academic opportunities include honors versions of Integrated Curriculum courses, topic-based January Term electives, Honors Directed Readings, Honors Service Seminar, Honors Intercultural Seminar, Honors Model UN, advanced interdisciplinary seminars, study abroad options and independent research with faculty mentors.

It is strongly recommended that students take one Honors course per term, especially during the first two years. Participation in the program can result in one of three possible distinctions on a student’s transcript and diploma upon graduation from Elmhurst University.

Director: Mary Kay Mulvaney

Assistant: Director: Mladen Turk