Honors Program
The Honors Program at Saint Mary’s College brings together students who want to challenge themselves and transform the lives of others.
Apply to join
The application to join the Honors Program opens twice a year, in January and June, so check back then to apply!
Interested?
Our interest form is open year-round, so submit now to learn more and receive reminders about applying.
Why join the Honors Program?
Honors students study together, earn honors course credits, develop leadership skills, complete service projects and contribute to scholarly research under the direction of expert faculty. Benefits include early registration, mentorship, social events, special trainings, and scholarship opportunities.
Honors Membership
Our Program is designed to help you identify your particular talents, interests, strengths, and edges, and learn how to activate them for yourself and others.
We believe that every student has unique gifts, and that our diversity is a critical strength that increases creativity, innovation, and learning multiple paths for excellence.
Honors Program members come from majors and departments all across campus and represent diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Honors Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Maintain a 3.5 GPA
Program Requirements
Scholarship, Grant, & Research Opportunities
Looking to explore the professional opportunities in your career field? We’ve assembled a number of different grants, fellowships, awards, and research projects, both here in California and around the country, for you to browse and see what fits your interests.
Living Learning Community
The special Honors Living-Learning Community in Aquinas is a phenomenal way to get to know other Honors students. If you have met certain qualifications, and/or have received a Presidential or Trustees Scholarship, we encourage you to join us in Aquinas.
Aquinas is a suite style dorm close to the library and classrooms, with laundry, lounge, and special Honors tutors and programs. Honors students can choose non-Honors students as roommates, and you can remain in Aquinas even if you withdraw from the Honors Program.
Present at Conferences
Around the Country & Here at Saint Mary's
Honors Students must present research at least one time and are welcome to present any one of their Honors Contracts in any semester.
Every spring, the SMC Student Research Conference & Showcase is a great opportunity to present research.
Other options include national and regional conferences or another avenue of the student's choosing. Read our newsletters to find scholarships to national and regional conferences!
Learn moreContact us
Honors Program
honors@stmarys-ca.edu
Korth Bell Tower, Arcade 4 Office
Dr. Steve Miller, Program Director
scmiller@stmarys-ca.edu