Honors Program

The Honors Program at Newman University empowers high-achieving students to transform society. Together, we build a strong community, hone our academic skills, learn more about our earth and the people on it, engage with the world outside Newman's campus, and link current students with honors alums and future honors students. Our graduates become active citizens, succeed in their careers and leave their world a little better than they found it.

Avg. Class Size

95%

Grad School Acceptance

31%

Student Athletes

$1k

Annual Scholarship

What You'll Gain

Honors opens doors you didn't know existed

Sharper Thinking

Dive into discussion-based seminars that challenge you to analyze, question, and articulate your ideas with confidence.

Graduate Edge

Signal to employers and grad schools that you're among the very best. Get personal help with applications and fellowships.

Faculty Mentorship

Build real relationships with professors who know your goals and guide your academic journey one-on-one.

Broader Horizons

Engage with guest speakers, travel opportunities, and service projects that connect you to the world beyond campus.

Lifelong Network

Join a community of interesting, curious people—current students and alumni—who become colleagues and friends for life.

Leadership Growth

Step into roles that build your confidence and résumé, from organizing events to mentoring incoming students.

Alumni Voices

The Honors Program inspires intellectual curiosity that transcends any particular industry or career path. The Honors Program encouraged me to hone my skills as a critical thinker, researcher, and writer, which has not only helped me thrive in my career but also enriched so many life experiences. I cannot recommend this program enough to prospective students.

Courtney Klaus

Communication and History, Class of 2020 | Commercial Litigation Attorney at Polsinelli P.C

The Honors Program allowed me to easily transition into "college life" and connect with a group of people who quickly became some of my closest friends, one of whom is now my fiance. It taught me many important skills, including, but not limited to: balancing workloads, adapting to new situations, taking the perspectives of others, and smuggling ancient weapons of war across international borders. All these skills, except perhaps the last, have been very important for me, as I continue to use them daily.

Daniel Knolla

Biology (Pre-Med), Class of 2022 | Medical Student at The University of Kansas Medical Center

Common Questions

Eligibility & Applying

I didn't earn a 3.8 GPA in high school. Can I still be part of the program?

If you're curious about the world and excited about your education, we'd welcome your application even if you didn't earn a 3.8. We want to be sure you're in the right place to meet your goals for Newman. The application is designed to help us know whether honors is right for you. Learn more about the application here: How to Apply

Can Transfer students participate in the program?

Generally yes. Some majors (nursing, for instance), operate on a cohort model, and are harder to fit with the Honors Program if you're coming in with more than a year's worth of courses. But we love to have transfer students. Ask us whether it makes sense for your goals and career path.

I'm planning on getting an associate's degree. Is honors right for me?

Probably not. Honors at Newman is designed for people getting a Bachelor's degree. Associate's students will have a hard time completing both their major courses and honors courses.

Academics & Workload

Is it more work?

Sometimes. We want you to have the best possible education you can have. But mostly it's better work. And it should never prevent you from succeeding in your other classes.

Will honors delay graduation?

No, it shouldn't. You'll have a dedicated honors advisor who will work with you to design the path through honors that is right for you and make sure you graduate on time.

What is different about honors courses?

Dedicated honors courses are richer, deeper, more engaging experiences. You'll be in classes filled with people who are excited about their education. Honors classes are filled with people talking and debating and laughing. And, most of all, learning.

What is an Honors Option?

Sometimes you'll want an honors experience in a class that doesn't have a dedicated Honors section. Honors Options allow you to tweak a regular class to make it a richer experience. How that happens depends on the course and the instructor. But it allows you to customize your honors experience to fit your own goals for Newman.

Can I handle honors if I'm in a demanding major like nursing or biology?

Yes. Many honors students are in, and succeeding in, challenging majors. We work carefully with you to make sure you schedule honors in a way that promotes success in your major.

Life & Activities

Can athletes succeed in the Honors Program?

Yes. About a third of our honors students are athletes. We want you to be able to play your sport and succeed in Honors.

Can I study abroad and complete the Honors Program?

Yes, of course. We love it when people want to experience new things and places and people, whether that's in Wichita, elsewhere in the US, or abroad.

What kinds of outside events do Honors Students participate in?

It varies widely from semester to semester. In any given semester, you might hear a faculty member give our 'Fireside Chat" lecture, participate in a meme contest, compete in our Amazing Race, learn more about AI, or participate in our 'Civil Conversations' series.

Program Details

How much does it cost?

Nothing. In fact, most honors students get a scholarship for belonging to the program.

Do you have to keep a certain GPA to stay in the program?

Yes. To graduate from the Honors Program, you need to have a GPA of 3.5 or above. If your GPA falls below 3.25, we'll work with you to make sure the Honors Program is the best way for you to meet your goals at Newman. The Honors Scholarship has requirements that are set by the Financial Aid office. Check your financial aid offer to make sure you understand these expectations.

What happens if I start the program and it's not the right fit?

No one is required to be an honors student. If you start the program and begin to wonder if the program is still right for you, just talk with the Honors Director. If you then decide to drop Honors, just tell the Director. But note that if you're receiving the Honors Scholarship and you drop the program, you will no longer receive the scholarship.

Learn More

→ How to Apply → Program Structure → Honors Life

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