Honors Program

Program Director: Professor Younger; Faculty Coordinator: Professor Ohl

The Heidelberg College faculty believes in challenging students to reach their full potential. “Life of the Mind” is a comprehensive approach toward empowering students to explore their abilities within a supportive community of scholars and learners. The program is comprised of four intellectual areas: the Scholar, the Scientist, the Artist and the Citizen.

The requirements for B.A. and B.S. degrees are as follows:


Attainment of a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or higher

Completion of a departmental or interdisciplinary major

Completion of FYE 100, First-Year Seminar (3)

Completion of HNR 111, Introduction to Life of the Mind (1)

Completion of four thematic seminars representing the Scholar, the Artist, the Scientist and the Citizen (HNR 103, 203, 303, 403)

Completion of HNR 307, Service Learning Seminar (1), and 40 hours of community service

Completion of HNR 455, Senior Honors Project (1-3 hrs.) with a grade of B- or higher

Completion of Portfolio

Completion of 2 specified credit hours in Health and Physical Education

Completion of Junior Written and Oral and Capstone requirements within major.

Completion of 10 support courses:

1. Courses must have 10 different prefixes
2. Five must be at 200 level or higher
3. At least 2 courses from each of the 4 disciplines

  • Natural Sciences: ATR, BIO, CHM, CPS, ENS, FSC, GEO, MTH, PHY, WTR (excluding BIO 120, PHY 104 and CPS 100)
  • Humanities: COM, MED (except 255-6), ENG, HIS, languages, REL, PHI
  • Arts: Music, Art or one of the following: MED 255,256; THR 105, 150, 207, 306, 320, 325, 327; NDI 301, 302, 322; NDI 255 (Early Childhood majors only); PHY 104, ENG 210
  • Social Sciences: ACC, ANT, BAE, ECO, EDU, EIS, HPE (excluding 100 or 103), POL, PSY

4. Must be taken for letter grade credit

The requirements for the BMUS degree include all of the above, with the exception that only 2 support courses are required, one each from two disciplines other than the arts.

103. The Scholar Seminar (2-4 sem. hrs.). Topic relating to the theme to be developed by instructor. (Fall and Spring)

111. Introduction to the Life of the Mind (1 sem. hr.). Introduction to the themes, requirements, and policies of the Honors Program. Culminates in a course project. (Fall and Spring)

203. The Scientist Seminar (2-4 sem. hrs.). Topic relating to the theme to be developed by instructor. (Fall and Spring)

303. The Artist Seminar (2-4 sem. hrs.) Topic relating to the theme to be developed by instructor. (Fall and Spring)

307. Service-Learning Seminar (1 sem. hr.). Directed reflection on service experiences in spoken and written forms. Service-Learning contract must be completed before the term begins.

403. The Citizen Seminar (2-4 sem. hrs.). Topic relating to the theme to be developed by instructor. (Fall and Spring)

455. Senior Honors Project (1-3 sem. hrs.). Individual research under the direction of a faculty mentor. Permission of Honors Program director is required. (Fall and Spring)

Prerequisite for all HNR Courses: Honor student or permission of instructor.

Withdrawal from the Honors Program

If a student is dismissed or voluntarily withdraws from the Honors Program, then he or she has the choice of completing the honors requirements or approved substitutions, minus HNR 455 (Senior Honors Project), HNR 307 (Service Learning), and the honors portfolio, or the General Education requirements. If a student wishes to voluntarily withdraw from the Honors Program, she or he must immediately notify the Dean of the Honors Program indicating her or his choice of graduation requirements.