HONORS PROGRAM

The Honors Program offers academically talented students an alternative way to complete general education requirements. Honors Program students have unique opportunities for academic challenge as well as interaction with other motivated students and Honors Program faculty through coursework and fellowship activities.

The Honors Program promotes leadership and fosters partnerships and mentoring between students and faculty. Honors students are as unique and varied as the scholarly, artistic, humanitarian and societal passions that spark their intellect. What unites them is the excitement of working and studying with outstanding instructors and talented students.

For information about the KCC Honors Program, contact the Integrative Learning Department at 269-565-2880 or honorsprogram@kellogg.edu.

Please note: Application decisions are made on a rolling basis with priority given to students who apply before July 15.

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Benefits of Joining the Honors Program

Benefits of joining the KCC Honors Program include:

  • Attract transfer institutions and increase scholarship opportunities
  • Conference and field trip opportunities
  • Honors designation on transcripts and honors regalia at commencement
Admissions & Completion Requirements


Honors Program admission and completion requirements include the following.

Admission Requirements

  • High school students must have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and minimum ACT composite of 24 or SAT composite of 1160
  • Current KCC students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and 12 completed credits
  • Transfer students must have a combined incoming transfer GPA of 3.5 or higher and 12 completed college-level credits

Faculty perspective of Honors Program: Honors coursework at KCC offers opportunities for committed and qualified students to push themselves intellectually by joining a community of learners who value academic rigor and immersive learning experiences. Students in these courses don’t necessarily do more work; they do better work. As such, the expectations for quality and depth are usually higher, with students finding inspiration and motivation from not only their peers but from the more intimate learning environment. In short, honors courses tend to inspire, motivate and foster learning in rich and rewarding ways. – Professor Matt Samra

Completion Requirements

The Honors Program at KCC is structured around a four-semester sequence. Qualified students may begin the program during any fall semester. In order to graduate with an “honors” distinction, students must complete a minimum of eight credit hours of honors-level coursework, including the Honors Seminar and Honors Capstone in the second year.

Honors Course Descriptions


Below are descriptions of KCC courses that currently offer Honors Program options.

ENGL 151H: Freshman Composition – Honors (3 credits) Offered Every Fall

Admitted students will pursue in-depth studies in expository writing, developing a stronger sense of voice and style. Students will produce work that demonstrates an advanced understanding of primary source material, documentation formats, and argumentative/analytical writing. Prospective students must be interested in developing excellence in writing and must meet the Honors Program admissions requirements. Lab fee.

ENGL 152H: Freshman Composition – Honors (3 credits) Offered Every Spring

A continuation of ENGL 151H with an emphasis on preparation and writing of a major research paper on a challenging topic. Students read and analyze fiction and nonfiction selections to refine critical thinking skills. The learning experience is often unified around a theme or contemporary topic. Prospective students must meet the Honors program admissions requirements. Lab fee.

HIST 103H: American Foundations – Honors (3 credits) Offered Odd Year Spring

A survey of the political, economic and social history of the United States from the colonial era to 1877. Honors courses emphasize individual study, personal and group projects with additional learning outcomes common to the Honors Program. Prospective students must meet the Honors program admissions requirements.

HIST 104H: Modern America – Honors (3 credits) Offered Even Year Spring

A survey of the political, economic, and social history of the United States from 1877 to present. Honors courses emphasize individual study, personal, and group projects with additional learning outcomes common to the Honors Program.

HNRS 110: Honors Seminar (1 credit) Offered Every Fall – 2nd Year Students

This course provides students with an opportunity to engage in research at a deeper level within a chosen field. Students will collaborate with honors faculty to propose and plan a research project demonstrating advanced critical analysis, cultural and personal engagement, and effective communication. Seminar participants will meet monthly with other Honors Program students to plan, discuss, and begin to shape their specific honors-level project. Prospective students must meet the Honors Program admissions requirements.

HNRS 200: Honors Capstone (1 credit) Offered Every Spring – 2nd Year Students

Students in the Capstone course will take their preliminary research from HNRS 110 and complete their proposed honors project. Honors Capstone participants will meet monthly with other Honors Program students to develop and draft their specific honors-level research project with guidance from honors faculty. Students will present their finished work/projects in an end-of-year symposium. Prospective students must meet the Honors Program admissions requirements.

Apply Now Link

Honors Program Contacts

Kate Coplin

Kate Coplin

Chair, Social Sciences and Integrative Learning

Tom DeVault

Tom DeVault

Manager, Integrative Learning

Patricia Wesner

Patricia Wesner

Department Assistant, Integrative Learning

269-965-3931
Matthew Samra

Matthew Samra

Faculty, English