Connect with the Honors Program!

What is the Honors Program?

About: The Metropolitan State University of Denver Honors Program is a community of highly motivated and academically adventurous students and faculty members dedicated to working together to attain new levels of achievement. The program is designed to develop in our students the ability to apply critical and creative thinking as well as conduct high-quality research and creative work. Honors students learn to integrate a variety of disciplines in their approach to a given project, demonstrate civic and intercultural knowledge and engagement, and reflect critically upon their values and the learning process. This is an innovative program that allows students to achieve the Honors Program credential by completing an individually tailored combination of both academic courses and co-curricular honors options.

The Honors Program is designed to develop in our students the ability to apply critical and creative thinking as well as conduct high-quality research and creative work. Honors students learn to integrate a variety of disciplines in their approach to a given project, demonstrate civic and intercultural knowledge and engagement, and reflect critically upon their values and the learning process. This is an innovative program that allows students to achieve the Honors Program credential by completing an individually tailored combination of both academic courses and co-curricular honors options.

Who is an Honors Student?

Are you the kind of student who truly enjoys learning? Do you read for pleasure? Are you curious about more topics than you have time to pursue? Do you enjoy in-depth dialogue and/or debate? Does intellectual challenge motivate you? If you find yourself answering in the affirmative to many of these questions, you just might be an honors student!

Open to new, continuing, and transfer students in all majors, the Honors Program provides an enriching academic experience for motivated students with broad academic interests. Designed to promote independent thought and creative inquiry, the majority of honors credits are earned in conjunction with your degree program—not as additional hours. Students who enroll in Honors should expect a challenge that stimulates curiosity and research while broadening perspectives in unexpected ways.

President Davidson visits the MSU Denver Honors Program, which provides a challenging curriculum and engaged community for high-achieving students.

Why join the Honors Program?

Students in the MSU Denver Honors Program enjoy the combined benefits of a small community of engaged learners and dynamic instructors, while also having access to the substantial resources of MSU Denver and its vibrant urban campus.

  • Supportive community
  • Access to the Honors House and its many resources
  • Priority registration
  • Unique honors courses
  • Additional advising and academic support
  • Undergraduate research opportunities
  • Funding for local, regional and national conference travel
  • Work closely with faculty
  • Recognition at graduation and Honors designation on transcripts
  • Improved preparation for graduate and professional school
  • Special cords at graduation

Program Requirements

Admission Criteria

This program is designed for highly engaged and intellectually curious students who want to achieve their best and get more out of their college education. The Honors Program brings together a vibrant community of students from diverse academic backgrounds and with many different approaches to learning. This program promotes community engagement, interdisciplinary study, and independent research and creative scholarship.

The Honors Program is open to any student who wishes to apply. Admission is based primarily on the essay submissions. The essays are the focus of our admissions process because they help us to determine if the program is a good fit for the applicant. Honors is a good fit for students who are excited about learning and thinking critically about topics and ideas beyond their major; participating in a dynamic community of learners; completing an independent research or creative project as part of their degree process.

Essays will be evaluated on both form and content. The essays should demonstrate good control of language and clear organization of ideas. They should also include content that gives a clear sense of who you are, your interests, goals, and personal perspectives.

If a student is denied admission, based on their essays, they are encouraged to rewrite and resubmit their essays for reconsideration. The Writing Center offers support to students for the re-application process.

Program Requirements

The Honors Program curriculum requires 21 units of approved courses and activities. Each student is able to design their own path through the Honors curriculum by completing the Honors core courses and combining a selection of academic and co-curricular options.

Please note that typically, students need at least 2 academic years remaining (or 60 credits) to be able to complete the Honors Program along with their degree requirements. For students who only have 1 academic year left (30 credits), the Honors Program offers a Thesis-only track.  Please contact us for more information.

To become a member of the Honors Program community, complete the form below. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Good Standing

Good standing means being active in the program by taking at least one honors course per academic year and passing honors courses with B- or better. Participation in co-curricular events also indicates active participation in the Program and earns units that count towards the honors distinction.

Graduating with Honors

To graduate with MSU Denver Honors Program distinction, each student completes Honors coursework and an Honors thesis, and achieves a 3.3 undergraduate GPA by the time of graduation.

**Most of the Honors Program courses are offered face-to-face only. If you are an online-only student, please reach out to us before applying.**

Students wishing to apply to the MSU Denver Honors Program should complete the Honors Application and submit it to the Honors Program. Applications will be evaluated on an ongoing basis for the following semester.

The application form requires the following information:

  1. Writing samples including short answer questions and two essays of 400-500 words each. Preview the application writing prompts here.
  1. Optional submissions: Applicants are invited to include any of the following additional items if they wish to do so.  However, these are not required to apply: current GPA, standardized test scores, a paper or a creative piece that shows your abilities, and/or a reference letter.

Please be advised that the Honors Program House has stairs at the entrance and is not wheelchair accessible. Please contact Jennifer O’Dell to schedule an appointment in another location if needed.

If you have questions, please contact the Honors Program, or call 303-615-1154.

Apply Now!

Summer/Fall 2024 - Colloquium Courses

Fall 2024- Honors General Studies Courses

Honors Program Location

We are located just west of the West Classroom, or south of the restaurant Los Molinos along the row of old houses. Look for the yellow one!

Location Map

Monday: 8am-5pm

Tuesday: 8am-5pm

Wednesday: 8am-5pm

Thursday: 8am-5pm

Friday: Closed

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

Honors House
1033 9th Street Park
Denver, CO 80204