Fall Block Party
All are welcome to attend!
Honors goes to the Symphony!
Honors Summer Camping Trip 2022
Visiting Fulbright fellow from Pondicherry University to Honors Colloquium in Fall 2022
Honors Thesis Symposium
Western Regional Honors Conference in Missoula 2019
Honors Summer Camping Trip 2024
Western Regionals Honors Conference 2018
Spring Ball 2024
Fall Block Party 2023
Tan Huynh presenting Senior Honors Thesis at CSU Long Beach, 2024
Honors Thesis Symposium Celebration Lunch
Honors volunteering at Food For Thought!
Honors Thesis Symposium
Painting in 9th St. Park
Honors Summer Camping Trip 2018
Honors Program "NerdHerd" Pizza Party
MSU Denver Honors at Western Regionals Honors Conference 2019!
Upcoming Events
Most Honors events are open to all MSU Denver students! Honors students earn co-curricular points for attending events.
Food For Thought Volunteer Opportunity
Join Honors in packing food kits for students in Denver!
Current Honors Colloquium Courses
HON 39AK: Homelessness, Un-housing, and the Production of a Crisis
Students learn critical frameworks and approaches to understanding (un)housing and state failures to 'solving' homelessness.
HON 391A: Debate in Democratic Life
This course introduces students to the history, theory, and practice of debate in democratic life. Click below for more info!
Upcoming Honors Conferences
Western Regional Honors Conference 2025 | MSU Denver, Colorado
Application Deadline: TBD
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:
- Writing samples including short answer questions and two essays of 400-500 words each. Preview the application writing prompts here.
- 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!
Click here to apply
Fall 2024 - Colloquium Courses
Date/Time: Fall 2024 | M/W 2:00-3:15
Credits: 3
Instructor: Dr. Sonny Dhoot and Dr. Arlene Sgoutas
Description: In this interdisciplinary course, students learn the histories of homelessness in the US and how socio-economic forces produced and sustained homelessness and, since the 1990s, have exacerbated unhousing. Students learn critical frameworks and approaches to understanding (un)housing and apply these frameworks to a multitude of ongoing institutional and state failures to ‘solving’ homelessness. Finally, the course requires students to critically engage grassroots, reflexive and locally-responsive approaches to homelessness and the institutions that sustain un-housing.
Date/Time: Fall 2024 | T/R 12:30-1:45
Credits: 3
Instructor: Dr. John Rief
Description: This course introduces students to the history, theory, and practice of debate in democratic life. Students will consult numerous texts, analyze examples, and complete an experiential learning opportunity to: (1) understand the central role of debate in democratic decision making; (2) develop awareness of the precipitating causes of democratic breakdown and the typical outbreak of violence that follows; and (3) cultivate their ability to critically analyze debates, especially those that animate electoral politics in the U.S. Both primary and secondary materials will be consulted.
Guest lectures by prominent scholars, public intellectuals, activists, and/or organizational leaders will provide students with deeper insights into the readings and session discussions.
Fall 2024 - Honors Courses
Date/Time: Fall 2024 | M/W 2:00-3:15
Credits: 3
Instructor: Dr. Sonny Dhoot and Dr. Arlene Sgoutas
Description: In this interdisciplinary course, students learn the histories of homelessness in the US and how socio-economic forces produced and sustained homelessness and, since the 1990s, have exacerbated unhousing. Students learn critical frameworks and approaches to understanding (un)housing and apply these frameworks to a multitude of ongoing institutional and state failures to ‘solving’ homelessness. Finally, the course requires students to critically engage grassroots, reflexive and locally-responsive approaches to homelessness and the institutions that sustain un-housing.
Date/Time: Fall 2024 | T/R 12:30-1:45
Credits: 3
Instructor: Dr. John Rief
Description: This course introduces students to the history, theory, and practice of debate in democratic life. Students will consult numerous texts, analyze examples, and complete an experiential learning opportunity to: (1) understand the central role of debate in democratic decision making; (2) develop awareness of the precipitating causes of democratic breakdown and the typical outbreak of violence that follows; and (3) cultivate their ability to critically analyze debates, especially those that animate electoral politics in the U.S. Both primary and secondary materials will be consulted.
Guest lectures by prominent scholars, public intellectuals, activists, and/or organizational leaders will provide students with deeper insights into the readings and session discussions.
Date/Time: M/W 9:30-10:45 or M/W 12:30-1:45
Credits: 3
Instructor: Dr. Jason Jordan
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director
Description: This course teaches students how to design and deliver effective, ethical presentations. The ability to adapt to different audiences and contexts – such as professional or public situations – is emphasized. The course provides instruction on and practice of organization, delivery and performance, technology, and research skills. Students also learn effective listening techniques and critical thinking skills. The course empowers students to become successful professional presenters and public speakers.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: COMM or HON.
Sections of this course may be offered in-person, in hybrid format, or online.
General Studies: Oral Communication
Cross Listed Course(s): COMM 1010
Date/Time: M/W 11:00-12:15
Credits: 3
Instructor: TBD
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director
Description: This is a course for students in the Honors Program and addresses the process of writing extended essays supported by research. The course includes an introduction to research methods, practice in critical reading, thinking, and writing across the disciplines, integration of source material, and the conventions of MLA and APA styles of documentation. Students can expect to do a series of shorter writing and research assignments leading to the longer, documented paper and will write reflectively on their writing process.
General Studies: Written Communication
Date/Time: T/R 11:00-12:15
Credits: 3
Instructor: TBA
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director
Description: TBA
General Studies: Business/Social and Behavioral Sciences
**Must be CRN: 52650 to count for Honors credits**
Date/Time: T/R 9:30-10:45
Credits: 3
Instructor: Rey Hernández
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director
Description: This course offers an introductory analysis of economic decision making in a market system. The roles, actions, and interactions of consumers, firms, and the government are explored. Market failure and government failure are also considered. Microeconomic principles and analysis are applied to current events and problems and are used to explore human behavior.
Note: B- or better required for Honors credit.
General Studies: Business/Social and Behavioral Sciences
Date/Time: T/R 3:30-4:45
Credits: 3
Instructor: Dr. Roger Green
Prerequisite(s): ENG 1020 or ENG 1021, Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director
Description:In this interdisciplinary course, students learn about how grand narratives have shaped and transformed notions of subjectivity over time, from the ancient and/or medieval world through the present day. The focus is on works that have had a literaly, philosophical, and artistic impact on the notion of the self. The goal is to comprehend significant changes over time in the relationship between the individual and the world. Students are encouraged to make thematic connections across disciplines.
Note: B- or better required for Honors credit.
General Studies: Arts/Humanities
Date/Time: M/W 12:30-1:45
Credits: 3
Instructor: Dr. Lisa Suter
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director
Description: TBA
General Studies: Written Communication
Date/Time: Online
Credits: 3
Instructor: Dr. Jane Vigil
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director
Description: This course introduces key concepts and practices of professional writing, including various written genres, research, document design and visual rhetoric, and use of style guides. Students explore the expectations that shape professional writing such as how to employ the correct forms, interpret and synthesize the literature and present their researched writing to various audiences. During this course, students learn to transform their work into sharable documents with the guidance of instructor feedback and peer review. This course is ideal for students to develop and polish writing skills that will be needed for their career.
Note: B- or better required for Honors credit.
General Studies: Written Communication
Date/Time: Online
Credits: 3
Instructor: Dr. Jane Vigil
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director
Description: This course introduces key concepts and practices of professional writing, including various written genres, research, document design and visual rhetoric, and use of style guides. Students explore the expectations that shape professional writing such as how to employ the correct forms, interpret and synthesize the literature and present their researched writing to various audiences. During this course, students learn to transform their work into sharable documents with the guidance of instructor feedback and peer review. This course is ideal for students to develop and polish writing skills that will be needed for their career.
Note: B- or better required for Honors credit.
General Studies: Senior Experience
Grads in the News
Substance abuse and the mother-child bond
Graduating student’s research sheds light on how addiction impacts new moms.
The opportunity of a lifetime
How one student’s passion for scientific research landed him a full ride in an Ivy League doctoral program.
Double-major role model
MSU Denver’s Individualized Degree and Honors programs helped chart Shayla Bischoff’s path through college.
DIY disease detection
Testing for Carrión’s disease in Andean populations is severely lacking.
Becoming Ted
Saya “Ted” Richthofen turned his personal struggles into a passion for making the Auraria Campus a more welcoming place.
A Sustained Ability to Reinvent
Becky Alter toured much of the world as a musician. Her next gig is preserving it for generations to come.
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 MapMonday: 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
Connect with the Honors Program!