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Requirements and Expectations

Shaw University's Honors Program nurtures excellence in select highl motivated, talented and gifted students who demonstrate a commitment to the learning process in reaching their potential to become successful scholars, leaders and role models. It is an innovative and multifaceted program designed to enhance the success of student scholars at Shaw University. The Honors Program's initiatives and activities develop students intellectual, ethical and leadership skills. 

The Honors College is for SERIOUS and SELF-MOTIVATED students selected as freshmen or sophomores.
Application Deadlines:  

  • November 15 – accepted students will start participating in the following SPRING SEMESTER
  • April 15 – accepted students will start participating in the following FALL SEMESTER
  • July 15 – deadline for incoming freshmen for fall semester

Criteria for Consideration:

  • First time incoming freshmen students
  • Continuing SHAW students who are second semester freshmen or 1st semester sophomores
    • Continuing Shaw students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25
    • Successful completion of at least 15 hours (continuing freshmen), or 30 hours (sophomores)
  • Transfer students will be considered on a case by case basis
  • Community Service Commitment
  • Plans for Graduate Study
  • A 300 word essay
  • Interview (if needed)  

Eligible students are invited to join the Honors Program. In addition, some invitations may be sent to students on the Honors Student Interest List. Please click to the link to complete the form, if you are interested in joining the Honors Program.

Honors Student Interest

Requirements to stay in:

  • Take the appropriate honors seminar every semester
  • Maintain a cumulative 3.25 grade point average or you will be placed on academic probation within the program or dismissed from it.
  • Perform 15 hours of community service every semester
  • Apply for at least two internships each semester
  • Apply for at least two scholarships each semester
  • Actively participate in the Honors Scholars Association each semester

To be considered a “graduate ” of the Honors College, students must have completed the following:

  • Honors Colloquia - students must have completed no less than four honors colloquia (this is based on when students enter the program).  One is required each semester.
  • Adhere to all University Policy regarding Student Conduct
  • Adhere to all Honors Program Policy and Requirements
    • Be an active member of the Honors Learning Community (May soon be Living Learning Community)
  • Take the appropriate honors colloquium each semester from the time you start the program
  • Take at least 15 credit hours each semester (This is very Important)
  • Maintain a cumulative 3.25 grade point average
  • Perform a minimum of 15 hours of community service each semester at one or more off-campus locations (This will be incorporated in some programs)
  • Participate in Required Honors Programs Events
  • Regularly attend Honors Program Cohort Meetings
  • We recommend students be activity engaged in Student Leadership Roles (excluding Honors)
  • Actively apply for internships or coops each year
  • Actively apply for scholarships each semester
  • Senior Project - students must complete an original research project.  It will be presented at the “Senior Night of Excellence” to the Shaw University community.
  • Personal Statement - all seniors must compose a personal statement for graduate/professional school, whether they apply or not.  A copy will be kept in their file for future reference.
  • Application to Graduate/Professional Schools - students should plan on attending graduate or professional school, and will be guided in completing an application.  Students should notify the HC of their acceptance or attendance to graduate or professional school.
  • Letters of Recommendation - students should get at least three letters of recommendation from professors or those who can vouch for their academic performance.  If possible, copies of those letters will be kept in their HC file for future reference.
  • Résumé - students will be required to complete a resume based upon their collegiate career under the advisement of the director of the Center for Experiential Learning and Career Development.
  • Internships - students will be encouraged to seek internships annually, beginning in their freshman year.  Documentation of internships should be provided through a summary and may be used in the HC newsletter, Honor Code.
  • Scholarships - students will be required to apply for at least one outside scholarship annually.  The receipt of a scholarship will be an additional record of continual academic achievement.
  • Community Service - students must have completed at least 120 hours of DOCUMENTED community service.  (Community service logs should be kept each semester and turned in at the end of each semester.)

By the time you complete college, you will have:

  • Completed an original senior research project
  • Composed a personal statement for graduate/professional school,
  • Been guided in applying for graduate/professional schools
  • Letters of recommendation which can vouch for your academic performance
  • Completed a resume’ based on your collegiate career
  • Determined career possibilities and practical living needs
  • A record of community service and involvement