Honors Program
Apply for the Honors Program
Complete the ApplicationHow it Works
The Honors curriculum is intentionally designed so you develop skills progressively:
- Explore – Begin by discovering your interests and building inquiry skills.
- Apply – Coursework encourages deeper analysis and collaboration.
- Engage – Service-learning connects academic knowledge to community needs.
- Create – Independent study allows you to design their own research project.
Together, these experiences form a coherent developmental pathway, helping you grow as a thinker, collaborator, and community member.
What You Develop
As an Honors student, you’ll strengthen five key skills:
- Intellectual Curiosity
Ask your own questions and explore topics that interest you. - Critical Thinking
Analyze ideas, evaluate information, and solve complex problems. - Community Engagement
Connect your learning to real-world experiences through service and community work. - Teamwork and Collaboration
Work with classmates, faculty, and community partners. - Self-Reflection
Understand your strengths, goals, and personal growth.
Honors Curriculum
The Honors Program can typically be completed in 3–4 semesters and requires six credit hours of Honors coursework. Students must maintain a 3.25 GPA to graduate from the program.
Students complete four core experiences:
- HON-110 Introduction to Honors (1 credit)
Students begin their Honors journey by exploring their interests, building research and inquiry skills, and connecting with other Honors students. - Honors General Education Course (3 credits)
Students take a general education course designed specifically for Honors students that emphasizes discussion, inquiry, and deeper exploration of course topics. - HON-150 Honors Service-Learning (1 credit)
Students apply what they’ve learned by volunteering with a community organization or designing a project that addresses a real community need. - HON-927 Honors Independent Study (1 credit)
Students work one-on-one with a faculty mentor to research a topic of interest and complete a final project such as a research paper, presentation, or creative work.
FAQ
Any EICC student can apply.
You don’t need a certain GPA or test score to get started. If you’re curious, motivated, and interested in growing academically and personally, we encourage you to apply.
No. The Honors Program is open to students in all programs and all campuses across EICC.
Whether you’re planning to transfer to a university or preparing for a career in fields like health sciences, business, manufacturing, or the trades, Honors can fit into your path.
Honors classes aren’t about doing more work—they’re about doing more meaningful work.
Instead of extra assignments, you’ll focus on deeper discussions, real-world projects, collaboration, and independent exploration.
No. The program is designed to fit into your degree plan.
The Honors General Education course counts toward requirements you already need, and the other courses are structured to be flexible so they don’t interfere with your schedule.
Most students complete the program in 3–4 semesters.
In most cases, financial aid can cover Honors courses if you’re eligible.
The program is intentionally designed to avoid adding unnecessary costs, and some students may also qualify for Honors-related scholarships.
Honors gives you opportunities to:
- work closely with faculty mentors
- explore topics that interest you through research
- gain leadership and teamwork experience
- connect learning to community impact
- stand out when transferring to a four-year university
It’s also a great way to build confidence, meet other engaged students, and make your college experience more memorable.
Many students feel that way at first—and that’s okay.
The Honors Program is designed to support your growth and help you build confidence along the way. If you’re curious, willing to explore new ideas, and ready to challenge yourself, you belong here.
How do I apply?
Applying is simple. Submit the Honors application online and share what interests you most about the program.
You’ll also have the opportunity to talk about which Honors courses or learning outcomes excite you most.
Scholarship Opportunities
Honors students have exclusive access to a scholarship opportunity designed to support their academic achievements. The David F. Krein Scholarship is available specifically for students in the Honors Program.
In addition, EICC and the Scott Community College Foundation offer more than 80 Foundation Scholarships each year, awarded based on factors like program of study, GPA, community service, and more.
Explore the full list of scholarships and see what you qualify for
Other Benefits
All students at NCHC member institutions qualify for a free Student Membership with the National Collegiate Honors Council.
Please Join Us!
There's only one step to get into the Honors program – complete the online application.
Questions?
We’d love to answer them, share details, and let you know when and where your class meets. Contact:
