About the Honors Program:

To Apply for the Degree with Honors Program: High school students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 and an ACT composite score of 25 or a SAT score of 1260. » Transfer Student Application » High School Student Application Apply for Park University Scholarships: Scholarship Information Park students already enrolled must have a 3.5 cumulative GPA. In order to remain in the Program, students must maintain a 3.5 GPA and make satisfactory progress toward graduation and completion of the independent project. For additional information, contact: Dr. Virginia Brackett, Director Tel. (816) 584-6818 E-mail: virginia.brackett@park.edu

The Park University Honors Program features faculty highly motivated to work with you, the academically exceptional student. Class focus during the first two years in specially designed LS100, EN106, and one-hour credit courses features guest lecturers from the University as well as the greater community. Class focus during the second two years features your self-designed exploration of a subject about which you feel passionate. You will interact with a faculty mentor of your choice who will help guide that exploration. Program students receive one-on-one attention designed to help them realize goals including contribution to local and global communities, internships, study abroad, graduate school, and careers. You will also participate in service learning, an important step to fulfilling leadership potential.

Program Students Enjoy:

• Small classes devoted to reading, discussion, research skills, portfolio design, project completion, and service
• Emphasis on analytical and critical thinking skills in a rigorous academic environment
• Design of your own research project
• Assistance in application for fellowships and graduate schools
• Assistance in competition for prestigious scholarships, including Rhodes, Fulbright, and Truman
• Financial support for study-abroad programs for qualified students
• Internships
• Service Learning
• Research project immersion
• Connection with community, both on and off campus

Completing Program Requirements, Students Will:

• Participate in the program for 4-5 semesters, comprising a total of 8-15 hours depending upon status when entering
• Design a project in collaboration with a professor that involves data collection and critical analysis to be completed while at Park University
• Prepare final written and oral presentations for a Park University audience and/or another appropriate venue

Degree with Honors Courses:

• LS100 - First-Year Seminar for Honors- This first-year seminar course for Honors students is structured around service, campus activities, independent research, small group discussion, and intensive writing across disciplines, with a focus on global issues. It is the foundation for upper level courses. 3:0:3
• EN106 - First Year Writing Seminar II: Academic Research and Writing for Honors - The course provides sustained experience with research and writing tasks common in the academy. Students will explore various academic genres, with particular focus on learning to undertake academic inquiry; engage in close reading; incorporate research into writing; and document sources, with a special emphasis on Honors focus, such as service and/or global issues. 3:0:3
• HN 210 Academic Exploration and Responsibility - This course focuses on portfolio design for application for scholarships and other opportunities. It meets once weekly for discussion of Opportunities in Academic Disciplines, study abroad, internships, and global concerns. 1:0:1
• HN 300 Research and Writing Orientation - This course provides a foundation for the completion of the final project in the Honors Option Program as well as opportunities to gain experience in conducting research. 1:0:1
• HN 302 Honors Project - This course must be taken a minimum of two (2) semesters and can be taken for an additional semester under extenuating circumstances. The continuing participation in the Program requires approval of the advisor(s) and the Honors Committee. The advisor(s) will directly oversee and guide the student and the student must continue to progress in their plan of study. 2:0:2
• HN 400 Honors Seminar - This course requires final development of the public presentation of the project conducted by the student under guidance of their advisor(s). A major component of this course is the public presentation or other proper forum which allows exposure of the final product. Prerequisites: HN 300, HN 302. 3:0:3

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