The Academic Program

Full, upper and lower division honors may be earned in NMU's Honors Program.

For full honors, students earn liberal studies credit by completing interdisciplinary HON core courses usually in the first and second years.

In the third and fourth years, students complete 12 credits of HON or "H" contract courses, which count toward liberal studies, major, and/or minor requirements, depending on the student’s curriculum. In the fourth year, honors program students enroll in a capstone senior experience, completing a research project of independent design.

In addition, students must demonstrate proficiency in mathematics (at least pre-calculus) and a foreign language (at least at the 202 level). Proficiency can be demonstrated by advanced placement (AP) credit, course work, or appropriate examination.

Depending on the student’s program, credit earned in mathematics and languages may count toward liberal studies requirements in foundations of natural sciences/mathematics and formal communication studies, respectively.

Students may complete the second two years for upper division honors. Students doing so complete the honors program courses in the upper division, demonstrate either mathematics or language proficiency and complete the senior capstone.

Students may complete the first two years for lower division honors. Students doing so complete the honors program courses in the lower division and demonstrate either mathematics or language proficiency.