Honors Program

Freshmen who have been accepted to USCA and qualify with an SAT score of 1170 or an ACT score of 24 are eligible to apply for acceptance into the Honors Program at USCA. To apply, students should send (either via regular or electronic mail) their name, contact information, High School, SAT/ACT score, planned major, and class rank. In addition, the applicant should ask two high school teachers to send letters of recommendation to Dr. Michelle Vieyra, Honors Program Director. Students should also send a writing sample from a recent course. All applications must be postmarked by April 15. Students are informed within two weeks of sending in a completed application whether or not they have been accepted into the program. All correspondence should be sent to the Honors Program Director, Dr. Michelle Vieyra, at [email protected]. The mailing address is 471 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801. Continuing university students with 45 credit hours or less and a GPA of at least 3.5 may also apply to the Honors Program.

Unique learning experiences exclusive to Honors students One-on-one classroom experiences with USCA faculty Close fellowship and study opportunities with USCA’s best students Undergraduate research opportunities Potential to receive an Honors scholarship Access to a private Honors lounge (with computers and free printing!) Priority Registration (You will sign up for classes first!) Honors Housing Special ceremony each year recognizing Honors graduates Honors graduate designation on transcript Competitive edge when seeking employment or acceptance into graduate/professional schools. 

If you are not admitted into the Honors Program as a freshman, you will have another chance to apply if you earn a 3.5 GPA or higher during your first semester or year of coursework. 

Yes. You must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of the program, a 3.1 in the third and fourth semesters, a 3.2 in the fifth and sixth semesters, and a 3.3 in the seventh and eighth semesters. Further, to remain in the program, all courses applied to honors credit must be passed with a grade of "B” or better. 

Should your GPA fall below the minimum requirement for the semester you just completed, you will be placed in probationary status. You may continue to take Honors courses during your probation, but you must bring your GPA back up to that required by the end of the following semester to be reinstated in the Honors Program. You will be dismissed from the program if you cannot do so. 

Most Honors Program courses will be offered only during the fall and spring semesters. Some colloquia may be available during summer sessions. If you would like to take a summer Honors enriched (501) course as part of your General Education or Major requirements, please check with Dr. Michelle Vieyra.