Course Requirements and Retention Policy for Honors Students

Honors College Course Requirements

While taking these engaging classes, Honors College students also satisfy the University-wide PATH curriculum requirements. In addition to the central three-stage progression of courses—core courses, three advanced seminars, and the Honors thesis—Honors College students also take:

• The Art and Craft of Writing: an introduction to college writing
• Three history classes: can focus on Western Civilization, World Civilization or Art or Music History; these courses help students to become informed about the empires, political regimes, and social and cultural achievements of past peoples
• Three cultural events each semester: the Honors College will subsidize tickets for the students to attend an array of cultural events and performances in New York City, but also encourages students to seek out events themselves on campus, on Long Island or in NYC
• International Competency Requirement: will increase students’ exposure to and familiarity with the products, practices and perspectives of civilizations and communities beyond the United States.
• Two science classes with a lab component: students learn via scientific method about hypothesis formation and testing, as well as the process of revision and outcome evaluation.

Learn more about Honors College requirements and semester sequence.

Honors College Retention Policy

To remain in good standing Honors College students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 in their first two semesters and 3.3 in all subsequent semesters.

Students must also take courses that allow them to make progress toward their Honors College degree requirements. To graduate from the Honors College students must earn a passing grade in all their Honors College courses and a grade above B- on the Honors College thesis. Students will earn a medallion to wear at commencement and have the Honors College designation noted on their transcripts.

As of fall 2021, Adelphi University has required students to earn a cumulative GPA above 2.0 to continue to receive their merit scholarships. In order to continue receiving Honors College students must remain in good standing in the Honors College. To be in good standing, students must be making progress in their Honors coursework and earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in their first two semesters, and a GPA of at least 3.3 all subsequent semesters.

Students whose GPAs fall below the semester’s minimum will be placed on Honors probation and will need to earn a semester GPA of 3.0 or 3.3 for the next two semesters and raise their cumulative GPA to the required minimum to be removed from probationary status. While on Honors probation students should meet with an Honors College staff member and work with the coaching program offered by the Office of Academic Services and Retention so students can develop the skills they need to thrive in the Honors College and at Adelphi University.

Students on Honors Probation retain their Honors College scholarships. However, if after two semesters on probation students’ grades have not improved they will be removed from the Honors College. Dismissal from the Honors College will deactive the students Honors College scholarship.