Program Overview

Florida Atlantic University is committed to enriching the academic experience for all students. We understand that each student seeks a unique honors experience, which is why FAU offers two exceptional honors opportunities: the University Honors Program and the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College.

University Honors Program

Located on the Boca Raton campus, FAU’s largest campus, the University Honors Program has been fostering academic excellence since 1991. Designed for academically motivated students, the program offers exceptional learning opportunities through specialized honors seminars.

Admissions Requirements

  • Minimum test scores of 25 ACT/ 1200 SAT-R
  • Minimum high school GPA of 4.0 (weighted)
  • Academic rigor of high school curriculum

If you do not meet the standard admissions requirements, we still encourage you to apply by submitting the Supplemental Application Form, provided that supplemental applications are being accepted at that time.

Program Benefits

  • Small class sizes
  • Personalized advising
  • Priority registration
  • Courses taught by FAU’s top-ranked faculty

Program Completion Requirements

  • Complete 14 honors credits
    • Includes SLS 1501 - Intro to Honors Academic Life (2 credits) in the first fall semester.
  • Log 20 community service hours posted to FAU transcript via Noble Hour
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA in Honors courses.
  • Maintain a 3.5 overall GPA.
  • Actively pursue honors credits until program completion (unless otherwise approved)

Upon completion, students receive an Honors Certificate and Cord at the fall Honors Awards Ceremony, with a “University Honors” notation on their final transcript.

Academic Advising

Advising for University Honors Program (UHP) students offers a dynamic and multi-layered support system. As a UHP member, you will receive personalized academic advising that helps you navigate both general education and honors requirements simultaneously.

This comprehensive support is further enhanced by UHP advisors collaborating closely with your college advisors and special population advisors, such as those focused on first-generation or pre-health students.

To schedule your advising appointment with your UHP advisor, download the EAB Navigate App or log in to your Success Network through your student portal.

Advanced Registration

As a UHP student, you benefit from priority registration, granting you early access to the registration portal and the opportunity to secure your top choice of courses. To determine your specific advanced registration date for upcoming semesters, please consult with your UHP advisor.

Academic Support & Engagement

As a UHP student, you will engage with the UHP and FAU community through connections with fellow students, peer academic coaches, faculty, and staff. In the SLS 1501 common hour, you will build a sense of community and belonging while receiving small group and 1:1 support from upper-class UHP students serving as peer academic coaches. These experienced peers will mentor you on successful study strategies, navigating your new college environment, getting involved on campus and other topics by request. 

These relationships are key to creating a supportive environment that enhances your academic journey and contributes to your overall success in the program. Actively participating in these opportunities will enrich your experience and help you achieve your academic and personal goals.

For questions about UHP Engagement and Academic Support, please contact Heather Smith, Assistant Director of the University Honors Program, at honorsboca@fau.edu.

Leadership, Service Learning, and Engagement in the UHP

As a University Honors Program (UHP) student, you will have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills and engage meaningfully with the FAU, local, and hometown communities.

Leadership opportunities within the UHP include becoming a Peer Academic Coach, where you can mentor and support fellow students, and holding officer positions in our Registered Student Organization, where you can influence and shape the Honors community.

In addition to leadership roles, you are encouraged to give back through service. To meet program requirements, you must complete and upload at least 20 hours of community service to your FAU transcript via NobleHour. This not only fulfills your service-learning requirement but also enriches your personal and academic growth through hands-on experience.

For more information on uploading your service hours, discovering volunteer opportunities, and other related resources, visit https://volunteer.fau.edu/.