Honors Program
Are you looking for an extra challenge with opportunities for research and faculty interaction? Consider the University Honors Program. Ivy faculty and staff provide the support and encouragement you need to achieve the best business education possible.
As an honors student, you can expect to be:
- Supported to develop an honors program of study that helps you reach your goals.
- Challenged to grow as a person and as a business professional.
- Inspired to become a future leader at work and in your community.
As an honors student, you complete a minimum of two honors-designated courses, at least two honors seminars, and a senior honors project where you pursue your own research interests. Are you ready to start your honors adventure?
Apply to be an Honors student
Apply to be an Honors student
First-Year Students
If you have been offered admission to Iowa State University, you can apply to the First-Year Honors Program.
Current Students and Transfer Students
If you have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and more than 48 credit hours remaining until graduation, you’re eligible to apply to the University Honors Program. You are encouraged to enter as early as possible to get the maximum benefit from the program. Once accepted, you will automatically become a member of the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business Honors Program.
Ivy College of Business Honors requirements
Ivy College of Business Honors requirements
To maintain good standing in the University Honors Program, you must:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher
- Develop an honors program of study that outlines all degree requirements and includes all required honors components. Specific requirements can be found in the Ivy College of Business Honors Program Canvas course. You will be invited to this Canvas course once you have been accepted into the honors program.
Ivy College of Business Honors Requirements:
- Complete a minimum of two honors-designated courses (not including ENGL 250H): ECON 101H, SP CM 212H, ENGL 302H, any contracted Iowa State course, or any approved Ivy College of Business honors course, such as ACCT 284H.
- Complete two 300-level honors seminars of your choice.
- Complete a research project (BUSAD 490H).
- Present a poster outlining the findings of your research project at the end of the semester of your project.
- Complete 50 credits of coursework at the 300 level (rather than the 42 credits required for students who do not participate in honors).
- Required to demonstrate breadth, depth, and leadership through a variety of experiences. For specifics, contact the college honors advisors.
Questions? Email an Ivy honors program advisor.
Honors project
Honors project
To graduate with honors, you must complete an honors project and present your work at the University Honors Poster Presentation, which is held each fall and spring semester. This project gives you an opportunity to explore your own research interest under the supervision of an Iowa State faculty member. You will register for an independent study course, BUSAD 490H, in the semester you conduct your research.
Examples of recent projects include the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses, discrimination in the financial services industry, and adapting personal brand and social capital for a virtual environment. Posters from the last few semesters can be viewed on the University Honors Program webpage.
Do you have what it takes?
The University Honors Program brings together some of Iowa State University’s brightest and most motivated students to take advantage of both intellectual and social opportunities.
Connect with us
Undergraduate Student Services
1200 Gerdin Business Building
2167 Union Drive
Ames, Iowa 50011
undergrad@iastate.edu
515-294-8300
Questions?
Contact Honors Program advisors at cobhonors@iastate.edu.