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 and submit an Ivy Honors advisory program of study that details how the Ivy Honors requirements will be completed. 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 2 honors designated courses (minimum of 5 credits total, not including ENGL 2500H). Examples: ECON 1010H, ACCT 2840H, ENGL 3020H (fall only), HDFS 2830H, any other Iowa State approved honors courses, any Iowa State course with an honors contract, or 5000-level (graduate) courses.
- Complete two 3000-level honors seminars of your choice.
- Complete an honors capstone research or creative project (BUSAD 4900H).
- Present your honors project poster at the University Honors Poster Session upon completion of your honors capstone project.
- Complete 50 credits of coursework at the 3000 level (rather than the 42 credits required for students who do not participate in honors).
- Demonstrate breadth, depth, and leadership through a variety of experiences. Specific list of experiences can be found in the Ivy Honors Canvas Course.
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 4900H, 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 web page.
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.