HONORS PROGRAM

Benefits of joining the KCC Honors Program include:

• Attract transfer institutions and increase scholarship opportunities
• Conference and field trip opportunities
• Honors designation on transcripts and honors regalia at commencement

Honors Program admission and completion requirements include the following.

Admission Requirements

• High school students must have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and minimum ACT composite of 24 or SAT composite of 1160
• Current KCC students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and 12 completed credits
• Transfer students must have a combined incoming transfer GPA of 3.5 or higher and 12 completed college-level credits

Faculty perspective of Honors Program: Honors coursework at KCC offers opportunities for committed and qualified students to push themselves intellectually by joining a community of learners who value academic rigor and immersive learning experiences. Students in these courses don’t necessarily do more work; they do better work. As such, the expectations for quality and depth are usually higher, with students finding inspiration and motivation from not only their peers but from the more intimate learning environment. In short, honors courses tend to inspire, motivate and foster learning in rich and rewarding ways. – Professor Matt Samra

Completion Requirements

The Honors Program at KCC is structured around a four-semester sequence. Qualified students may begin the program during any fall semester. In order to graduate with an “honors” distinction, students must complete a minimum of eight credit hours of honors-level coursework, including the Honors Seminar and Honors Capstone in the second year.

Below are descriptions of KCC courses that currently offer Honors Program options.

ENGL 151H: Freshman Composition – Honors (3 credits)

The intellectually-able student is permitted to pursue in-depth studies in expository writing. The student must be interested in developing excellence in writing. Lab fee.

ENGL 152H: Freshman Composition – Honors (3 credits)

A continuation of ENGL 151 – Honors with emphasis on preparation and writing of a research paper on a challenging topic. Analysis of fiction and nonfiction selections to refine critical thinking skills. Lab fee.

HIST 104H: Modern America – Honors (3 credits)

A survey of the political, economic and social history of the United States from 1877 to the present. An honors course for superior students enrolled in HIST 104. Entry to honors status only by the invitation of the instructor. Emphasis on individual study and personal projects.

HNRS 110: Honors Seminar (1 credit)

This course provides students with an opportunity to explore an academic career and engage in research at a deeper level within a chosen field. Students will take HNRS 110 concurrently with a course in which they complete an honors contract. Students will collaborate with a Kellogg Community College faculty member to design and produce a research project demonstrating advanced critical analysis, cultural and personal engagement and effective communication. Honors seminar participants will meet monthly with other Honors Program students to discuss, shape and share their specific honors-level work through an interdisciplinary approach.

HNRS 200: Honors Capstone (1 credit)

This course provides students with an opportunity to examine a chosen academic and/or professional field through independent analysis as well as collaboration with internal and external experts. Students will use tools and resources to complete a project, internship, field work experience, assignment, research paper, portfolio or presentation that demonstrates their ability to think critically, engage with the community and communicate effectively in their chosen field.