Join the Honors College
We're a small college within a large research university. Becoming an Honors student will give you access to unique seminar courses, special Honors classes within many fields of study, and a supportive environment that will change and stretch your abilities. You'll tackle multi-disciplinary questions to fulfill your Honors course requirements.
Any information submitted in your application will be considered for admission to the Honors College. Some applicants may be invited to an interview.
Transfer Students
Students transferring from another college or university may apply to the Honors College while applying to the university using the George Mason online application.
Requirements
Applications submitted by October 1st for Spring semester entry and March 1st for Fall semester entry will be given priority. Transfer students are only accepted into the Honors College for the Fall and Spring semesters.
- Completed 12 - 24 credits at an accredited college or university.
- Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA in college or university.
- Letter of recommendations are not required but will be reviewed if submitted.
How to Apply
Eager to take advantage of the research, civic engagement, academic, and/or professional development opportunities the Honors College offers? When applying, complete the 650-word essay in your application. A link to our interest form and the online application may be found on the "Applying to the Honors College" page.
Current George Mason Students
Students who were not initially admitted to the Honors College may apply after their first semester if they meet the eligibility criteria
Requirements
Applications submitted by the deadlines on our website will be given priority. Students currently at George Mason may apply to join the Honors College during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
- Completed at least 24 credits at George Mason.
- Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA at George Mason.
- Letter of recommendations are not required but will be reviewed if submitted. The recommender portal is on the application and on our website.
How to Apply
Eager to take advantage of the research, civic engagement, academic, and/or professional development opportunities the Honors College offers? A link to our interest form and the Honors college application can be found on the "Joining the Honors College" webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost more to join the Honors College?
No
Students pay no additional tuition or fees to participate in Honors College.
How does the Honors College curriculum relate to the Mason Core?
The Honors College curriculum is an alternative to the Mason Core.
If you have already taken some Mason Core classes or have transfer credits that cover Mason Core requirements, they could potentially be used to substitute up to 4 of the 7 required Honors College seminars.
How will my credits transfer?
The Honors College will evaluate the classes you've taken and award appropriate credit.
Credits from before George Mason:
After admissions, the Honors College will evaluate your transfer, AP/IB and dual enrollment credits to determine if they can be used as substitutes for relevant Honors College curriculum requirements. See below for common substitutions for Honors College Inquiry in the arts, humanities, and social science courses.
Honors College Inquiry in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Common Substitutions:
- HNRS 122 - Reading the Arts: Arts (includes Art, Music, Theater, Dance) and Literature.
- HNRS 130 - Identity, Community, and Difference: Identity-based courses, including Religion, Philosophy, Gender Studies, Cultural Studies, and some Sociology courses.
- HNRS 131 - Contemporary Social Issues: Global context/social science, including Sociology, Government, Economics, Psychology, Criminology
- HNRS 240 - Reading the Past: History courses
Mason Core Credits:
Current George Mason students may use Mason Core Exploration courses they have taken before joining the Honors College to substitute up to 4 of the 7 required Honors College seminars.
Natural science and math:
Natural science and math classes used to fulfill degree or major requirements are accepted by the Honors College. You will have the option to take enhanced H-sections of some classes.
What is the Honors College?
An enhanced opportunity for the most motivated students from all majors at Mason.
Curriculum: The Honors College offers an enhanced alternative general education curriculum comprised of small, highly interactive seminar type-classes.
Programming: The Honors College offers co-curricular programming to help students excel academically, connect socially, and pursue the things they care about most.
Support: You will receive additional support from an Honors College advisor, help navigating your transition, and extra help if you run into challenges along the way.
What distinguishes the Honors College curriculum?
We focus on inquiry-based, civic, and experiential learning.
Research: 100% of Honors College students begin conducting individual research their first semester. 44% conduct research with a faculty member before graduating.
Civic Learning: All Honors College students take a civic learning course and our curriculum emphasizes putting significant questions in their broader social and historic context.
Experiential learning: Students may participate in hands-on classes that develop professional skills. Dozens of companies, nonprofits, and government institutions have partnered with students in our classes.
What is the value of the Honors College experience?
Learn with a community that inspires you to do your best.
Excel at George Mason: Graduation rates are 32% higher than national averages. Before graduation, 80% of our students are in registered student organizations, with over half in leadership roles; 63% participate in service work; 73% have internships.
Go to Grad School: Honors College graduates go on to attend top graduate, law, and medical schools across the country, including Harvard, Stanford, the University of Virginia, and the University of California.
Get Top Careers: Honors College grads work in leadership positions in every industry and field - in law firms, health systems, corporations, NGOs, and the government.