Prospective Honors Scholars
Want more out of your classes?
Westminster's Honors College is perfect for students who are motivated, curious, love a good discussion, and enjoy research. Honors students come from all majors across campus, so every class is enriched by a mix of perspectives and ideas.
Thrive in a space that encourages you to debate big questions, learn in the real world, and build critical thinking. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to follow your curiosity, including regional and national Honors conferences, summer research opportunities, study abroad, or guest lectures.
When you graduate, you'll feel ready for anything. Your resume will stand out to employers and grad schools because of your leadership experience and Honors designation, along with the skills to ask important questions, have meaningful conversations, and make confident decisions.
180+
Honors students
Representing every academic major across the university
#1
4-year graduation rate
In Utah and at Westminster University
2025–26
95%
First-year retention rate
The highest retention at Westminster University
2025
Rigorous Discussion, Big Ideas
You’ll learn how to have tough but necessary conversations and think creatively about solutions to the biggest and most challenging issues of our time. You’ll come to class ready to share your own ideas and engage with others on assigned materials—readings, art pieces, even cities.
Co-taught, Theme-based Curriculum
Every Honors seminar is interdisciplinary and focused on a central theme. Westminster’s team-taught Honors seminars are led by two faculty members from different disciplines. Honors seminars are built for broad exploration and vibrant conversation, and take the place of WCore, Westminster’s core liberal arts curriculum.
Fast-track to Nationally Competitive Opportunities
Westminster's Fellowship Advising Office offers individualized support as you pursue prestigious postgraduate fellowships and scholarships, including Fulbright, Marshall, Truman, NSF, and Gilman. The Honors community also sees a 95% medical school acceptance rate among pre-med scholars.
Exclusive Scholarships and Awards
The Honors College offers roughly $1 million in reliable scholarship funding reserved exclusively for Honors students. There are 45 scholars in the incoming 2026 Honors cohort and 100% received a scholarship.
Dedicated Honors Advising
In addition to your undergraduate academic advisors, you'll have a dedicated Honors advisor in your corner. They’ll help you navigate Honors requirements, choose the right courses, and stay on track to graduate as an Honors Scholar.
Award-Winning Wellness Programming
Honors students receive caring, hands-on support for managing stress, including the chance to work regularly with practitioners like yoga instructors, meditation teachers, and reflective writing specialists.
This commitment to student wellbeing earned Westminster’s Honors College the 2022 Beacon Award.
Peer Mentorship and Leadership Opportunities
Honors students have exclusive access to many resume-building leadership opportunities. If you’re interested in shaping the Honors experience, you can run for Student Honors Council. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can become peer mentors, helping first-year students find their footing on campus.
Did you compete in the high school Civility Essay Contest? When you join the Honors College, you can become a Civility Scholar Peer Mentor and lead meaningful conversations across difference. Mentoring is also a core aspect of and opportunity for First Scholars.
Publication Opportunities
Honors students take pride in publishing original scholarly work in national Honors journals and presenting research at the annual National Collegiate Honors Council meeting. Westminster’s Honors College students have consistently produced impressive national publications across disciplines.
Vibrant Student Life
The Honors College has its own culture, built on tradition and a close-knit, welcoming community. Some traditions are academic, others are just plain fun. Together, these events create a shared experience Honors students cherish through their time at Westminster and remember long after they graduate.
The emphasis on diversity, writing, and interdisciplinary thinking helped me develop
confidence in who I am and what I bring to the classroom.”
Juanita G. (Honors '25)
In the Honors College, success is in how you can collaborate with other people, admit
when you make mistakes, and bounce ideas off your team to find the right answer. Honors
pushes you to find your own voice.”
Nicole (Honors '20)
I became interested in the Honors College based on its incredibly interactive, creative,
and challenging educational structure. I was fortunate to carry the lateral-entry
option forward and develop this avenue.”
Tim L. (Honors '17)
In-Person Visits
When you schedule your campus visit, there are a couple ways you can get to know the Honors College.
- Add the Honors College stop to your campus tour through the Admissions Office. Honors stops are scheduled weekday mornings and as
part of Twilight Tours, lasting about a half hour. Family and counselors are welcome
to join.
- Meet with the dean for 30 minutes in Nunemaker Place, home of the Honors College.
- Sit in on a Foundational Conversations seminar (September–April).
- Add the Honors College as an academic interest in your admissions portal to learn more during your campus tour’s info session.
- Ask your tour guide your most pressing questions.
- Go home with a folder full of information about the Honors College.
Virtual Visits
Schedule a 30-minute virtual visit September–April to learn about the Honors College experience from a current scholar. Evening and weekend timeslots are available.
- Learn about campus life and how you can get involved, based on your interests.
- Get the nitty-gritty about the application process.
- Ask your guide your most pressing questions.