Honors Program

You have to be “brainy” to take honors, right?

That’s partly right, but not the whole story. You also need an interest in thinking for yourself. In hands-on learning, research, and creative activities. In joining other students and faculty in discussions, projects, field trips, and cultural experiences. And, in earning a diploma with magna or summa cum laude honors.

students lined up for graduation

Our Mission

The University Honors Program strives to engage students in interdisciplinary academics to develop their innate sense of curiosity and empower them to expand their intellectual endeavors beyond the classroom by engaging in discussion, conversation, and research.

The Honors Program provides unique learning opportunities, contributes to a culture of undergraduate research and intellectual inquiry, and fosters a sense of scholarly community that helps create lifetime learners. Both future and current students may apply.

Jordan Hall

Interdisciplinary Approach

Think critically.

Students will encounter, articulate, and apply concepts, tools, and methodologies from multiple disciplines critically in University Honors Program courses.

photo from undergraduate research conference

Effective Communication

Ideation and presentation.

Students will be able to express ideas and arguments clearly and precisely in multiple formats, including written and oral presentations of their work.

faculty innovation fair

Research

Observe. Question. Hypothesize.

Students will execute a quality research project, using appropriate disciplinary and academic skills, which will result in a thesis.

Indianapolis skyline at sunset

Community Engagement

Get involved.

Students will engage in activities that promote engagement with the program, wider university, civic, and globally through a variety of activities.

Honors Community Events

To enhance the Honors experience outside the classroom, we offer a variety of Honors Cultural Events. These might include lectures, presentations by fellow Honors students, or even social events.

Learn About Our Events

Graduating with Honors

Butler University awards three levels of general university honors and three levels of departmental honors.

Explore Honors Distinctions

Featured Honors Student

“The Honors Program connects you with students in different majors that are passionate about what they are learning and offer unique perspectives. Being in the Honors Program has helped me to become a more well-rounded student by exposing me to diverse topics, students, and professors.”

-Emily Hwang
Biochemistry major
Data Science minor
Chicago, Illinois

Read More