Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get into the Hamilton Honors Program as a transfer student?
Will Honors courses that I took at another school count toward fulfilling Hamilton Honors Program requirements at Miami?
If I relocate to Oxford, will the Honors courses I’ve taken at Hamilton transfer as Honors courses?
What do I have to do to stay in the Hamilton Honors Program?
Will being in the Honors Program isolate me from other non-Honors students?
Do the students in the Hamilton Honors Program do anything special together?
What are the requirements to graduate with Honors?
How are Honors courses different from other courses? Are they harder?
May I come to campus to talk with someone about the Hamilton Honors Program? Can I visit an Honors class?
What is an Honors Experience?
How do I get into the Hamilton Honors Program as a transfer student?
Transfer students must apply directly to the Hamilton Honors Program in order to be admitted. In order for your application to be considered, you must have obtained at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA at your previous school, and earned between 15 and 45 credit hours. You must also supply us with an official transcript and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. Return to questions
Will Honors courses that I took at another school count towards fulfilling Honors Program requirements at Miami?
This is determined on a case-by case basis. Once you are admitted to the Hamilton Honors Program, you can meet with a member of the HHP Advisory Committee to discuss your options. Generally, students who have previously belonged to an Honors Program are given priority in admittance. Return to questions
If I relocate to Oxford, will the Honors courses I’ve taken at Hamilton transfer as Honors courses?
For students contemplating enrolling on the Oxford campus, all Honors courses taken at Hamilton will transfer to Oxford. In order to be considered for admission to the University Honors Program in Oxford, applicants must have completed at least 15 credit hours at Miami, post- high school graduation, and fewer than 45 credit hours and have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA. Return to questions
What do I have to do to stay in the Honors Program?
To remain in good standing in the Hamilton Honors Program, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher during their freshman and sophomore years, and a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher during their junior and senior years. Return to questions
Will being in the Honors Program isolate me from other non-Honors students?
No! Honors students take Honors-designated classes. However, these classes do not constitute your full schedule. You will not be academically isolated from non-Honors students. Return to questions
Do the students in the Honors Program do anything special together?
The Hamilton Honors Program will provide its students with a plethora of social, intellectual, and cultural opportunities. Honors students interested in taking a lead in the organization of such activities are asked to contact a member of the HHP Advisory Committee. Return to questions
What are the requirements to graduate with Honors?
For requirements for transfer students, see Program Requirements. Return to questions
How are Honors courses different from other courses? Are they harder?
Honors courses or seminars typically are challenging and innovative and appeal to students from every division on campus. Most courses use active learning approaches over lectures; assign primary source readings over textbooks and incorporate opportunities for independent research. Return to questions
Generally, Honors courses are not "harder" than other courses. They are just formatted differently. The small class size allows them to be more focused on discussion and critical thinking. Typically, the Professor serves as coach or facilitator and provides students with regular feedback and assessment. Most faculty members encourage students to take intellectual risks, meet with them individually, and involve them in making certain decisions regarding class direction. Return to questions
May I come to campus to talk with someone about the Honors Program? Can I visit an Honors class?
All students interested in Miami University Hamilton are encouraged to visit the campus! To set up a campus visit contact the Office of Admissions at 513.785.3111. Once you have an itinerary from the Office of Admissions, you can contact Jim Kelly at 513.785.3037. He will arrange a meeting with you to discuss the Hamilton Honors Program. He can also arrange for you to visit a class. Return to questions
What is an Honors Experience?
Honors Experiences encompass a broad array of learning opportunities. Honors Experiences consist of Honors courses as well as study abroad, and other specified deep learning experiences. Return to questions
