Honors Program Requirements 

In 1989, Emerson's faculty designed the Honors Program to provide outstanding students with enriched intellectual challenge. Emerson's unique curriculum integrates the liberal arts with specialized study in one of the professional fields of communication and performing arts. Each year, Emerson invites 50 of its most outstanding applicants to join the Honors Program. Students are selected on the basis of their superior academic achievements, significant creative accomplishments, and demonstrated leadership. Admitted students receive Trustees Scholarships of half tuition per year which are renewable annually.

The Emerson Honors Program is a four-year, interdisciplinary program consisting of intensive liberal arts honors seminars, collaborative research projects and faculty-directed independent study. First- and second-year honors students explore issues of communication and cultural diversity and examine modes of inquiry and research methods. Third- and fourth-year students take interdisciplinary honors seminars or theory, criticism or methodology courses; participate in special events, lectures, and independent projects; and complete an in-depth thesis or creative project. Upper-class students may take graduate courses with their advisors' approval.

To remain in the Honors Program, students must maintain a 3.3 cumulative quality point average and a 3.0 average in Honors courses.

Eligibility and Admission 

Selection into the Honors Program is determined by the Honors Program Director and the Director of Admission. Honors Program candidates are characterized by an intense desire to learn, to challenge their intellectual capacity, to gain international perspective and to experience firsthand the fields of communication and performing arts.

To be considered for the Honors Program, students must complete the following by the Admission application deadline (Early Action-November 1, Regular Admission-January 5):

• Complete all general requirements for admission
• Complete the Honors Program Application
• • Submit an Honors Program essay
  • Submit a 4-8 page graded writing sample

While each Trustees Scholar is unique, recipients are recognized for their:

• Advanced analytical and writing skills as demonstrated in the Honors essay and graded writing sample
• Superior academic performance in a challenging curriculum
• Excellent standardized test results on one of the following: SAT (successful applicants have an average score of 1390+), ACT (an average score of 30), or TOEFL (600+)*
• Commitment to community and service
• Significant creative accomplishments
• Demonstrated leadership

*An impressive academic record, Honors essay, and resume of accomplishments and interests may compensate for standardized test scores slightly below the published guidelines.

All candidates for the Honors Program and Trustees Scholarship will be notified of the Honors Program's decisions separately from their admission decision and will be notified no later than April 1.