Getting InHonors Scholar Program
The Honors Scholar Program (HSP) provides highly motivated students enriched academic experiences as well as opportunities for civic engagement. Successful completion of the program may give honors students a competitive edge in consideration for transfer admission to some four-year colleges and universities.
Students interested in virtually every major can participate in the Honors Scholar Program while making continuous progress toward graduation from MiraCosta College and transfer to a four-year institution. Honors students are guided by a Transfer Center counselor to establish an individualized educational plan that best suits their particular educational goals.
Additionally, the Honors Scholar Program cultivates a heightened sense of community for its members by actively supporting social activities and cultural outings that build camaraderie and public service. Honors Lounges located at both the Oceanside and San Elijo campuses provide communal space for honors students to study, socialize, and collaborate.
Honors courses are designed to develop exceptional academic ability by providing challenging course work through intensive instruction from outstanding faculty in small classes. These courses fulfill IGETC and CSU general education requirements and are offered at both the Oceanside and San Elijo campuses.
Of special note, exemplary students in the Honors Scholar Program have opportunities to present and publish their academic work at undergraduate research conferences in California.
The Honors Scholar Program at MiraCosta College is a certified member of the UCLA Transfer Alliance Program (TAP), closely coordinating its program outcomes with admission requirements for UCLA’s College of Letters and Science. The program is also an active participating member of the Honors Transfer Council of California, the Western Regional Honors Conference, and the National Honors Collegiate Council.
Honors students interested in leadership development may also apply to become an Honors Navigator. Students carefully selected for this role serve as peer mentors or project leaders and participate in outreach efforts for the Honors Scholar Program.
Current Honors Curriculum
While HSP students in good standing have first access to the honors courses, any student may enroll in an honors course; acceptance to the Honors Scholar Program is not required for enrollment.
| Complete five from the following: | ||
| Introduction to the Administration of Justice (Honors) | ||
| Biological Anthropology (Honors) | ||
| Cultural Anthropology (Honors) | ||
| History of Modern Art (Honors) | ||
| Legal Environment of Business (Honors) | ||
| Business Communication (Honors) | ||
| Critical Thinking, Composition, and Literature (Honors) | ||
| Critical Thinking and Composition (Honors) | ||
| Introduction to Film (Honors) | ||
| Physical Geology (Honors) | ||
| Physical Geology Laboratory (Honors) | ||
| World History to 1500 (Honors) | ||
| World History Since 1500 (Honors) | ||
| Western Civilization to 1648 (Honors) | ||
| Western Civilization Since 1648 (Honors) | ||
| History of England (Honors) | ||
| United States History to 1877 (Honors) | ||
| United States History Since 1877 (Honors) | ||
| American Military History (Honors) | ||
| Introduction to the Arts (Honors) | ||
| Shakespeare Studies (Honors) | ||
| Calculus and Analytic Geometry (Honors) | ||
| History and Appreciation of Western Music (Honors) | ||
| Jazz History (Honors) | ||
| Introduction to Oceanography (Honors) | ||
| Climate Science and Climate Change (Honors) | ||
| General Psychology (Honors) | ||
| Statistics for Behavioral Science (Honors) | ||
| Introduction to Sociology (Honors) | ||
| Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (Honors) | ||
Program Admission Requirements
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 in high school or 3.25 in 12 units of college-degree applicable course work
- Be eligible for English 100, as established by an assessment test or equivalent
- Complete the honors application, including application form, statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and signed Statement of Academic Integrity
- Complete the matriculation process (orientation, testing, and advisement).
Students who do not meet admission requirements directly may submit an Appeal for Admission, which is reviewed on a case-by-case basis by an ad hoc committee organized by the Honors Coordinator.
Application instructions and forms are available online at www.miracosta.edu/honors .
Program Completion Requirements
For MiraCosta College Honors Scholars
- Minimum degree applicable GPA of 3.50 in college course work
- Completion of five honors courses
- Active involvement in HSP at MiraCosta College for a minimum of two semesters
- Participation in 20 verified hours of honors activities
- Responsible and ethical behavior upheld, as outlined in the Statement of Academic Integrity and MiraCosta College Standards of Student Conduct.
For UCLA TAP Certification
- Minimum degree applicable cumulative GPA of 3.50 in college course work
- Completion of five honors courses representing at least 15 units of honors coursework
- Enrollment in honors courses for two semesters at MiraCosta College
- Education Plan established with the MiraCosta College Transfer Center
- Responsible and ethical behavior upheld, as outlined in the Statement of Academic Integrity and MiraCosta College Standards of Student Conduct.
For a complete description of requirements for program admission, good standing, and program completion, contact the MiraCosta College Honors Office or visit the website.
