jmu honors essay

COB 300H: Honors

Creating a plan.

• Searching effectively
• Managing citations

Have a Question? Ask Me!

Never tackled a big project like this before? Sage Research Methods is a JMU database that can help.

Review some samples from past JMU honors students

• JMU Scholarly Commons: Honors College This link will let you browse the thesis projects submitted by previous Honors students.

What are people writing about in your subject area?

Dr. Connolly mentioned looking at recent issues of the top journals in your major to get ideas for what topic to investigate in your thesis or capstone.

• How to: Finding influential journals in Scopus This handout was created by the University of Sheffield. You must access JMU's subscription to Scopus using the link below.
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• Last Updated: Mar 3, 2024 6:33 PM
• URL: https://guides.lib.jmu.edu/cob300h

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James Madison University | JMU’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

The interdisciplinary space of the JMU Honors College creates a community of scholars in which students, faculty and staff from across the campus may engage in environments which encourage an exploration of ideas from multiple disciplines, viewpoints and perspectives. 

Honors Interdisciplinary Studies Minor Requirements

All students admitted to the Honors College pursue a minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. They may also elect to pursue an Honors Scholar designation. The Honors Scholar designation requires the completion of either the Honors Senior ePortfolio Project or a departmental Honors capstone. Students that complete a departmental honors capstone project will receive a graduation distinction in the major or minor of their capstone project. 

Students must show progression in honors coursework and maintain a GPA of 3.0 in Honors courses to remain in good standing in the college.  

Students must declare their intended Honors Scholar pathway or request a waiver for the Honors Scholar requirements by the first semester of their junior year.

Honors Interdisciplinary Studies Minor (Honors Core): 19 Credit Hours

Introduction to honors: 1 credit hour.

Choose one:

• HON 100. Honors First Year Seminar Credits: 1.00 (for incoming first year students)
• HON 101. Honors Orientation Seminar Credits: 1.00 (for transfer or current JMU students)

Honors courses: 12 Credit Hours

• Honors approved courses in General Education, the Honors College or academic unit of choice.*

Diversity or Global Engagement Course: 3 Credit Hours ***

See the list of Honors diversity courses and Global Engagement courses below.

Research or Experiential Learning Course: 3 Credit Hours ***

See the list of Honors research or experiential learning courses below.

Honors Scholar Designation: 6 Credit Hours

Honors Scholar designation requires students to complete 25 credits, 19 of which come from the Honors Core. Students can earn the Honors Scholar designation by completing the Honors ePortfolio Project Pathway or the Departmental Honors Capstone Pathway. Students who wish to complete the minor without the Honors Scholar designation should contact an Honors College adviser for information on waiving the ePortfolio/capstone project requirement.

One of the following: 6 Credit Hours

Senior e portfolio project.

Completion of the following courses for a total of 3 credits and final completion of the project. ​​​​​​​

• HON 401. Introduction to Honors ePortfolio Credits: 1.00-2.00
• HON 402. Honors ePortfolio Credits: 1.00-2.00

Portfolio students must complete an additional 3.00 credits of Honors approved coursework.

Students completing the Senior Portfolio project will earn a graduation designation as an “Honors Scholar”.

Departmental Honors Capstone Project:

• Completion of a 499 Honors sequence or departmental approved courses for 6 hours of credit and presentation requirements 6.00 Credit Hours.
• Capstone requirements are defined by the academic unit in consultation with the Honors College.  Students will work with their academic unit and their Honors Liaison to define the capstone.  May be but is not limited to a thesis, project, or portfolio.
• Approval from the academic unit in which the capstone is completed is required.

Capstone students will earn a graduation designation as an  “Honors Scholar with Distinction in [Major or Minor]” ​​​​​​​.

Total: 25 Credit Hours

List of honors diversity courses.

• AAAD 200. Introduction to African, African American and Diaspora Studies [C4GE] Credits: 3.00
• ANTH 265. Peoples and Cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean Credits: 3.00
• ANTH 395. Special Topics in Anthropology Credits: 3.00 (Andean Archaeology)
• ARTH 424. Arts of Ancient Egypt Credits: 3.00
• ARTH 428. Advanced Topics in Modern and Contemporary Art Credits: 3.00
• ARTH 484. Art of the Americas Credits: 3.00
• EDUC 310. Teaching in a Diverse Society Credits: 3.00
• ELED 310. Diversity in Elementary Education Credits: 3.00
• ENG 221. Literature/Culture/Ideas [C2L] Credits: 3.00 Latinx Storytelling
• ENG 239. Studies in World Literature [C2L] Credits: 3.00 “Literatures of Global English” or ”African Oral Literature” topics only 
• ENG 260. Survey of African American Literature [C2L] Credits: 3.00
• ENG 332. Studies in Popular Genres Credits: 3.00 African American Women in/and the Media
• ENG 335. Studies in Children’s Literature Credits: 3.00
• ENG 374. Contemporary Global Anglophone Literature Credits: 3.00 Alternative Modernities
• ENG 408. Advanced Studies in African American Literature Credits: 3.00
• ENG 423. Advanced Studies in Gender and Sexuality in Literature Credits: 3.00 Gender, Sexuality and Ubuntu in African Literature
• ENG 433. Advanced Studies in Arabic Literature Credits: 3.00
• ENG 496. Advanced Topics in Creative Writing Credits: 3.00 Trauma, Healing and Resilience: A Multi-Genre Workshop Section
• HIST 263. Africa Credits: 3.00
• HIST 302. Plazas, Protests and Processions: An Urban History of the Americas Credits: 3.00
• HIST 307. The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Credits: 3.00
• HIST 322. Jim Crow South Credits: 3.00
• HIST 489. Selected Topics in World History Credits: 3.00
• HRD 123. Developing Multicultural Competency for Effective Facilitation Credits: 3.00
• HUM 252. Global Cultures [C2HQC] Credits: 3.00 Latin American Cultures
• IDLS 395. Topics in IDLS Credits: 1.00 - 6.00 The Unfinished Journey of People of Color in the U. S
• JUST 301. Advanced Level Special Topics in Justice Studies Credits: 3.00 “Refugees and Humanitarian Response” or “Policing of Protest” topics only
• POSC 350. Latin American Politics Credits: 3.00
• POSC 353. African Politics Credits: 3.00
• SCOM 313. Topics in Communication Studies Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• SOCI 318. Sociology of Immigration Credits: 3.00
• SOCI 336. Race and Ethnicity Credits: 3.00
• SOCI 354. Social Inequality Credits: 3.00
• SOCI 480. Senior Seminar in Sociology Credits: 3.00
• SPAN 308. Latin American Cultures Credits: 3.00
• SPAN 385. Latin American Short Story Credits: 3.00
• SPAN 395. Latin American Poetry Credits: 3.00
• SPAN 375. Spanish for Medical Professionals II Credits: 3.00
• SPAN 476. Culture and Medicine in Latin America Credits: 3.00
• SPAN 492. Latinx Community Practicum Credits: 3.00
• STAD 322. Equity, Inclusion and Access in Education and Performance Credits: 3.00
• WGSS 300. Special Topics in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Credits: 3.00 African American Women in/and the Media

List of Honors Research and Experiential Learning Courses

• AAAD 401. Internship in African, African American and Diaspora Studies Credits: 1.00-6.00
• AAAD 489. African, African American and Diaspora Studies Senior Research Experience Credits: 1.00
• ANTH 391. Study Abroad Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
• ANTH 485. Anthropology Course Assistantship Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• ANTH 490. Special Studies in Anthropology Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• ANTH 494A. Field Tech in Archeology Credits: 4.00 - 8.00
• ARCD 300. Architect Design Studio III Credits: 6.00
• ARCD 302. Architect Design Studio IV Credits: 6.00
• ARCD 390. Independent Studies in Architectural Design Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• ARCD 490. Independent Studies in Architectural Design Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• ARCD 392. Topics in Architectural Design Credits: 3.00
• ARCD 400. Architect Design Studio V Credits: 6.00
• ARCD 402. Architect Design Studio VI Credits: 6.00
• ARCD 491. Studio Assistant Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• ARED 480. Student Teaching Credits: 8.00
• ARED 490. Field Experiences in Art Education Credits: 1.00-3.00
• ART 320. Intermediate Ceramics: Molds and Casting (0,9) Credits: 3.00
• ART 322. Intermediate Ceramics: Surface Development (0,9) Credits: 3.00
• ART 330. Intermediate Fiber Processes (0, 9) Credits: 3.00
• ART 340. Intermediate Metal and Jewelry (0,9) Credits: 3.00
• ART 350. Figure Drawing (0,9) Credits: 3.00
• ART 352. Intermediate Painting Credits: 3.00
• ART 354. Watercolor (0,9) Credits: 3.00
• ART 360. Intermediate Photography: Digital (0,9) Credits: 3.00
• ART 362. Intermediate Photography: Experimental Black and White (0,9) Credits: 3.00
• ART 364. Intermediate Photography: Large Format (0,9) Credits: 3.00
• ART 376. Intermediate Book Arts: Concept, Content, Form Credits: 3.00
• ART 380. Sculpture: Conceptual Practice (0,9) Credits: 3.00
• ART 392. Topics in Art Credits: 3.00
• ART 420. Advanced Ceramics: Portfolio Development (0,9) Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• ART 440. Advanced Metal and Jewelry (0,9) Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• ART 450. Advanced Figure Drawing Credits: 1.00-3.00
• ART 452. Advanced Painting (0,9) Credits: 1.00-3.00
• ART 464. Advanced Photography: The Photograph as Document Credits: 3.00
• ART 468. Advanced Photography: Screen-Based Photo/Video Credits: 3.00
• ART 469. Photography: Portfolio Development (0,9) Credits: 1.00-3.00
• ART 470. Advanced Printmaking (0,9) Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• ART 480. Sculpture: Expanded Field Credits: 1.00-3.00
• ART 490. Independent Study in Art Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• ART 491. Studio Assistant Credits: 1.00-3.00
• ART 492. Topics in Art Credits: 3.00
• ART 495. Capstone Seminar: Three-Dimensional Art Credits: 3.00
• ART 496. Internship in Art Credits: 1.00 - 8.00
• ARTH 495. Internship in Art History Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• BIO 370. Animal Physiology Credits: 4.00
• BIO 427. Topics in Biology with Laboratory Credits: 1.00 - 4.00
• BIO 430. Ornithology: Research and Current Advances Credits: 4.00
• BIO 448. Developmental Neurobiology Credits: 3.00
• BIO 448L. Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory Credits: 1.00
• BIO 455. Plant Physiology Credits: 4.00
• BIO 484. Aquatic Microbiology Credits: 3.00
• BIO 493. Pre-Veterinary Student Internship Credits: 2.00
• BIO 494. Internship in Biology Credits: 1.00 - 2.00
• CHEM 351. Analytical Chemistry Credits: 4.00
• CHEM 352. Instrumental Analysis Credits: 3.00
• CHEM 354. Environmental Chemistry Field Camp Credits: 3.00
• CHEM 485. Science of the Small Credits: 4.00
• ELED 321. Practicum with a Focus on Learners and Learning Credits: 1.00-3.00
• ELED 322. Practicum with a Focus on Curriculum Integration and Guiding Behavior Credits: 1.00-3.00
• ELED 490. Special Studies in Elementary Education Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• ENG 359. Studies in African American Literature Credits: 3.00
• ENG 360. Introduction to Ethnic American Literature Credits: 3.00
• ENG 371. Literature and the Environment Credits: 3.00
• ENG 385. Special Topics in Film Study Credits: 3.00
• ENG 390. The Environmental Imagination Credits: 3.00
• ENG 415. Advanced Studies in Textuality and the History of the Book Credits: 3.00
• ENGR 440. Mechatronics Credits: 3.00
• ENGR 460. Solid Mechanics Credits: 3.00
• ENGR 471. Water in Africa Credits: 3.00
• ENGR 472. Environmental Engineering Credits: 3.00
• ENGR 476. Principles of Process Engineering Credits: 3.00
• ENGR 478. Water Resources Engineering Credits: 3.00
• ENGR 480. Advanced Projects in Engineering Credits: 1.00 - 4.00
• ENGR 498. Advanced Topics in Engineering Credits: 1.00-3.00
• ENVT 301. Internship in Environmental Humanities Credits: 3.00
• EXED 376. Initial Practicum for Special Education Pre­Professional Preparation Credits: 1.00
• EXED 476. Practicum in Literacy and Assessment Credits: 2.00 - 3.00
• EXED 478. Supervised Practice in Special Education Methods Credits: 1.00-3.00
• EXED 480. Student Teaching in Special Education Credits: 3.00 - 6.00
• EXED 486. Supervised Clinical Practice with Planning and Methods in Special Education Credits: 2.00 - 3.00
• GEOG 490. Senior Research or Field Practicum Credits: 3.00
• GEOG 491. International Studies Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• GEOG 497. Independent Study Credits: 3.00
• GRPH 300. Illustration (0, 9) Credits: 3.00
• GRPH 306. Typography II (0, 9) Credits: 3.00
• GRPH 312. Web Design Credits: 3.00
• GRPH 313. Interactive Media Credits: 3.00
• GRPH 376. Intermediate Book Arts: Concept, Content, Form Credits: 3.00
• GRPH 390. Independent Study in Graphic Design Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• GRPH 392. Topics in Graphic Design Credits: 3.00
• GRPH 406. Advanced Typography (0, 9) Credits: 3.00
• GRPH 408. Brand Identity Credits: 3.00
• GRPH 410. Graphic Design Portfolio Credits: 3.00
• GRPH 496. Internship in Graphic Design Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
• HIST 340. Internship in History Credits: 3.00
• HIST 360. Research Apprenticeship in History Credits: 3.00
• HIST 391. Travel Studies Seminar Credits: 3.00
• HIST 390. Special Studies in History Credits: 3.00
• HM 252. Culinary Arts and Menu Management Credits: 3.00
• HM 444. Supervisory Hospitality Internship Credits: 3.00
• HM 419. Napa & Sonoma Wine and Culture Credits: 3.00
• HM 490. Special Studies in Hospitality and Tourism Management Credits: 3.00
• HON 496. Internship Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
• HRD 380. Performance and Task Analysis in Human Resource Development Credits: 3.00
• HRD 400. Human Resource Development Internship Credits: 3.00
• HRD 485. Development of Materials and Programs Credits: 3.00
• HTH 408. Health Research Methods Credits: 3.00
• IB 494. International Business Internship Credits: 3.00
• IDLS 395. Topics in IDLS Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
• IDLS 486. Internship & Field Experience Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
• IDLS 490. Independent Study in Liberal Studies Credits: 3.00
• IECE 301. Initial Field Experience in Inclusive Early Childhood Education Credits: 1.00
• IECE 321. Initial Field Experience in IECE Credits: 1.00-2.00
• IECE 423. Intermediate Practicum II Credits: 2.00
• IECE 461. Advanced Field Experience in IECE Credits: 2.00-3.00
• INDU 300. Product Design Credits: 6.00
• INDU 302. Transportation Studio Credits: 6.00
• INDU 380. Materials and Processes Credits: 3.00
• INDU 390. Independent Studies in Industrial Design Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• INDU 404. Industrial Design Advanced Special Topics Studio Credits: 6.00
• INDU 490. Independent Studies in Industrial Design Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• INDU 491. Studio Assistant Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• INDU 492. Topics in Industrial Design Credits: 3.00 - 6.00
• IS 300. Sponsored Learning Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
• IS 498. Individualized Study Project Credits: 3.00 - 6.00
• ISAT 320. Fundamentals of Environmental Science and Technology I Credits: 4.00
• ISAT 330. Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Credits: 3.00
• ISAT 423. Environmental Remediation Credits: 3.00
• ISAT 491. Senior Capstone Project I Credits: 1.00
• ISAT 492. Senior Capstone Project II Credits: 2.00
• ISAT 493. Senior Capstone Project III Credits: 2.00
• JUST 350. Justice and Globalization Credits: 3.00
• JUST 399. Justice Research Methods Credits: 4.00
• JUST 401. Internship in Justice Studies Credits: 3.00
• JUST 404. Practicum in Community-Based Research Credits: 3.00
• JUST 405. Research Assistantship in Justice Studies Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• MKTG 494. Marketing Internship Credits: 3.00 - 6.00
• MIED 211. Field Experience in Middle Education Credits: 1.00
• MSCI 300. Advanced Leadership Laboratory Credits: 3.00
• MSCI 400. Advanced Leadership Laboratory II Credits: 3.00
• MSCI 480. Internship in Advanced Military Leadership Credits: 6.00
• MSCI 490. Special Studies in Military Science Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• NPS 400. Internship/Practicum in Nonprofit Studies Credits: 4.00 - 6.00
• NSG 351. Health Assessment Credits: 3.00
• NSG 352. Clinical Applications & Reasoning in Nursing Care I Credits: 4.00
• NSG 356. Clinical Applications & Reasoning in Nursing Care II Credits: 4.00
• NSG 360. HHS in Costa Rica: Interprofessional Perspective Credits: 2.00-4.00
• NSG 452. Clinical Applications and Reasoning in Nursing Care III Credits: 4.00
• NSG 456. Capstone Credits: 4.00
• NUTR 340. Science of Food Preparation Credits: 3.00
• NUTR 363. Quantity Food Production Credits: 4.00
• NUTR 446. Experimental Foods Credits: 3.00
• NUTR 490. Field Experience in Dietetics Credits: 3.00
• PHIL 495. Philosophy Course Assistantship Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
• POSC 493. Political Communication Internship Credits: 4.00
• POSC 493W. Political Communication Internship in Washington Credits: 6.00
• POSC 495. Internship in Political Science Credits: 4.00
• POSC 495W. Washington Semester Internship in Political Science Credits: 6.00
• POSC 498. Research in Political Science Credits: 1.00
• PPA 496. Internship in Public Management Credits: 4.00
• PPA 496W. Public Management Internship in Washington Credits: 6.00
• PSYC 495. Field Placement in Psychology Credits: 4.00
• REL 493. Religion Course Assistantship Credits: 3.00
• REL 495. Religion Internship Credits: 3.00
• SCOM 301. Feminist Blogging: Writing for Shout Out! JMU Credits: 3.00
• SCOM 318. Practicum in Communication Studies Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
• SCOM 390. Directed Projects Credits: 2.00 - 3.00 (SCOM 390A)
• SCOM 490. Special Studies in Communication Studies Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• SCOM 495. Internship in Communication Studies Credits: 3.00-6.00 (SCOM 495A)
• SMAD 390. Directed Projects Credits: 2.00
• SMAD 403. Documentary Production Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 404. Advanced Interactive Design Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 405. Producing and Directing Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 408. Converged Media Lab Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 421. Feature Magazine Production Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 409. Electronic News Producing and Editing Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 422. Multimedia Journalism Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 443. Creative Advertising Campaigns Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 495. Internship in Media Arts and Design Credits: 1.00 - 4.00
• SMAD 497. Advanced Projects in Media Arts and Design Credits: 3.00
• SOCI 391. Study Abroad Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
• SOCI 485. Sociology Course Assistantship Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• SOCI 490. Independent Study in Sociology Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• SOCI 492. Internship in Sociology Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• SOWK 481. Social Work Field Practicum I Credits: 6.00
• SOWK 482. Social Work Field Practicum II Credits: 6.00
• SPAN 490. Special Studies in Spanish Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
• SRM 482. Internship in Sport and Recreation Management Credits: 6.00
• SRM 490. Special Studies in Sport and Recreation Management Credits: 3.00
• TESL 381. Practicum in TESOL Instructional Strategies Credits: 3.00
• TESL 385. Practicum in TESOL Credits: 1.00-3.00
• TESL 480. Student Teaching/Internship Credits: 5.00
• WGSS 301. Feminist Blogging: Writing for Shout Out! JMU Credits: 3.00
• WGSS 492. Internship in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Credits: 1.00 - 3.00

Department-Approved Honors for Non-Minor Students

Current JMU students who are not in the Honors Interdisciplinary Studies minor may pursue independent scholarship or creative activity leading to the completion of a Departmental Honors Capstone Project in their major or minor. These students must declare their interest in completing departmental honors and must obtain Honors College permission and submit the final project to the Honors College.

Upon approval of the major or minor academic unit and the Honors College a graduation designation with distinction in the major or minor is awarded to students completing this project with a grade of “B” or better.  

Departmental Honors Capstone for Non-Minor Students

• Capstone students will earn a graduation designation as “With Distinction in [Major or Minor].”

*Some majors have specific courses that have been approved for the Honors Interdisciplinary Studies Minor; please contact an Honors Academic Advisor and your Honors Liaison with specific questions.

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Honors College Essay: Tips, Prompt Examples and How to Write

Writing honors college essay

An honors college essay is an academic paper that students typically complete to establish entrance into an honors college, program, or division. An honors paper seeks to test students’ research skills and focus their analytical abilities on a subject of academic interest. 

Due to the specialized focus of the paper, students benefit from serious attention to the college essay topics, which are vital in developing the essay.

An Honors College essay is unique in terms of its requirements, structure, and background. The purpose of this article is to provide advice on writing and structuring an Honors College essay.

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Which Universities do Ask for Honors College Essay

1. uci (university of california irvine) .

The UCI has two programs, the Academic Honors Program and the Honors Program. Both are popular with many members. They are not mutually exclusive, but they have different requirements and different goals.

The Academic Honors Program is for students who want to get recognized by their professors for academic achievement. It does not require an essay but several letters of recommendation from faculty members.

You should not apply to either program if you are only interested in one or the other because there is no guarantee that either program will accept your application or that you will gain acceptance into either program.

2. VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University)

The applicants must complete the 500-word Essay on Honors. The essay should address the following topics:

• Your interests and goals, especially as they pertain to your intended major(s) and career path(s). How do you feel about being a lifelong learner?
• Your ideas about leadership, including h
• How you would define leadership, what your leadership style is, how you would use your abilities as a leader to positively impact your community in and out of college, and how you would lead if given the opportunity.

3. NJT (New Jersey Institute of Technology)

NJT requires you to write an essay and submit it along with your application.

These honors college essays usually focus on your intellectual interests and experiences, using specific examples to illustrate your points. It’s essential to select an area you are interested in and know about. 

You should also pick something that you can write about easily; it will be evident if you are writing a research paper or other academic work instead of an honors college essay, so don’t try to fake it!

4. Purdue University

Purdue University’s Honors College focuses on scholarship, leadership, research, and engagement by integrating residential and co-curricular learning opportunities with academic classroom experiences.

Your college application essay needs to breathe life into your application. It should capture your genuine personality, explaining who you are beyond a series of grades, test scores, and after-school activities. 

Take a minute and think about the college or university admission officers who will be reading your essay.

5. Stony Brook University

The Stony Brook Honors College provides an exceptional opportunity for students who want to pursue a challenging course of study in the company of talented peers. Your essay should be no longer than three double-spaced pages and should address certain questions.

It is an opportunity to explain an event that took place on any day in history; what would that event be? Discuss why you chose this particular day. Also, as this question, what do you hope to learn/experience by being present?

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How to Write a Good Honors College Essay

Honors college essays follow a formal style with a clear structure. To get your honors college essay, follow these tips:

• Think about the prompt and what you want to say.
• Brainstorm.
• Organize your thoughts into a logical outline.
• Write your introduction.
• End with a conclusion that sums up the main points of your argument and connects those points back to the prompt.

Technically, the honors college essay can be a five-paragraph essay, but it should be more than that.

It should be closer to a 10-paragraph essay, with an introduction and conclusion paragraph that are each about four or five sentences long.

The introduction and conclusion paragraphs should be about the same size. The middle of the essay should be about three paragraphs long, and each of them should be about four to five sentences long.

1. Introduction 

The introduction should have a hook which is a catchy sentence or two that gets the reader interested in reading your essay. Furthermore, it should have an explanation of why you want to go to Honors College: This is usually possible in one sentence. 

Also, there should be a thesis statement. This is usually evident in one sentence at the end of the paragraph. The thesis statement tells the reader what you plan to write about in your essay. For example: “I want to attend honors college because of their strong pre-med program.”

Write the body of your paper using transition words to connect your ideas and explain the connections between them.

The middle paragraphs should include an explanation of why you have chosen your career path and why you are interested. 

3. Conclusion

End with a strong conclusion that ties together everything you discussed within your paper, providing important takeaways for readers as well as leaving them feeling satisfied with what they just read.

Takeaways 

• You are writing an essay, not a text message. In other words, please use complete sentences and correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. If proper English is not your strong suit, enlist someone proficient at it to help edit your essay.
• Be specific about what you want to study and why. Do not just say that you want an education; tell the reader what kind of education you want and why. This is particularly important if you plan to study something that you did not find at your high school. 
• The readers do not expect you to know everything about the field you plan to enter. They expect that you give serious consideration to it and explain why you want to pursue it beyond the fact that “it sounds interesting” or “it pays well.”
• Proofread your essays before sending them in. Errors will distract from whatever else is in those essays and may give us a negative impression of your abilities.

Things to Remember about Honor Essays

The honors essay is one of your best chances to stand out in a meaningful way from other applicants, so be sure to invest time in crafting a great response.

The admission office is looking for the following:

• The office wants to know that you understand what makes the honors program special. We have a diverse group of students and faculty who are passionate about learning and interacting across disciplines.
• What do you think this will mean for you? How will you take advantage of being in an environment that values interdisciplinary thinking?
• Your accomplishments. Let the audience know your talents. Have you excelled academically? What leadership roles have you taken on, or awards have you won? They want to discover what drives your passion for learning, leadership, and service.
• Your plans for the future. The honors program will prepare you for success beyond your skills, whether that’s graduate school or medical school, or a career in a completely different field. 

People Also Read: NJHS Essay: How to Write a Winning Piece from Ideas to end

Examples of Honors College Essay Topics

• Considering your lifetime goals, explain how your present and future academic activities will assist you in achieving your goals. 
• Settle for an issue of importance to you, whether it is political, personal, local, or international related. Then, craft an essay to explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your community, and your generation. 

When not handling complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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Home > Honors College > HONORS202029

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

JMU Scholarly Commons is the home for electronic honors theses and capstone projects from 2014 to the present. Submit your Senior Honors Capstone.

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Climate change message framing, death anxiety, and conspiracy beliefs impact on individual emotions, cognitions, and future behavioral intentions , Shanna E. Castellucci

An analysis and examination of consensus attacks in blockchain networks , Thomas R. Clark

Implications of inclusive postsecondary education programs (IPSEs) on quality of life for young adults with intellectual disabilities , Sarah K. Eggleston

An overview of organizational citizenship behavior: Searching for balance between the positive and negative effects , Courtney K. Fusting

Student-led success: Improving attendance and learning at Fourth Hour review sessions , Andrew C. Gilbert

Medical Interpreters' work impact on their lives: Understanding Medical Interpreters' work experience , Nicholas M. Herrarte Smith

Intergenerational trauma in the developing student and interventions used , Malea G. Laquihon

Analyzing motivation and sense of belonging belonging in CS1 review sessions , Cory Longenecker

Communicating across the pond: Evaluating perceptions of dialectal divergence among American student sojourners in England , Katherine T. Peppiatt

Recruiting and talent acquisition strategies in the hospitality industry during the Great Resignation , Kristen E. Poggi

Chinese strategic partnerships: A new form of alliance politics , Sean L. Starkweather

"Domestic terrorism" or "political protest?": Partisan cable news framing of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol , Alexandra M. Stover

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Sequencing an inserted concatemer in Caenorhabditis elegans strain hlh-29::gfp , Simon T. Anderson

Frameworks used to measure the societal influences & effectiveness of impact investing , Mya E. Baptiste

The Catholic paradox of Villette , Kevin R. Bie

To the shores of Tripoli: A Barbary retrospective , Kathleen J. Brett

How do co-curricular mentorship programs meet the social-emotional needs of immigrant and refugee youth? A case study from Harrisonburg, Virginia , Katherine M. Clayton

Intercorrelations between essentialist beliefs and the social identities of religion, political affiliation, and nationality , Truman Deree

“For the best interest of the patient and of society;” Sterilization in Virginia’s mental institutions in the 20th century , Grace M. Gordon

U.S. extremism and media: How the new age of politics speaks to media usage , Josephine R. Haneklau

Neoliberalism and perceptions of charitable food assistance recipients , Lucas G. Hopper

The NCAA's rise to absolute power and confronting its distortion of amateurism , Terek J. Kirsch

Pre-pulse inhibition in mutated mice: Studying compromised microglial cells to discover new genetic connections to autism , Bailey R. Kramarik

Where the rainbow ends: The hidden humanitarian crisis for members of the LGBTQIA+ community in international business , John R. Krendel

Loving the skin you’re in: The mediating role of internalized racism between skin color satisfaction and self-esteem , Lauryn A. Miller

Circular economy and the potential for extended producer responsibility policies , Erin Quinn

Equality across the pond: An analysis of marriage equality between the United States and the United Kingdom , Angel Santiago

Dynamic measures of referential communication reveal hidden pragmatic strengths for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder , Mariana Schreuders

Pandemic reflections: Stories of National FFA student leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic , Theresa Seibel

A historical analysis of brand activism and its impact on company success , Katy Sharon

Statistical analyses of hemp cannabinoid test results , Rachel J. Stegmeier

Analyzing insurgent activity in the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique , Alayna N. Stormer, Amanda Brotemarkle, and Virginia McDaniel

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Minorities and authoritarianism in the Middle East: A case study of Muslim Alawites in Syria , Maher Al Tayara

The correlation between poverty, water quality, community health, and education in Guatemala and Tanzania , Jessica R. Besnier

Battling youth unemployment in France: Can Macron put young people to work? , Adriana C. Bolivar

What are the predictors of cyber power? , Carter Bowman

Social Security reform: How to prevent the program's bankruptcy , Allison C. Edwards

Ethiopia: A rising regional power? , Makeda Fikremariam

Alzheimer’s and patient caregiver burnout: A comprehensive review of the literature , Madeline J. Hekeler

Honor societies’ constitution and bylaws: The track to ACHS accreditation , Jenna R. Jansen

Is it risky to make the world a better place: A study on the association between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) operational risk management and market derived volatilities , Kelly L. Johnson

Addressing climate induced displacement: An analysis of protection policies for environmental migrants , Meredith R. Lawing

Academic stressors, perceived stress, and coping strategies among undergraduate students , Danielle J. Levin

Pediatric health literacy , Morgan E. Sapper and Grace G. Lloyd

Integrating ethics and the opioid crisis via simulation: An ethical debriefing for nursing students , Raigan A. J. Shackelford

Determining biostratigraphy and correlation using color alteration index and lithofacies of conodonts in the Edinburg Formation, Central Virginia , Lauren Showalter

Higher order Fourier finite element methods for Hodge Laplacian problems on axisymmetric domains , Nicole E. Stock

COVID-19: A Black Swan? , Ben M. Uehlinger

Population study of native and invasive turtles in Harrisonburg, Virginia , David R. Weisenbeck

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Placebo-induced changes in force production for types of muscle contractions , Nicholas V. Antonacci

The Army National Guard: Recruitment, retention, and the balance of life , Stephanie N. Ashwell

On the basis of gender: Discrimination against transgender people in the hiring process , Aaron N. Baillargeon

Analyzing the onset and resolution of nonstate conflict in the Middle East & North Africa , Emily A. Barbaro

Revealing the impact of singing in an aphasia group , Ava L. Barton

Relationship between muscular strength and balance in an elderly population , Mikayla N. Basil

My own distinguished people: An analysis of Carpatho-Rusyn autonomy movements , Alexandra S. Benc

The impact of prison facility characteristics on the various uses of solitary confinement , Emily Berst

Investigation of potentially catalytic residues of Uba5 through mutagenesis, purification, and structural characterization , Grant Bradley

The effects of childhood trauma on romantic support and adult problem behavior , Keiva R. Brannigan

Generating acoustic projections using 3D models , Jake A. Brazelton

The third teacher: An analysis of aesthetic and intentionality of space in the classroom , Madeline F. Brown

Influence of testosterone on male-male competition in the red-sided garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis , Isabella M. G. Bukovich

The effect of map orientation on wayfinding , Danielle A. Cabiran

Balance and motivic unity in the finale of Robert Schumann's piano sonata, Op. 11 , Robert B. Carlson

Exploring the effect of cultural sensitivity in public relations campaigns , Amanda N. Christian

The impact of anxiety on college students' academic lives , Alex Connolly

Touch as bond: Exploring the use of contact improvisation in an ensemble process , J Travis Cooper

Savoring the moon: Japanese prints of the floating world , Madison B. Dalton

Student beliefs about what factors influence their GPA , Emma R. Denelsbeck

Whole genome sequence analysis of a transmissible multidrug-resistance plasmid captured without cultivation from poultry litter , Emma C. Eisemann

Using the Alliant Intercultural Competency Scale to develop behavioral scenarios for assessing sociocultural awareness , Catherine R. Fisher

Adolescent social experiences and anxiety as predictors of adult romantic jealousy , Jordan E. Gamache

A pilot study on the impact of teaching assistant led CS1 study sessions using Peer Instruction , Megan E. Gilbert

Lightning activity in the continental United States on an ENSO time scale, 2002-2015 , Tyler M. Gingrich

Expectation gaps between high school mathematics courses and college calculus , Lauren M. Godfrey

Repatriation: The convergence of cultural heritage and technology , Megan E. Goldsworthy

What methods can the health care industry implement to reduce energy consumption and waste production from patient care to limit greenhouse gas emissions? , Danielle H. S. Good

Demonstrable effect of vocal changes on singing voices of post-menopausal women , Haley K. Griffith

The effects of caregiving robots on mortality salience with the elderly , Mira E. Gruber

The health literacy knowledge and skills among undergraduate students , Madelaine Grygo

Women's representation in European Parliament committees , Reagan E. Harrison

Less-Java, more type safety: Type inference and static analysis in Less-Java , Charles D. Hines

Characterizing the role of β-amylase3 in cold stress response and recovery in Arabidopsis thaliana , Isabelle G. Houston

Engagement behaviors on social media in higher education: Content analysis study on Facebook pages of 12 universities , Caroline E. Jessup

An economic analysis of the short-term rental market: Local regulatory decisions , Joseph L. Kauffman and Harrison D. Hooper

Narratives of immigration: NBC and CNN coverage of border “crisis” , Shanna C. Kelly

Female leaders navigate the arts, post 'me too' , Peyton Kennedy

The function of the intrinsic foot muscles during turns and mediolateral shifts in balance , Hope E. Kircher

The efficacy of a verification stage for determining VO2max and the impact of sampling time , Emily J. Kontos

The correlation between personal stressors, anxiety and caffeine consumption among JMU faculty , Erica B. LaRocca

The Grace and Leigh oral history project , Spencer Law

Beaver Creek restorative design using engineering in nature , Lindsay M. Levatino

Detecting credit card fraud: An analysis of fraud detection techniques , William Lovo

Effect of ambient temperature on recovery of surgically instrumented Sprague-Dawley rats , Gianna Mangone

Difference in stigma between anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, and the effect of eating disorder symptomology on stigma in college students , Ashley A. Matkins

Refining interpretations of a deglacial record in Gulf of Mexico marine sediment cores using foraminifera C-14 dates and multi-proxy sediment analyses , Lindsey R. Monito

El peligro de contar historias: un análisis de ​Tu rostro mañana​, de Javier Marías , Madison Morgan

A novel approach to updating municipal tax parcel impervious surface calculations , Patrick D. Muradaz

A pilot study on a mindfulness intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder , Meredith Obaytek

Emancipation through a domestic education: How one magazine inspired a female literary renaissance in the nineteenth-century Middle East , Lauren S. Palmieri

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PHOTOS: Graduates brighten the lights of Madison during Spring 2024 Commencement

A total of 3,953 degrees were conferred to undergraduates from the university’s eight academic colleges.

Additional honors were conferred at Thursday’s Honors College Medallion Ceremony, Friday’s Nursing Convocation, Friday’s Air Force ROTC Commissioning and Saturday’s Army ROTC Commissioning.

Onlookers packed the AUBC for Friday’s College of Business ceremony. Friday events included celebrations for the College of Arts and Letters, College of Education, University Studies and the School of Professional and Continuing Education .

The three-day festivities saw JMU dole out advanced degrees to 448 graduate students and 41 doctoral candidates. Thursday’s exercises included The Graduate School and also the College of Science and Mathematics.

This scene from Saturday’s College of Integrated Science and Engineering festivities played itself out time and again across the long weekend of cherished celebration. The College of Visual and Performing Arts and the College of Health and Behavioral Studies also held ceremonies Saturday, marking another chapter in the dream come true for so many graduates from all walks of life.

Hugs and smiles were the order of the day, as graduates took their places among the long line of JMU Dukes destined to make the world a brighter place for all.

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Published: Monday, May 13, 2024

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 14, 2024

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