University Honors Program

Fahy Hall, Room 304
(973) 275-2011
http://blogs.shu.edu/honors/

Director: Rev. John Ranieri, Ph.D.
Administrative Assistant: Mary (Maisie) Mountcastle

The University Honors Program is a lively program in the liberal arts. At the heart of the program is a series of four six-credit courses that explore the story of human civilization from the ancient world until today. The Honors Program is global in scope and interdisciplinary in method. It includes history, literature, philosophy, religion, theology, economics, political science, and the social, behavioral, and natural sciences. In addition to western civilization and thought, it gives serious attention to the Chinese and Islamic civilizations. Participation in the program is open to students from every school within the University and – with the exception of the dual-degree program in Physical Therapy -- can be combined with any major program. 

During the first two years of this certificate program, students meet twice a week for two and a half hours and complete the four Honors Colloquia:

These colloquia are taught in small discussion sections, with two faculty members in each.

Students who complete the four colloquia satisfy the following University Core requirements:

In addition, the colloquia satisfy 12 credits of required core courses for each of the various schools and colleges. For specifics, visit http://blogs.shu.edu/honors/honors-advising/. 

Honors colloquia also contribute to the completion of majors and or minors in several disciplines: Catholic Studies, English, History, Philosophy, Religion, and Theology. For more details, visit https://blogs.shu.edu/honors/2025/04/08/honors-and-your-majors/. 

During the third year, students must complete a 3000 CORE course (Engaging the World) and another advanced course (3000 level or above). Students are encouraged to choose this advanced level course in light of their possible project/thesis topics. By the end of their third year, Honors students are expected to submit a completed proposal for their projects/theses to the Director of the program. Once the proposal has been approved, the student completes the project/thesis in collaboration with a faculty mentor.

To complete the program, students should maintain a 3.0 average in their Honors courses as well as an overall 3.0 average.

The Honors Program provides a coordinated liberal arts experience for outstanding students of all schools and undergraduate majors at Seton Hall University.  It also provides opportunities for students to visit museums, and to attend concerts and other cultural events in the New York metropolitan area.  During their first year, resident Honors students typically live together in the residence halls. Honors students and faculty form a community that lasts throughout a student’s career at Seton Hall University and often beyond.

Course Descriptions

See the Honors Program Website at http://blogs.shu.edu/honors/ and its links for further information on faculty, courses, syllabi and other particulars.