Honors Points

Students must earn the equivalent of 15 credits of honors-level academic work by the time they receive their undergraduate degree. We use the word “points” instead of using the word “credits” because we recognize that students can strive above and beyond a typical academic program in co-curricular ways. Generally speaking, one point is equivalent to one credit for an academic course. For example, completing any 3-credit honors course earns three points.

To fulfill the academic requirements you must meet the GPA standard specified for your year level (see the policy handbook) and complete honors-level academic work in three categories:

• Honors in General Education - 3 points (usually completed via the Honors First Year Seminar)
• Honors in the Discipline - 3 points of upper level academic work
• Other Honors Achievements - 9 points of "elective" coursework or Honors experiences
• Students must complete at least 1 honors point per year until achieving at least 15 points

Not sure how to submit your Honors Points?

Honors courses are identified by the honors attribute in the bulletin, and often by name (e.g., MATH-241H Honors Linear Algebra). Successful completion of an n-credit honors course counts as n points. You must pass the course with a standard letter grade (grades of “pass” and "satisfactory" are ineligible for honors points).

Students do not need to tell the Program office about successful completion of honors courses - records are updated automatically after final grades are submitted. 

Honors Courses being offered for Spring 2026 as of 10/10 can be found here.

If you take a course that you're passionate about, go above and beyond with an honors option. An honors option typically involves a project supervised by the instructor that enhances the course, culminating in a presentation. An honors option can also count for the In the Discipline requirement if it is a 300-level or above class in the field of your primary major. See the policy handbook for details.

• Students submit honors option proposals within the first two weeks of each semester for approval by the Honors Office. (Only options approved by the Honors office at the beginning of the semester can earn honors points.)
• If you are ready to submit a proposal you can find more information and the submission form here. 
• Need inspiration? Examples of past honors options can be found here. 

Completed an Honors Option and presented it? Report your achievement by following the link below: 

• Honors Option Reporting Form

Up to six credits of graduate-level courses (600-level of above) can count as honors points. A graduate course can also fulfill the Honors In the Discipline requirement if related to your primary field of study. See the policy handbook for details.

Points are not awarded until after final grades are posted, but let us know you completed a graduate course by following the link below: 

• Graduate Course Reporting Form

If a professor is doing research in an area that interests you, get involved! Non-required research can count up to 3 points per semester, and if related to your field, can fulfill the discipline requirement. See the policy handbook for details.

To earn honors points, you must produce a written report that you submit to the Honors Office, and give a public presentation of your work. After completing these, report your achievement by following the link below: 

• Faculty Mentored Research Reporting Form

Is there a Vertically Integrated Project that interests you? You can earn honors points for participation in VIPs, in addition to academic credit! VIPs are typically interdisciplinary efforts led by a faculty member. See the policy handbook for details. Click here for more information about ongoing projects at RIT.

To earn honors points, you must produce a written report that you submit to the Honors Office, and give a public presentation of your work. After completing these, report your achievement by following the link below: 

• Vertically Integrated Projects reporting form

If you have already completed your major's experiential learning requirement (e.g., required co-op), additional weeks can earn up to 3 honors points. A non-required co-op/internship must still fall within your program's definition of co-op/internship and be in your field. See the policy handbook for details.

When you're done, report your achievement by following the link below:

• Non-Required Co-ops and Internships Reporting Form

Study abroad experiences not required by your major can earn up to 3 honors points. If the international travel is part of an honors course, you will earn the larger of the available points (e.g., the honors points associated with the course, or the honors points associated with international experiences, but not both). See the policy handbook for details.

Once you have returned from your trip, report your achievement by following the link below:

• International Experience Reporting Form

Is there a topic that piques your interest but it’s not in a course? Make one! Many professors are amenable to helping you develop a plan of study and guiding you toward new ideas and skills. Most programs have an independent study course that you can enroll in with prior approval from a professor. The 'course' should be 200-level or higher, and must be submitted for approval as an Honors option in the beginning of the semester. See the policy handbook for details.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are planning to use an Independent study course for Honors Points, you must submit a proposal to the Honors office at the beginning of the semester using the same submission form as an Honors Option. Visit this webpage for more information: Independent Study Proposal Form

Completed an Independent Study and presented it? Report your achievement by following the link below: 

• Independent Study Reporting Form.

One honors point can be earned by completing an application for select international fellowships through RIT Global. Eligible programs include the Marshall, Mitchell, Rhodes, Schwarzman, Churchill, and Fulbright (full, not summer). See the policy handbook for details.

Completed an application for an eligible scholarship? Report your achievement by following the link below:

• Competitive Fellowships and Awards Reporting Form

Points are determined by a coach from the RIT Simone Center, based on entrepreneurial waypoints (progress toward creation of a company) and participation in designated experiences that foster entrepreneurship such as the Simone Center IdeaLab. See the policy handbook for details.

Report your coached entrepreneurship experience by following the link below: 

• Coached Entrepreneurship Reporting Form