The Program

As an Honors student, you have the opportunity to go deeper into your major, bridge your majors and interests, or chart your own path. Honors education at URI is a deeper, broader and more complex learning experience, rather than “harder” or “more accelerated.” We offer exciting interdisciplinary and discipline-specific courses with topics that span the curriculum designed around discussion and project-oriented learning. You will find experiential learning opportunities, the chance to pursue independent research, and creative projects. Through guided self-reflection, you will articulate your academic journey, preparing you to market and communicate your unique academic profile in the professional or post-graduate marketplace. 

Class sizes are often 20-30 students at the introductory levels and 20 students at the upper levels to foster dialogue and active learning. Honors students also benefit from individualized guidance and support from our honors advisors.

When you join Honors at URI, you’ll receive an Honors Program notation on your transcript, and have access to early registration. All graduating students who have completed the University Honors Program will receive a notation on their diploma and be recognized at the annual Honors Showcase and Awards Ceremony in May.

Honors at URI is structured as a program, not a separate college. This allows us to draw from the talents of faculty throughout the University who share your dedication to pursuing knowledge across disciplinary boundaries and help you seek out experiences that complement your education.

Requirements

To receive a notation on their transcripts stating they have “completed the University Honors Program,” students must meet the following requirements below.

Curriculum for Spring 2026 admit or earlier (18 credits)
Honors 100/200 Level Course: 1 course
Honors Colloquium: 1 course (HPR 2XX)
Honors 300/400 Level Course: 1 course
Honors Elective: 1 course excluding the Honors Project
Honors 411/412 Course: 1 course HPR 411 or HPR 412
Honors Project: At least 3 cr. of HPR 401/402
Curriculum for Fall 2026 admit or after (24 credits)
CORE (14 credits)
HPR 1xx level course (3credits)
Honors Colloquium (HPR2xx)(4 credits)
Honors Learning Journal (1 credit)
Honors Project HPR 401/402 (3-6 credits)
H-section or HPR section (3 credits)
Flexible Options (10 credits)
Honors Learning Experiences (HLEs) (8 credits max)
Contracts (up to 9 credits)
Graduate Level Elective
Additional H-sections or HPR courses
“Teaching Honors is food for my soul. The students’ willingness to explore topics deeply is inspiring, and guiding their academic discoveries renews my sense of purpose. Since I learn something from them every class, it’s a truly reciprocal endeavor.”
Donna Gamache-Griffiths