Honors Requirements

Yes. Schreyer is built with flexibility in mind, and many Scholars have two or more majors and more than one minor. Approximately 40% study abroad at least once, and these experiences can often count toward your honors credit requirements. Co-op and internship semesters can also be accommodated with some planning and coordination with your honors adviser. The key is early planning with your honors adviser, so we encourage you to discuss these goals as soon as possible.

If you are unable to meet your final thesis submission deadline, your options are to graduate without honors or defer graduation until the next semester (including summer). You should plan carefully with your thesis supervisor and thesis honors adviser when deciding. To defer graduation, contact your academic college to have your name removed from the current graduation list and update your intended semester of graduation in the Schreyer Student Records System (SRS).

All Schreyer academic deadlines—including honors option deadlines, thesis deadlines, and priority scheduling dates—are listed on the Academic Deadlines page. Deadlines are posted multiple semesters in advance. You can also find upcoming deadlines in our Student Record System (SRS). We strongly recommend checking this page at the start of each semester and setting calendar reminders for key dates.

Your honors requirements are determined by the year and semester you entered the Schreyer Honors College, and you can always view your progress towards your requirements in the Student Record System (SRS) Honors Audit. View the breakdown of honors credits per year on our Honors Requirements page. 

To graduate as a Schreyer Scholar, you must complete a required number of honors credits, maintain the minimum GPA standards, and successfully complete an honors thesis. These requirements are completed alongside your major requirements and are typically spread across four years. Honors advising helps you plan how to meet these expectations in a way that fits your academic goals.

Students who do not complete Schreyer Honors College requirements can still graduate from Penn State with their degree. Schreyer advisors work closely with students to address challenges and explore options. Not completing the honors requirements affects the honors designation, not a student’s ability to earn their Penn State degree.

The Schreyer Honors College requires you to have a GPA of at least 3.40 for both cumulative and semester GPA. If you fall below 3.40 in either your cumulative or semester GPA, you will be placed on warning during the following semester. Schreyer staff will work with you to put a plan in place to return to good standing.

While on warning, Scholars continue to receive honors scholarships, including the Academic Excellence Scholarship. However, your eligibility for opportunity grants and employment with Schreyer Honors College will be reviewed by the associate deans in consultation with your supervisor.

Yes. Schreyer requirements are designed to complement your existing degree requirements, not add to them. Your honors credits will come primarily from honors versions of classes you would already be taking. Those classes are typically smaller, discussion-based sections of a class in your major or general education requirements. Most Scholars take one to two honors courses per semester, which fits naturally into a typical schedule. The thesis is usually completed in your fourth year. Your honors adviser will help you plan an academic schedule that meets all of your requirements on time.