Honors Program
Cultivating Curiosity at UMF
The UMF Honors Program is open to outstanding students who have shown exceptional motivation, creativity and a strong interest in the world of ideas.
The University of Maine at Farmington Honors Program fosters a close-knit community of curious, motivated students and engaged faculty, united by a shared commitment to inquiry and discussion. Open to students of any major, the program offers small, seminar-style interdisciplinary courses, along with unique lectures and field trips.
Honors courses emphasize independent thinking, research, writing, and oral communication, equipping students with versatile skills that enhance any field of study and offer excellent preparation for graduate school.
Goals of the Honors Program
Honors Program Requirements
The requirements for the Honors program are straightforward:
1. Maintain a minimum of 3.3 accumulated GPA
2. Earn Honors credit within the first two semesters of being admitted to the program
For students self-nominating: In 250 words or less, please describe your interest in the Honors Program, your degree plans while at UMF, and your academic experience thus far.
For faculty and staff nominations: In 250 words or less, please email us and describe why this student would be a good fit for the Honors Program, including examples of their academic performance and any other factors that you see as relevant to their involvement in the program.
Program Guidelines
Honors students with junior or senior standing can apply one of the following experiences towards their Honors credits, with prior approval from the Honors Director:
3 credits for a global experience (study abroad/travel course)
3 credits from select internships or community service
3 credits from independent research (e.g., Wilson scholarships, independent study in Honors)
Students must present their experience at an Honors event or faculty-sponsored Symposium and meet any additional requirements set by the Honors Council. This Honors Experience promotes student-centered learning through experiential engagement, reflection, and application. A final report and presentation demonstrating the learning outcomes are required. Prior approval from the Honors Director is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Honors Program classes just like regular classes?
The Honors Program provides well prepared students the opportunity to work closely with faculty in small classes of interdisciplinary seminars with an opportunity for a senior thesis of creative project.
Where are Honors classes held?
Seminar classes are often held in the UMF Honors Center, a building that has seminar rooms, a quiet study and meeting space, a computer, a library, a kitchen and the Honors Office.
When is the Honors Center Open?
The UMF Honors Center is open 7am to midnight, seven days a week.
How many Honors courses can I take?
UMF typically offers about 20 different Honors courses each year. Honors students must take a minimum of three honors courses during their academic career. Many choose to take five courses and compete an honors thesis or creative project to graduate as a University Honors Scholar.
May I take Honors courses even if I’m not in the Honors Program?
Honors courses are generally reserved for students formally enrolled in the Honors Program.