Eclectic Scholars Honors program

At Hiram College, students in the Eclectic Scholars Honors Program are immersed in an experience worth more than just a line on their diploma.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL HONORS PROGRAM

The incoming Honors Cohort for the 2026-2027 academic year is now full. To be added to the waiting list, please complete the form linked below.

Click here to BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST

If you are a prospective student interested in attending Hiram starting in fall 2027, scroll down to learn more about the Eclectic Scholars Honors Program, including how to apply.

Students that are involved in the Eclectic Scholars Program are given an opportunity to live in a community of like-minded students, to challenge themselves with enriched curriculum, to network with alums and other experts in their desired fields. Learn more about student grants, fellowships, and scholarships.

ECLECTIC SCHOLAR BENEFITS

As an Eclectic Scholar, you can take your experiences and opportunities for academic enrichment, professional development and interdisciplinary discourse to new heights. Some of the perks include:

  • Honors Scholarship: All students admitted to the Honors Program receive up to a $1,000 scholarship per academic year, as long as they are meeting and maintaining program expectations. All students must interview in order to become a part of the Honors Program. See more below on “How to Apply”
  • Henry Hall: This residence hall is the home of the Eclectic Scholars Honors Program. The designated living space brings together Honors students who value respect for others, academic and intellectual achievement, and community. Additionally, students have access to programs designed specifically for them, as well as spaces that foster collaboration and support from peers.
  • Early Move-In: New, incoming honors first-years get to move in a day before the rest of incoming first-year students, regardless of which dorm they are living in allowing them to make connections and get settled before First Days and the start of classes.
  • Priority Registration: Honors students register with senior status each semester, allowing students to sign up for classes in advance of other students.
  • Free Overload: Honors students may, for no additional cost, register for over 18 credit hours one semester per year.
  • Peer Mentoring Program: First-year students are paired with upper-level students for additional support.
  • New Student Retreat: First-year students, along with a few peer mentors, faculty, and staff, take part in half-day retreat to engage in team building activities and develop connections as a new cohort.
  • Events and Activities: Students may attend both on and off campus activities including performances, lectures, and meals with visiting scholars.

The enhanced curriculum for Eclectic Scholars include:

  • HONR 10000: Also know as “Intro to Honors”, this course is required of all new honors students in the first fall semester in the program. It meets once and week in the evenings during the fall term (1 credit hour)
  • A minimum of one designated honors course per academic year (3 or 4 credits) from across disciplines with over 30 options to choose from. An honors courses can also be contracted from non-honors.

Once students are apart of the program they are expected to:

  • Maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher.
  • Earn a minimum of 15 points per academic year under the Eclectic Scholars Honors points system, including both honors course work and campus involvement.
  • Honors students must complete at least 3 years of program requirements to graduate with Honors on their diploma.

The Eclectic Scholars Honors Program seeks students who are academically ambitious, open-minded, and involved in extra-curricular and community activities. The following credentials are recommended:

  • 3.5 or higher high school GPA
  • Involvement in enrichment experiences such as creating or holding a leadership position in an academic or social club, participation in independent research or an entrepreneurial endeavor, involvement in environmental or sustainability clubs, or other volunteer work.
  • Desire to explore complex interdisciplinary issues and ideas

Admittance to the program is based on a brief application interview with and Eclectic Scholars Honors Program faculty member. Click the link at the top of the page to schedule your interview.

High School Seniors & New Transfer Students:

New incoming students are invited to apply for the following academic year. Qualifying students, based on their high school unweighted GPA, will also receive email invitations to apply that include the application and link to schedule an interview beginning in late January and extending through the Spring semester.

Prior to applying to Honors, ensure you have applied and been accepted to attend Hiram College.

Then, complete an Honors Application:

complete an Honors application for the 2027-2028 academic year

After doing so, you may schedule an interview with Dr. Yoshizaki-Gibbons, the Director of the Eclectic Scholars Honors Program. Interviews can be scheduled October 15-May 15 of each year.

Schedule an interview for the 2027-2028 academic year

Sophomore/Secondary Pathway:

Not ready for honors quite yet? Need to get settled at Hiram before jumping into Honors? We have a Secondary Pathway! First-year students with freshman standing who earn a Fall semester Hiram GPA of 3.7 or higher will receive an invitation via email early in the Spring semester to interview to begin in the program at the start of their Sophomore year. These spots are limited based room within the program and can vary year to year.

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