To apply for the ATU University Honors Program as an Honors Scholar, you must meet the following criteria:
Be currently enrolled at ATU or a transfer student in good standing.
Have completed at least one semester of college coursework.
Have a minimum college cumulative GPA of 3.50.
Note: Successful completion of a University Honors courses can strengthen your application,
but is not required.
Application information
Students who meet the eligibility requirements may apply to join the University Honors
Program as an Honors Scholar. The program seeks students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, motivation, and
a commitment to academic growth—those eager to engage with an active community of
learners and explore enhanced academic opportunities.
How to Apply:
To apply for the ATU Honors Program as an Honors Scholar, complete the online application using Microsoft Forms. The application is open to current ATU students and transfer students who have been
accepted to ATU and have an ATU username and password. Applications may be submitted at any point, but should be completed the semester before you plan to begin in the program.
What you’ll provide in the MS Form:
Letter of recommendation from a college professor who can speak to your academic abilities and potential for
success in the Honors Program. Please have this digitally available as a .DOCx or .PDF before starting your application.
Short-answer responses to questions about your academic interests, goals, and how you hope to grow through
participation in the Honors Program.
Application Review Process:
All Honors Scholar applications are reviewed and evaluated based on:
Academic achievement (college GPA and coursework completed)
Thoughtfulness and clarity in short-answer responses
Strength of the letter of recommendation
Alignment of the applicant’s interests with the opportunities provided by the Honors
Program
Timeline:
Applications may be submitted any semester.
Review typically takes 2–3 weeks after submission.
Applicants will receive an official notification via their ATU student email regarding
admission to the Honors Program.
Important Notes:
Completion of a college-level honors course is encouraged and can help prepare you
for the program, but it is not required
Honors Scholars complete 18 hours of Honors coursework, which provides enhanced academic experiences, intellectual engagement, and opportunities
for leadership and collaboration.
Unlike the University Honors Scholar program, there is no Honors Stipend or milestone requirements for this program.
Participation in the Honors Program is recognized upon graduation, and students who
complete all requirements may graduate with Honors Scholar distinction on their transcript.
Graduation requirements
To graduate as an Honors Scholar, students must complete all academic requirements outlined below while maintaining
high academic and ethical standards.
Academic Requirements
Complete 18 hours of Honors coursework, including:
HONR 1003: Honors Dialogue and Inquiry
15 additional hours of Honors-designated coursework
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 each semester
Honors Scholars are encouraged to engage fully with the opportunities provided through
their coursework, including leadership, collaboration, and intellectual exploration,
to maximize the benefits of the program.
Graduation Distinction
Students who complete all academic requirements graduate with the designation of Honors Scholar, an achievement recognized on both the transcript and diploma. Graduates also receive
a recognition item to wear during commencement, and their names are included in the
Honors section of the commencement program.
