Frequently asked questions
1. What is Global Honors?
The Global Honors Program is UW Tacoma's interdisciplinary upper-division honors program. It provides highly motivated students an enriched and sophisticated understanding of the world and their place in it, at a time when global interactions are transforming the planet. Students who successfully complete the Global Honors program receive honors distinction on their transcripts and at graduation.
2. What are the benefits of the honors program?
Global Honors classes are discussion-oriented and typically contain 15-20 students. The small class size promotes a high level of engagement and a sense of community among the program's students and faculty. Global Honors students repeatedly cite the learning environment as one of the best aspects of the program.
Additionally, Global Honors students receive individualized attention from the program adviser and director relating to their academic interests, including resources such as internships, scholarships, research opportunities, conferences, and, of course, interesting study abroad programs.
Students also have the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member of their choice when writing the senior capstone. As a result of these interactions, faculty often direct students to other opportunities that better prepare them for their career or for graduate studies. They also tend to serve as wonderful references.
3. How will Global Honors fit into my major?
For many UW Tacoma majors there is considerable overlap between Global Honors requirements and major-specific requirements. Speak with your adviser to see how Global Honors courses might apply towards the requirements for your chosen major. In addition to major and minor requirements, Global Honors courses can also fulfill elective credits and general education requirements.
Since the Global Honors program is only 21-24 credits, it is feasible for most students to fit it into their academic plan. However, this is a 2-year program, with 12 credits in the junior year and 9-12 in senior year. Therefore, students with more than 105 credits are often not eligible to participate in the honors program.
4. Am I eligible for admission to the Global Honors program?
In order to be considered for admission to the Global Honors program you must:
- Have a 3.5 GPA or better
- Commit to 2 years of Global Honors
- Be a junior at UW Tacoma*
- Apply by August 31 for preferential consideration. Space-permitting, another round of applications will be accepted in September.
*Because Global Honors students begin the program in the fall quarter only, students who have slightly fewer than 90 credits may sometimes be allowed to begin the program immediately rather than wait until the following year.
5. Are there extra costs?
No. If you choose to study abroad there may be some additional costs. We do not require students to study abroad, but we strongly encourage everyone to explore the vast array of study abroad opportunities that are available. Many programs are affordable and allow students to apply financial aid and scholarships to the program's expenses. Some study abroad programs last as little as three weeks and allow students to earn academic credit. Being immersed in a new culture, even briefly, is never easier than during your time in college.
6. Is Global Honors a major?
No. Global Honors students complete both the honors program and an existing UW Tacoma major. Upon graduation, Global Honors students earn honors distinction.
7. When does Global Honors start?
Global Honors begins in Autumn of the junior year. See the Junior Curriculum Plan.
8. What is the difference between the thesis and the reflection options for the senior capstone?
Students who choose to study abroad for a minimum of three weeks can choose between a writing a thesis (5 credits) or a reflection essay (2 credits). The thesis is research- based and allows students to discuss a topic of their choice that explores some intersection between the Global Honors curriculum and their work in their academic major.
The reflection essay is only available to those who have studied abroad while at UW Tacoma (for a minimum of three weeks). The reflection essay focuses on growth in the student's personal, intellectual, and global identity, as informed by experiences at UW Tacoma, including but not limited to study abroad, community service and Global Honors coursework.
Students who write the thesis are also encouraged to study abroad.
9. What are the thesis requirements?
The Global Honors thesis must be 60% international in focus and a minimum of 20 pages. Students select a topic of their choice and work individually with a faculty member of their choice.
If the academic major requires a thesis or capstone, upon approval, students can use one thesis to fulfill both requirements, provided they adhere to both sets of requirements.
10. How do I apply?
Please visit the Admission page for details.
