A unique enrichment opportunity for high-achieving students
The Minor in Honors Studies offers motivated and talented students the opportunity to develop their academic potential
to the fullest by taking intellectually challenging, stimulating
and academically rigorous honors classes, thus complementing and enriching their
respective major curricula. The Minor in Honors Studies features smaller classes that
allow for greater personal interaction with faculty; individually supervised research
projects; and community based service learning projects. Honors education at DCC transcends
the boundaries of the traditional classroom, as honors students take on leadership
positions on campus, and are encouraged to participate in intellectual and scholarly
activities in their local community and their respective academic fields.
Individual academic advisement and intensive counseling prepare students enrolled
in A.A. or A.S. programs for transfer to competitive four-year institutions. In the
past, DCC Honors students have transferred to, among others, Cornell University, New York University, Vassar College, Smith College as well as SUNY’s more selective four-year
campuses. Honors Studies students enrolled in A.A.S. programs will graduate with enhanced
competitiveness for the workplace. The DCC Honors Studies graduate is an academically
well-rounded as well as a civic-minded and globally conscious citizen.
The DCC Minor in Honors Studies is open to qualified students in all curricula. Students
are accepted to the Minor on the basis of high school achievement and an individual
interview. Qualified students with a 3.25 cumulative GPA or higher may also enter
the Minor after their first or second semester at DCC following an individual interview
with the Honors Coordinator (for students enrolled in GSP and LAH) or their Program
Chair. Qualified students unable to commit themselves to the entire Honors Studies
sequence may enroll in individual honors courses if they fulfill eligibility requirements
for the program or with the written permission of the Honors Coordinator.
Completion Criteria:
The Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Sciences (A.S.), or Associate in Applied
Sciences (A.A.S.) degree with a Minor in Honors Studies is awarded upon completion
of major degree requirements along with the following requirements of the Honors Minor:
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Completion of a minimum of 12 honors credits across the curriculum; these credits
may or may not apply to a student’s Major program of study (at least one Honors course
in each semester that the student is in the program.)
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Completion of the Honors capstone seminar (e.g., LSS 201.H) (3 credits)
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Students will select four upper-level courses from their Major program of study to
apply toward the Honors Minor;
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A minimum of four upper-level courses from the Major program of study will be applied
toward the Honors Minor. These may be “Honors” designated courses which would also
apply toward the 12 credits of Honors courses.
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Within these upper-level courses, students must meet the minimum Math/Science requirement
for the Minor, even if this exceeds the requirements of the Major program of study.
There are two ways to meet this requirement:
Students should work closely with their advisor(s) to create a plan of study that
incorporates these requirements without adding an undue burden of additional credits.
Learning Outcomes:
As the Minor in Honors Studies complements a student’s major curriculum, some learning
outcomes may overlap with those of a student’s major curriculum. In addition, students
who minor in Honors Studies will be able to:
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Demonstrate enhanced critical and analytical thinking skills.
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Recognize the value of diversity in our local, national and global communities.
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Demonstrate a commitment to serve and sustain the local communities in which they
live.
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Demonstrate the ability to approach political, social, economic and scientific problems
through inter-disciplinary approaches.
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Practice civic minded ethical and responsible citizenship.
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Understand and appreciate cultures other than their own.
Entrance Requirements:
A high school average of 90 or above or graduation in the top 10% of the class. While
in Honors Studies, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above.
For more information
Please contact Dr. Werner Steger at (845) 431-8522 or steger@sunydutchess.edu, visit
www.sunydutchess.edu/honorsminor or contact your program chair.