Honors Tracks

Honors Tracks are open to outstanding students on a competitive basis during the autumn and spring semesters.

In autumn, Honors Students take a research- oriented program consisting of:

1)       At least one seminar (4000 level course) selected from the list of courses below

2)       Two advanced classes (at least 3000 level classes), in addition to all the other requirements of the Undergraduate Program, including the study of Hebrew.

The students will present their research in a special symposium and online journal.

During the spring semester, the Honors Program augments this research track with guest lectures, field trips and study tours.  Students who complete their studies in the track with an average of 80 or above in either semester, receive an Undergraduate Honors Certificate and special Honors citation on their transcript.

Prerequisite Requirements for Acceptance to the Program

1. A proven record of high academic achievement at the students’ home university and/or the Rothberg International School
2. The specific prerequisites for the honors seminars that the student has applied to.

The Application Process

Students who have registered for the requisite courses may apply for the Honors Track in the autumn semester until November 1, 2009 and for the spring semester until March 7, 2010

Candidates for the program should provide the following as part of the application process:

1. A completed and signed Honors Program application form, including a list of the Honors seminars and other courses selected for his/her academic program.
2. A short essay explaining their choice of courses. The quality of the writing of the essay will be considered part of the application process. 

The Registration Process

Students accepted to the program will be automatically registered for the courses they selected on their Honors Program application form. Students will be permitted to change courses during the first week of the semester, with the permission of their academic advisor, but must continue to be enrolled in at least one honors seminars and at least two additional courses at either the 3000 or 4000 level to remain in the program. Students who do not meet this requirement will be dropped from the Honors Program.

The Honors Seminars

Internships

Accredited research and experiential internships, worth 3 credits, are available each semester to qualified students at a wide variety of institutions. Information and applications are available from the internship coordinator.  Students will have the opportunity to meet with the internship coordinator once they are on campus.  Students may only register for the internship for one semester. Students must devote a minimum of eight hours per week to the internship, in addition to taking an academic workshop, "In the Community I / II: Israel Case Studies."

Students will receive a number and letter grade for successful completion of the academic workshop and internship. It is recommended that students check with their home universities to make sure they can transfer credits prior to registering for an internship.

In recent years students have interned in the following fields: medicine, education, media, environment, NGO, archaeology, and more!  Once students arrive on campus they will meet with the internship coordinator and interview at the internship locations.

Independent Study

Students may submit a proposal to work independently on projects related to their major fields of study. They must discuss their proposed study plan with a faculty member willing to supervise and evaluate their work. The amount of work is equivalent to that required for a regular course (a maximum of 3 credits). Proposals for independent study approved by a faculty member are submitted for final approval to the academic advisors prior to registration. Students may register for one independent study project per semester.