Honors Program
Fostering success
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
The Honors Program at PFW is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, critical thinking, and a passion for lifelong learning among its distinguished students. By providing a challenging and supportive environment, we aim to cultivate leaders who are not only academically gifted but also socially responsible and globally aware. The PFW Honors Program is committed to offering personalized learning experiences, interdisciplinary studies, and opportunities for research, creative endeavors, and community engagement. Through this holistic approach, our program prepares our students to make meaningful contributions to their fields and to society at large.
Fall 2026 Dates and Deadlines
Sept 11
H-OPTION DEADLINE
Sept 11
HONORS SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE
Sept 11
HONORS PROJECT PROPOSALS DUE
Dec 4
HONORS SHOWCASE
Spring 2027 Dates and Deadlines
Jan 29
H-OPTION DEADLINE
Jan 29
HONORS SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE
Jan 29
HONORS PROJECT PROPOSALS DUE
APR 6 - 9
HONORS SHOWCASE
Requirements to Earn Honors Certificate at Purdue Fort Wayne
Requirements to Earn Honors Certificate at Purdue Fort Wayne
To officially earn the Honors Certificate at Purdue Fort Wayne, students must successfully complete the following criteria:
Honors Coursework: Complete a minimum of 18 honors credit hours applied toward your degree. These credits must include:
Courses from at least two different academic disciplines.
At least three credits within your declared major.
At least three credits at the 300-level or higher.
GPA Requirements: Maintain both a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and a 3.5 honors GPA by the conclusion of your final semester.
Honors Project: Successfully complete an Honors Project (this may be integrated with your major's required capstone or senior project).
this is who we are
The Spring 2025 Edition of The Honors Spotlight!
We are thrilled to present the latest issue of The Honors Spotlight, a testament to the remarkable achievements and ongoing endeavors of the Purdue University Fort Wayne Honors Program community. This edition is brimming with inspiring stories, academic achievements, and a recap of events that have enriched our campus life.
Here Are A Few Quick Links
Here Are A Few Quick Links
Stats
100%
Departments Represented
150+
Courses and H-options
350+
Active Students
Omnibus Speaker Series
Unique voices, inspiring words, engaging ideas
The Omnibus Speaker Series returns to Purdue Fort Wayne beginning in October. This season, hear from Michael Barbaro, political journalist; Luke Russert, former NBC correspondent; Marcus Collins, leading cultural scholar, award-winning marketer and coach, and University of Michigan professor; and Pati Jinich, chef, author, and TV host.
Mastodons are social creatures
Get a glimpse of PFW life, and see what students are up to on, off, and around campus.
FAQ
Find the answers you need.
Review our list of frequently asked questions to find the information you need about the Honors Program. If your specific question is not addressed below, please contact us directly, and we will be happy to assist you.
Eligibility depends on your current student status:
Incoming Freshmen: You must meet at least one of the following criteria: rank in the top 10% of your high school graduating class, score a 1200 or higher on the SAT, score a 27 or higher on the ACT, or score a 7 or higher on the IELTS / 87 or higher on the TOEFL (for international students).
Current Purdue Fort Wayne Students: You must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
Yes. Upon completing 9 honors credit hours, you will be awarded an Honors Pin, which can be worn during graduation. Upon full completion of the program, you will receive an Honors Medal, a personalized certificate, and an official honors notation on your academic transcript.
No. Earning honors in your major is a departmental distinction that will be noted on your specific degree diploma. The Honors Program is a separate, university-wide academic certificate.
No, there is no strict per-semester or per-year credit requirement. However, we strongly recommend distributing your honors courses evenly throughout your time at Purdue Fort Wayne. Your primary objective is simply to complete a total of 18 honors credits by the time you graduate.
No. The program is designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing plan of study. Many honors classes fulfill the standard general education requirements that apply to all majors. Additionally, you can utilize an H-Option to earn honors credit for standard courses that are already required for your degree, meaning you won't need to take extra classes.
An H-Option is a formal agreement between a student and an instructor of a standard, non-honors course. This contract modifies the course's requirements or curriculum, allowing the student to earn honors credit upon successful completion of the class.
There is considerable flexibility in what you can choose for your honors project. You may choose to extend a senior capstone project or undergraduate thesis that is already required by your major. Alternatively, you can build upon research or work completed during a previous H-Option course. Ultimately, you should select a topic that strongly aligns with your personal and academic interests.
Yes. You are permitted and encouraged to wear your Honors Pin as part of your academic regalia during the commencement ceremony.
Yes. You are permitted to wear graduation cords from any nationally affiliated honor society, provided that the organization has an official chapter recognized at Purdue Fort Wayne.
Take our survey.
Take our survey.
If you’re a current honors student and would like to provide feedback regarding the program, please fill out this three-minute student survey, which will help us understand what you like about the program and help us improve in the future.