Honors Program

Welcome to the University Honors Program!

At The Catholic University of America, the University Honors Program offers a challenging and inspiring liberal arts program to motivated students with outstanding academic promise. The faculty are drawn from among the most knowledgeable scholars and finest undergraduate teachers at the university. The curriculum, developed under the leadership of Honors Program founder Ingrid Merkel with support from The National Endowment for the Humanities, introduces students to some of the major intellectual and cultural currents in the West while encouraging them to reflect on some of the great questions-questions that demand answers, more or less insistently, in every age. Through the give and take of intimate, seminar-style classes, UHP students find themselves pushed to be more broad-minded and rigorous, more thoughtful and quicker on their feet, more keenly critical and more humane in their pursuit of the truth.

In addition to an outstanding academic program, the UHP offers a variety of excellent social and cultural opportunities, ranging from the annual Christmas dinner, to trips to the theater, to scenic hikes in Maryland and Virginia, to spring break trips to Vienna and other major European cities. Those who choose to live in the Regan Hall Honors Community enjoy even more opportunities for enrichment, including dinner and discussion with invited professors, movie nights, and group excursions into Washington.

For qualified students, the University Honors Program at The Catholic University of America offers the opportunity to take a great education and make it even better. I invite you to read more about the program and to contact us if you would like to learn more.

Sincerely,

Peter Shoemaker
Director, University Honors Program

Upcoming Events

Hitchhiker's Lecture
Dr. Shoemaker will be giving the next Hitchhiker's lecture.  His topic has yet to be announced.
Friday, Feb 3, 4:30-5:00pm
Gibbons Foyer

Program-Wide Advising Meeting
All Honors students in their Freshman through Junior years are required to attend this meeting to learn about Honors policies and opportunities.
Wednesday. Feb. 15, 5:00-6:00pm
Hannan 108

Information Session: Fulbright and UK Scholarships
Fellowships Coordinator Sara Sefranek explains the application process for  distinguished grants
Thursday, Feb. 23, 5:00-6:00pm
Pryzbyla Center, Room 323

The Gaming Table
Honors students will have the opportunity to purchase subsidized tickets to a performance of this French classic. 
Thursday, March 1, 7:30pm
Folger Theater

Honors Lecture: On Hell
Dr. Michael Root will be presenting on this rather inflammatory topic. 
Tuesday, March 13, 5:00-6:00pm

Senior Winery Trip
Join the Honors program for a tasting at Cygnus Wine Cellars.  Only students age 21 and over may attend.
Saturday, March 31
Manchester, MD 

Honors Evening
Students who have been accepted to the Honors Program are invited to a dinner and to spend the night in Honors Housing.  By invitation only.
Thursday, April 12
Pryzbyla Great Room

Long Day's Journey Into Night
Honors students will have the opportunity to purchase subsidized tickets to a performance of this Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
Friday, April 13, 8:00pm
Arena Stage

Spring Dinner
Come celebrate the end of the semester with your fellow Honors students and faculty.
Thursday, April, 19, 6:00-8:30pm
Pryzbyla Great Room