The Honors College is one of the lesser-known fragments that make up the intellectual community at USF St. Petersburg.
“I like being in a class of really motivated students working with some of the best professors,” said Chris Carpentier, an Honors College sophomore studying entrepreneurship. Carpentier believes his time in the program has been well spent, and he has taken many honors classes, including marine science and the history of Vietnam.
The Honors College offers both a four-year and a two-year rigorous program. Students take honors level courses, and are required to maintain a GPA of 3.3 while in the program. They are required to complete an honors thesis during their final year in the program. The thesis emphasizes critical thinking and independent study, and each student is assigned a faculty adviser from the Honors College.
New to the program, Teri Deardorff is excited for the next three years and what they will bring.
“I thought the Honors College would be a great distinction to have and I love the small class sizes,” Deardorff said.
Honors College students receive multiple benefits for their rigorous study, including priority registration and research opportunities. Beyond the academic requirements, students develop a constant support group, networking opportunities and an edge when it comes to getting into graduate school.
The Honors College was founded in 1993, and is directed by Thomas Smith.
