Honors Program

Zackary Ross, Ph.D., Director
Library B04A, Phone 502.272.8431, zross@bellarmine.edu

Courtney Keim, Ph.D., Assistant Director
Library B04B, Phone 502.272.8019, akeim@bellarmine.edu

The Bellarmine University Honors Program offers undergraduates the opportunity to enrich their learning both inside and outside the classroom. The program features an enhanced track of small, discussion-based seminar courses and provides in-depth research opportunities across the disciplines, culminating with a senior thesis project. As well as a valuable credential on one’s academic record, an Honors education provides ideal preparation for graduate and professional pursuits. The program is open to qualified, motivated students of all majors.

Program Features

1. Honors Coursework
Honors offers a range of courses that satisfy general education requirements in core fields such as literature, science, theology, and philosophy, as well as interdisciplinary seminars that examine U.S. and transcultural topics from a range of innovative perspectives. These courses are specially designed for Honors students. They feature smaller class sizes, focus on discussion rather than memorization, and are taught by full-time faculty who relish the opportunity to work with high-achieving, intellectually curious students like the ones in our program. A significant benefit of Honors coursework is the experience of moving through a series of classes with a group of academically motivated peers, people our students come to know and cherish both in and outside of the classroom. Students in the program are required to take a minimum of five courses through Honors but are encouraged to take more as their schedules permit.

2. Honors Thesis
Honors students work with members of the faculty on original culminating projects of their own design, a unique opportunity for undergraduates at Bellarmine to make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields of study. This culminating experience can take the form of a traditional thesis, an applied project, or a creative work. The thesis process begins with a one-credit course (HONR 353H) during the fall or spring of the junior year. Students complete the process with two three-credit courses, HONR 450H and HONR 451H, which are typically taken in the fall and spring of the senior year. The thesis courses are required for completion of the program and are in addition to the five-course minimum requirement described above under “Honors coursework.” Honors students are provided multiple opportunities to present their projects at venues on campus and at regional and national conferences, and to submit their work for publication online and in print.

3. Co-curricular and Social Activities
Honors offers a number of courses that go beyond the classroom by incorporating experiential learning, field work, and/or travel abroad. In addition, the Honors Program brings speakers to campus, and hosts fun activities such as trivia nights, picnics, and kickball games. We also venture off campus to attend cultural events such as plays, orchestra performances, and museum exhibitions. We also travel to regional conferences where students can present their research and network with faculty and students from other institutions. These experiences help us build a strong sense of community, enabling Honors students to make connections outside of the classroom and form lifelong friendships.

Admission to the Honors Program

The program is open to qualified, motivated students of all majors. Students seeking admission to Bellarmine who are interested in Honors complete a separate application that is then reviewed by the Honors Program Director and members of the Honors Council. Each application is evaluated holistically, with special consideration given to applicants who are strong academically, but also provide compelling evidence of genuine intellectual curiosity. For incoming first-year students, once the application deadline has passed, the Honors Council reviews files of qualified students and issues acceptances in the spring before matriculation. Transfer students and current Bellarmine students who demonstrated academic excellence and leadership during their first and second year at Bellarmine are also encouraged to apply.