Philadelphia University Honors Institute at Thomas Jefferson University

Honors is an academic and social space created for academically high-achieving undergraduate students who prefer an intellectual challenge amongst a community of like-minded peers with various interests. Students in Honors report deeper engagement in their studies where they learn to welcome and respectfully challenge ideas. They appreciate the vocal and lively class discussions that result from the interest and preparation of their Honors peers. Students recall meeting their best friends and roommates in the freshmen Honors residential community and developing those friendships through enjoyment of shared experiences on local and regional Honors trips.

Students are considered for Honors based on a comprehensive review process that takes multiple factors into consideration. While there is no specific minimum that guarantees admission to the program, the average scores of last year’s incoming Honors students was a 1380 SAT and a 4.0 GPA.

We encourage and welcome a diverse Honors class, including student athletes and leaders of other school clubs and organizations. Honors Institute programming is scheduled with an understanding that Jefferson students have many obligations. We are flexible so that you are able to meet your Honors requirements and your various other commitments throughout the year.

Honors students are encouraged to study abroad, especially as a means of fulfilling their Global Awareness (Adapt) Cornerstone requirement. Students at Jefferson - East Falls Campus may study away and receive credit for courses that apply directly to their challenging, professional-oriented curricula. Opportunities are available for fall, spring and summer semesters, at locations around the world. There are study abroad programs that are best suited for specific majors and studio courses are often only available in specific programs. However, some of our study away programs will work for just about any major. Ultimately, it all depends on your academic plan.

We encourage Honors students to be fully engaged on campus, broadening your horizons and serving as leaders to create a robust student experience for your time at Jefferson. Honors students participate in clubs, activities, organizations, student government, Greek life etc. While you will be primarily dedicated to your studies, you will find balance in participating in many extra-curricular activities. Your experience will be all that you make it.

Students are notified of their acceptance into Honors at the same time they receive their admission to the University. Students who nominate themselves using the Honors application will receive decisions on a rolling basis.

Jefferson accepts AP and IB credits depending on your exam score. You can find further details about credit awarded for specific courses by visiting the Academic Catalog.

We strongly encourage freshmen in the Honors Institute to live in the Honors Living Learning Community in Ronson Hall. Jefferson University understands that student learning happens both inside and outside of the classroom. With shared communal and course experiences, you will have the opportunity to forge connections with your classmates that extend beyond your course schedule. Together, you can explore ideas of interest and grow on an interpersonal level. Benefits of living in Honors housing include proximity to the other freshmen dorms and dining hall and access to the Honors lounge for studying, and socializing. 

Once admitted to Philadelphia University Honors at Jefferson you should do the following:

• File your FAFSA (use Thomas Jefferson University FAFSA code 013549)
• Attend University and Honors events for accepted students

If you decide Jefferson is the university for you, please officially enroll in the academic college or school for your professional track, and your admission into Honors will then be confirmed.

As an Honors student, you are strongly encouraged to live in Honors housing in Ronson Hall. You will receive an application from the Office of Residence Life during the first week of May, and we recommend that you complete the application as soon as possible.

First-Year students in 3, 4 or 5-year full-time East Falls day programs who earn a 3.5 GPA in the first semester are eligible to apply for honors enrollment via the Internal Honors Application process. Students are contacted in the Spring semester to apply for Fall enrollment. The Honors Institute and Jefferson University reserve the right to modify the Honors Student application process, program benefits and program requirements as necessary.

Honors students must maintain a 3.25 GPA and successfully complete honors designated courses to remain in good standing in the Honors Institute. If you do not maintain this requirement for two consecutive semesters, or you choose to opt out of Honors for any reason, your academic scholarship and other privileges associated with the program will no longer be available.

Programming and co-curricular opportunities are offered to continuing Honors students. Some of these include Honors sponsored research with professors, service trips, lecture series and social events planned by the Honors Student Association. The Honors Institute welcomes your ideas for new programming!