Message from the Dean
Welcome to the Honors College
The UIC Honors College is home to a vibrant and inclusive community of scholars, distinguished faculty, and award-winning staff. Bringing together students from every undergraduate college at UIC, we are proud to be among the nation’s most racially and socioeconomically diverse honors programs at a Research 1 university.
As the first person in my family to earn an advanced degree, I am especially proud that the Honors College welcomes talented and motivated students from all backgrounds. At UIC, we believe that excellence and opportunity should go hand in hand.
As the premier example of UIC’s commitment to access and excellence, the Honors College empowers students to explore their passions, discover their potential, take risks, and build a strong foundation for future success. Through meaningful learning experiences, mentorship, and engagement both inside and outside the classroom, our students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Our mission is grounded in five cornerstones:
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation and Creativity
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Integrative Problem-Solving
- Courageous Risk-Taking
Building upon the exceptional opportunities available across UIC, the Honors College offers small, discussion-based courses, exclusive interdisciplinary seminars, experiential and service-learning opportunities, and leadership experiences that challenge students to think deeply and act purposefully. Every Honors College Scholar has the opportunity to create a distinctive pathway that reflects their academic interests and strengths, personal aspirations, and professional goals.
Our Honors Faculty Fellows and dedicated advisors serve as mentors, collaborators, and guides throughout students’ undergraduate journeys, supporting research, community engagement, scholarship development, and career exploration. As a result, Honors College Scholars consistently earn prestigious university and national awards, graduate at rates that exceed university averages, and achieve remarkable success in graduate education, professional programs, and careers.
Whether you are a prospective student, parent, continuing student, alumnus, or supporter, I invite you to explore all that the Honors College has to offer. You will discover a community committed to academic excellence, meaningful engagement, and transformative opportunity.
At the Honors College, you will find UIC’s flame burning at its brightest.
If you would like to learn more, my colleagues and I would be delighted to connect with you.
Go Flames!
Rosilie Hernández
Dean, Honors College
The Honors College Vision
Honors courses are small in size and taught by top professors on campus, providing students the opportunity to interact with UIC’s finest scholars. Hundreds of UIC faculty members volunteer each year to work with Honors students because they enjoy working with motivated and talented students.
All members of the Honors College also belong to a degree-granting college such as Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) or Engineering. Those students participating in web-based programs, however, are not eligible for participation at present. Members of the Honors College are expected to take honors courses and/or participate in an array of experiences beyond the classroom each semester.
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Essential benefits of being a member of the Honors College include:
- Specialized topics based courses, lectures, and seminars taught by premiere faculty
- Increased opportunities to participate in undergraduate research
- All students are assigned a Faculty Fellow to provide deeper mentorship in their field of study
- Consideration for and the opportunity to apply to additional scholarships and grant funding
- No additional time to graduate; all your honors courses count toward your degree!
- In addition to your degree-granting college advisor, you will also be assigned to one of the advisors from our well-armed advising team which boasts a low student to advisor ratio
- Use of Honors College facilities in Burnham Hall including the Computer Lab, Quiet Study Room, & Student Lounge
- The Capstone: A 2 semester-long research-based project crowning your final terms at UIC, and in the Honors College, in the area of your choice under the guidance of your Faculty Fellow
Fact Flyer
Our students are recognized on campus as leaders, innovators and contributors to the UIC community and the city at large. Please download our fact flyer for more information on demographics, enrollment statistics, and more.