Honors Program  |  Overview  |  Courses  |  Alumni @ Work

The Lasallian Honors Program at Saint Mary’s University is a general education program for motivated students who wish to engage in "shared inquiry" in small seminar classes. The hallmarks of the program are study of the Great Books, service learning, and participation in a community of learners who desire to grow intellectually and spiritually, together over four years.

Great Books, Shared-Inquiry Seminars
The Lasallian Honors Program is an interdisciplinary program of learning in the Great Books and other notable texts of Western and Eastern traditions. All of the courses are shared-inquiry seminars: the students and the professor discuss the works together in lively, interactive, and informed conversations about the most important ideas in human history.

Working Smarter
Honors courses do not necessarily require more work than other general education courses. What differs is the style of learning, in student-centered seminars. You have the opportunity to participate with other motivated students in small classes taught by professors committed to engaged learning and individualized attention.

Streamlined General Education
A practical advantage of the Honors program is that it streamlines course requirements. Because of our interdisciplinary 4-credit model, honors students take fewer general education courses. That leaves room for a second major, extracurricular activities, an internship, and/or studying abroad.

Future Benefits
Participation in the Lasallian Honors Program also has rewards after graduation. When it comes time to compete for a job, internship, or acceptance to graduate school, Honors students have a clear advantage. We have an enviable record (98%) of placing our students in some of the best graduate programs in the country.

Personal Growth
The most important reason to join the Lasallian Honors Program is the desire to extend yourself intellectually, spiritually, and creatively. We can help you do that in a supportive and challenging academic atmosphere. You will be part of a cohort group that shares your talents and interests – and likely will become your closest college friends.