Experience a small, private college feel with the resources and lower cost of a larger public university.Becoming part of the Honors community as a Mathematics major is a great way to enhance your already high quality mathematics degree at SDSU!
Who can join the Honors College?
- Students who have an overall ACT of 27 or higher or who graduate in the top 10% of their High School class.
Minimum requirements for Honors College Distinction fit easily into your 4-year degree plan (including the teaching specialization and all concentrations):
- 12 credits of general education courses (Many Math Majors take Honors Calculus I, II and III - a 5 on an AP exam fills up to 6 credits)
- 3 credits of Honors Colloquium (counts as an elective in our program)
- 3 credits of upper division Mathematics or Statistics course contracted for honors (since you are already taking the class, this is your chance to take an idea from the course a little further and work closely with a professor)
- 3 credits of Colloquium OR contract (you choose)
- 3 credits of Independent Study (Math Majors usually combine this with their Senior Capstone experience (2 credits) for an even more fulfilling research experience)
Why would you want to join the Honors College? After all, Math Majors are in high demand, so getting a job won't be a problem when you graduate!
- Honors classes have fewer students and are taught by top faculty.
- Honors classes focus on more than just content- you'll develop your communication skills, work in teams and practice original problem solving.
- The goal in an Honors section is not to make the course harder- it is to make the course more engaging. Students tell us that sometimes the material is a bit harder, but because of the relationships developed with students and their professors, they felt supported so that they could do more than they could have done alone.
- Students who satisfy Honors College progression requirements enjoy early priority registration for each registration period.
- The Honors College community includes many social and academic opportunities only for Honors College Students, including unique travel and conference opportunities.
- You'll earn the Honors College Distinction indicated on your diploma and transcript along with a pretty hefty Honors College Medal.
But don't think the "Honors" written on your diploma is all that will make a difference as you complete your degree and apply for graduate school and jobs - through your participation in Honors College experiences, you become a strong communicator, you are able to converse with all kinds of people on a variety of topics, you'll be comfortable giving presentations and working in teams, and you'll be able to dissect and solve problems effectively. These are the skills employers and graduate schools are looking for.
Though the Honors College experience includes many, many enrichment activities, you choose those activities that will help you reach your goals. Tailor the Honors College experience to fit you!