The University is dedicated to preparing its students for lives of learning and for the challenges educated citizens will encounter in an increasingly complex and diverse global community. Over 100 programs of international study and cooperative research are available for KU students and faculty at sites throughout the world.
Students interested in using an out-of-classroom experience which will not appear on their transcript for one of their honors units are required to fill out a pre-approval form. To assure that this will count for an honors unit, please submit the form to Nunemaker Center prior to the actual experience. Contact the Honors Program at (785) 864-4225 or email honors@ku.edu if you have any questions.
Download the Pre-Approval Form for Honors Options Not on a Transcript
Honors students are encouraged to participate in international study and should meet with their advisor early on to maximize their planning.
To earn one or two units for Study Abroad, a student shall complete respectively: a semester/summer or one year in a University of Kansas Study Abroad program, or in a program sponsored by another university and approved by the K.U. Office of Study Abroad.
Study Abroad
Scholarship & Fellowship for International Opportunities
The Honors Program strongly encourages its students from all disciplines to include research in their undergraduate experience, no matter what the area of study. The Honors Program administers the Undergraduate Research Awards to provide financial support for undergraduate research. The program also hosts the Undergraduate Research Symposium each spring, which offers undergraduates the opportunity to present their research in a professional setting. Students also are encouraged to present their research at honors and professional conferences and to seek publication when applicable. Students should talk with their professors and honors staff regularly about their research interests to help them define their goals.
Projects range from experimental (science, mathematics, and behavioral sciences) to historical research to fine arts and engineering projects. Research projects require significant individual initiative in designing an appropriate project. After deciding on an area of interest, students must seek out a faculty member with knowledge in the area as an advisor.
To earn Honors units for Research/Creative work, a student shall complete one of the following:
- Department or Program Undergraduate Honors Thesis/Essay/Project, "Departmental Honors" (counts as two units)
- presentation at the University Undergraduate Research Symposium (counts as one unit)
- participation in research for a period of one academic year, in an approved setting (counts as one unit)
- Undergraduate Research Award project (counts as one unit)
- presentation of one's own research or creative project at an approved professional conference or symposium (counts as one unit)
- documented formal off-campus research experience (eg. those sponsored by NSF, NIH, national labs, other universities, etc.) (counts as one unit)
UGRA
J. Michael Young Award
Undergraduate Research Symposium
Service volunteers gain valuable life experience that greatly strengthens applications for employment, advanced education, competitive scholarship and grants. A minimum of 45 hours of service hours of confirmed community service shall be required to count as a unit. Community service hours shall be verified by a supervisor from the agency or organization on the approval form provided by the Honors Program.
To earn an Honors unit for Service, a student shall complete a substantial project of service to others, or a substantial service activity, approved in advance, supervised by a University faculty or staff advisor, and resulting in a report on the activity. This may include completion of:
- an existing University course specifically emphasizing public service or community service
- a public service or community service project or activity approved by the Honors Program.
Students who wish to obtain honors units for projects about which they have doubts or for those not appearing on a transcript should complete the Honors Option Pre-approval form above and turn it in prior to their experience.
An internship may be paid or unpaid; however, the internship should be a worthwhile educational experience. Ideally, the internship should be on a project basis, as the student contracts for a set term. The range of hours per week is from 12-30. The term of the internship should last a semester or at least 6-8 weeks.
To earn an honors unit through an academic or professional internship, a student must complete the following:
- an internship approved and evaluated by a K.U. department, program, or school, preferably through an existing course
Students who wish to obtain honors units for projects about which they have doubts or for those not appearing on a transcript should complete the Honors Option Pre-approval form above and turn it in prior to their experience.
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