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Mellie Katakalos

Student Excellence

Honors Opportunities

Within the College of Arts and Sciences, we embrace the philosophy that academic excellence is accessible to all students, rather than being confined to specific "honors" majors or degree programs. However, for students seeking distinctive opportunities to enhance their academic journey, the College offers several noteworthy avenues:

Graduation Honors

Lehigh University recognizes outstanding academic achievement at the time of graduation. Students who attain a specified grade point average and complete a minimum of 90 credit hours are eligible for graduation honors. Detailed criteria for graduating with honors can be found in the Course Catalog.

Department Honors

Many degree programs within offer a departmental honors option. These programs typically require students to maintain a minimum grade point average and to complete a significant culminating project, such as a senior honors thesis or project. Students interested in pursuing departmental honors should consult with their respective departments for specific requirements and application procedures.

Eckardt Scholars Program

Students discuss in a classroom

The Eckardt Scholars Program is a highly selective and unique honors program in the College of Arts and Sciences. This co-curricular initiative is designed for students demonstrating exceptional academic promise or marked creativity, whose intellectual curiosity extends beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. Participation in the Program complements a student's chosen degree program, offering a unique and enriching academic experience.

Meet our Scholars and Learn More