Join us in the pursuit of knowledge and discovery.
The College of Letters and Science Honors Program at UC Santa Barbara invites you to embark on a transformative adventure that will shape your intellect, relationships, and future success. This program is designed to give students in the College of Letters and Science the opportunity to pursue their interests as part of a community of scholars who celebrate learning, exploration, and academic excellence. We seek to connect you to the resources of a large university while providing an intimate collegiate atmosphere where you work closely with peers and professors in small classes, research laboratories, and special programs and activities.
Upcoming Events & Deadlines
Did you miss the Honors Program Fall Kickoff?
Fall 2024 Quarter Deadlines-
Honors Contract Cancellation Deadline - Friday, November 15th. Email - Kate von der Lieth - kvonderlieth@ucsb.edu if you have questions or need to cancel your Fall Honors Contract.
Winter 2025 Quarter Deadlines -
Honors Contract Proposal Deadline - Friday, January 17th
Need to speak with an Honors Advisor?
Use these links.
Honors Program Benefits & Advantages
As an Honors student, dedication to academic excellence comes with a host of privileges that go beyond the prestigious recognition at graduation. Read the boxes below to learn about the perks of being part of this esteemed community.
Dive into exclusive Honors Experiences.
Honors Experiences transcend the traditional classroom setting. Immerse yourself in interactive seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects that foster critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills. These experiences are designed to prepare you for the challenges of the modern world and equip you with the tools you need to thrive.
Gain access to a dedicated team of Honors Advisors.
Honors students have exclusive access to Honors Advisors to guide you through the program and ensure success. Whether you have questions about the Honors program or need help planning your quarterly course schedule, our advisors are here for you! They have flexible appointment options to fit your schedule, including convenient walk-in hours and Zoom Room access.
Take advantage of graduate Library privileges.
Enjoy extended borrowing privileges at the UCSB Library. Keep your books until the end of the quarter. To implement your library privileges, take a photo ID to the Circulation Desk at the UCSB Library, where they have a list of all current Honors students.
Honors students can apply for Library Book Locker privileges. To obtain, renew, or return a book locker, please fill out the UCSB Library's online form. You will then receive information regarding your assigned locker.
Join a community of driven scholars.
As a member of the Honors Program, you'll be part of a vibrant community of passionate and focused scholars who share your thirst for knowledge. Forge meaningful connections with fellow students who are as motivated and dedicated as you are. Collaborate, exchange ideas, and embark on group projects that will broaden your perspective and enrich your college experience. Be a part of the Honors Mentorship Program, matching Honors freshmen with continuing Honors students for a year, to foster connections.
Experience personal interaction with faculty and staff.
In the Honors Program, you're an integral part of an engaged and tight-knit community. Build personal relationships with distinguished faculty and staff who are eager to guide you on your academic journey. Their mentorship and support will not only enhance your learning but also provide invaluable insights into your chosen field of study.
Create a springboard for future success.
The Honors Program at UCSB isn't just about the present; it's about setting the stage for a brilliant future. The skills, connections, and insights you gain as an Honors Student will prove invaluable as you pursue advanced degrees, embark on rewarding careers, and make your mark on the world. Employers and graduate schools recognize the dedication and rigor that come with Honors, giving you a competitive edge in your chosen path.
Application Process
All interested UCSB students will need to complete an application. All applications have a deadline of a few weeks, and include the following two short essay questions:
- What are you most excited to learn about, and how will being in Honors help you pursue that knowledge?
- How do you want to use your experience in Honors to contribute to the UCSB and/or broader community?
Expand the links for details and typical application cycle dates for each class year.
Incoming First Years
An email will be sent from the Honors Program in late May to all Letters and Science students who have submitted their Statement of Intent to Register inviting them to apply for the program.
Continuing Second Years
Non-transfer students entering their second year at UCSB can apply to be in the Honors Program beginning August 1st and will have three weeks to complete the application process. To be eligible for the program, applicants need a 3.2 GPA on 36 attempted letter-graded UC units. Students can include Summer Sessions A, D, and E if necessary to meet these GPA and unit thresholds.
If more students apply than there are spaces available, we will use a lottery system and then review those applications for engagement with the essay questions.
The application for 2024-25 has closed.
Transfer Students
An email from the Honors Program will be sent over the summer to Letters and Science transfer students who have submitted their Statement of Intent to Register inviting them to apply for the program. To be eligible for the program, transfer students will need to have a 3.5 GPA at their previous institutions or a 3.2 if transferring from another UC.
If more students apply than there are spaces available, we will use a lottery system and then review those applications for engagement with the essay questions.
Application Review Process
Admission to the Honors Program will be made in the following manner: all students will have a deadline of a few weeks to turn in their application essays. There are always many more applications than available spots, especially for incoming first years. Our lottery system ensures that all students who meet the qualifications have an equitable chance of joining the Honors Program.
Questions regarding the application process? Email: honorsmail@ltsc.ucsb.edu
Frequently Asked Questions about the Honors Program
Yes, the Honors Program is only open to current UCSB Letters & Science students.
No, you can apply only during specific times in your academic career. Please see the Application Process section above for more information.
Unfortunately, no. However, students can include courses from Summer Sessions A, D, and E to meet these GPA and unit thresholds.
You can get more information regarding the Discovery Seminar provided by going to our Discovery Seminar page. For information on Honors specific seminars and sections, visit the Honors Experience page.
You can submit the Experiences Progress Request Google form to request a review of your Honors experiences completed.
New Honors students are invited to attend the Fall Kick-off presentation in late September; the presentation slides will be posted on our website shortly after. New students in the Honors Program are also expected to review the Honors website and complete the Honors Program Quiz on Canvas to demonstrate familiarity with Program information.
Honors Program membership is listed in GOLD under Registration information. When setting up an Honors contract with a professor, that professor can email us at honorsmail@ltsc.ucsb.edu to verify student membership in the Program. For library privileges, bring a photo ID to the library, and library staff will check the list of current Honors students to verify membership.