The Capital College Honors Program is designed to meet intellectual needs of highly motivated students.  The Program focuses on first- and second-year students. Sophomores who meet eligibility requirements of Schreyer Honors College are encouraged to apply to Schreyer Honors College at the end of sophomore year.  Students who do not wish to enter Schreyer Honors College after sophomore year could still participate in honors related courses as they pursue their degree if their cumulative GPA is 3.4.

Program Requirements

First and Second Years

  • Complete at least three honors credits per semester or six honors credits per year.
  • Maintain a 3.3 cumulative GPA.
  • Be active in the Program by participating in at least one honors event per semester.

Note:

  • Only students with a 3.4 cumulative GPA or recommended by a Penn State Harrisburg full-time faculty member are allowed to continue in the Program after their second year.
  • Rising juniors who meet Schreyer Honors College’s eligibility requirements should apply to be admitted to Schreyer Honors College.

Junior and Senior Years

  • Complete a minimum of fourteen honors credits, including HONOR 301H (Knowledge in Society, three credits), HONOR 493H (Service Learning, one to three credits), HONOR 494M/495H (Thesis Preparation, three credits combined), and HONOR 496H (Thesis, three credits).
  • Maintain a 3.3 cumulative GPA.
  • Complete and present an approved honors thesis prior to graduation.
  • Be active in the Program by participating in at least one honors event per semester.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Have a 3.5 cumulative GPA or be nominated by a full-time faculty member of Penn State Harrisburg.  Incoming first-year applicants must have a 3.5 GPA (out of 4.0 scale) or a total of at least 1100 on the Math and Verbal components of the SAT.
  • Have desire and motivation to learn.
  • Have good writing skills especially for third-year applicants.
  • Have at least two semesters remaining at Penn State Harrisburg for first- and second-year applicants, and have at least three semesters remaining at Penn State Harrisburg for third-year applicants.  Seniors should contact the Program before applying.

How to Apply

Complete the appropriate online form during the application period.

Before you begin, be sure to have the following prepared; the form cannot be saved:

  • An original essay based on the essay prompt for your application year.
  • Name and contact information for two references.
  • Incoming first-year students must submit at least one letter of reference from either a high school teacher or guidance counselor. 
  • Transfer students must submit at least one letter of reference from a college professor.