Honors Program

At Chatham, we think an Honors Program should engage you, not just give you more work to accomplish. That's why the Chatham Honors Program is designed as an interdisciplinary challenge for both inside and outside of the classroom.

Photo of two Chatham University students hanging out in a historic mansion that's been converted to University housing

Honors Program Benefits

  • Opportunities in research, leadership, community engagement, including an Annual Service Project, the Honors Student Advisory Council, and the Honors Program Living Learning Community.
  • Honors-only sections of courses (including environmental science and a seminar course that covers fellowship applications), and preferred access to designated courses.
  • Invitation to key campus events and preferred access to lectures, receptions for campus visitors, and a professional mentorship program.
  • Tassel and commencement recognition.

Student takes notes on a laptop with Chatham University sticker during a lecture.

Honors Program Requirements

  • First-year students: Chatham University Undergraduate Admission is currently test optional. No SAT or ACT test scores are necessary to receive full admission review. 
  • Transfer students: 3.5 College GPA.
  • Current students at Chatham may qualify for the Honors Program after 15 credits earned with cumulative GPA of 3.6.
  • Students must maintain a minimum of 3.6 GPA to remain in the Honors Program (one semester grace period will be provided).
  • All students who meet the academic requirements are invited to participate.

Photo of a male Chatham University student seated next to classmates, paying attention to an unseen lecturer

Introduction to Honors Program

All Honors Program students take a one-credit Introduction to Honors Program course, which is designed to foster critical and creative thinking and reflection around three pillars: research, leadership, and engagement. 

Outings Throughout Pittsburgh

Honors Program participants attend cultural and educational events throughout Pittsburgh as a group. Past outings have included The Mattress Factory, Phipps Conservatory, and an LGBTQ+ film festival.

Photos of three Chatham students walking on a campus path

Travel Benefits

Honors students will be eligible for a limited amount of funds that will be set aside each year for Honors Travel Fellowships to offset the expenses associated with travel, lodging, and conference fees for students who attend research conferences.

Photo of a male student in a yarmulke, sitting in a Chatham University lecture hall and looking at his computer

Honors Classes

Honors courses are engaging and less-lecture based. Honors courses have included “What is Evil”, “Africa, Past and Present”, “Social Welfare and Social Justice”, and “Negotiation and Decision-Making”.

Student takes notes on a laptop with Chatham University sticker during a lecture.

National Collegiate Honors Council

Chatham University is now a proud member of the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). The NCHC provides workshops and funding opportunities for our Honors students.

A Unique Challenge

“I am beyond grateful to have joined the Honors Program at Chatham, as it has provided me with incredible opportunities in research, leadership, networking, volunteering, and physician shadowing. The program is absolutely wonderful in providing a unique challenge to students, while also supporting and uplifting them. Being a part of the honors program is one of the best decisions I have ever made, and without a doubt, I would highly recommend being a part of it!”—Ashley Pesarsick '23

Find Community & Gain Insight

"During my freshman year, I lived in the Honors Living Learning Community, and I found that being surrounded by academically oriented and driven peers was the perfect way to find community here at Chatham. Working on service projects with other students in the Honors Program helped me gain an understanding of what it means to better the lives of those within our Chatham community as well as the greater Pittsburgh community. The volunteering experiences I joined because of the Honors Program widened my perspective on how I can serve people in my communities throughout the course of my undergraduate studies, and my time volunteering has also granted me the insight to envision how I might help people in my future career as well."—Perrin Nightingale '23 

Explore Different Areas of Study

“One of my favorite reasons for joining the Honors Program is to connect with other people who are passionate about what they are studying. Being a student, I believe it is valuable to explore different areas of study to see whether you made the right choice with your current area of study. Additionally, there is more to the Honors Program than academics. As a member of the Honors Program, I was given numerous opportunities to serve in the community and build strong friendships.”—Michael Nizinski, '21, MPAS '23