Honors Program
The STCC Honors Program offers students an engaging and flexible academic experience built around close faculty mentorship and active learning.
Honors students benefit from small, discussion-based classes, opportunities to explore ideas across disciplines, and the ability to pursue Honors work through seminars, Honors sections, and individualized Add-On projects. These pathways allow students to shape their Honors experience in ways that align with their academic interests and goals.
Honors at STCC is both challenging and supportive, creating a community where motivated students can collaborate, take intellectual risks, and deepen their learning.
As part of the Massachusetts Commonwealth Honors Program, STCC Honors also provides students with access to statewide recognition and transfer opportunities.
Benefits
The STCC Honors Program helps students stand out academically while preparing for transfer, scholarship, and future opportunities.
Honors students benefit from:
- Commonwealth Honors Scholar designation upon completion
- Recognition on official transcripts, signaling academic distinction
- Transfer advantages, including eligibility to apply to Honors programs at Massachusetts state universities through the Commonwealth Honors Program
- Opportunities to strengthen transfer applications and stand out when applying to colleges and competitive programs
- Opportunities to distinguish themselves through advanced academic work and public presentation of their ideas
Completing the honors program has given me a sense of accomplishment. It's symbolic of rising above all of the dyslexic, low-socioeconomic status, first-generation, teen parent, and student of color narratives. It's been a tough journey, but thanks to the Honors Program, as well as the world’s greatest STEM professor, Dr. Ettienne-Modeste, I am proud to call myself a Massachusetts honors scholar.Monique Selden-Riley, STCC Student Trustee
Eligibility Requirements
The STCC Honors Program does not require a separate application. Instead, students may participate in Honors by meeting the following eligibility criteria.
Recent High School Graduates
Students may qualify with one of the following:
- 3.5 high school GPA
- 3.0 GPA from a high school Honors program
- 1000 combined SAT score
Current STCC Students
Students must meet both of the following:
- Completion of at least 12 college-level credits
- A cumulative 3.2 GPA
A Flexible and Supportive Path into Honors
The STCC Honors Program is designed to support student growth, access, and academic ambition. Students who are close to the GPA requirement are encouraged to explore Honors opportunities and may begin with one Honors course or an Honors Add-On project as they work toward full eligibility.
Through faculty mentorship and a flexible program structure, students are supported in building toward continued participation and eventual completion of Commonwealth Honors recognition.
To complete the program and earn this distinction, students must ultimately meet all formal program standards, including three Honors experiences, at least one Honors Seminar, grades of B or better, and graduation with a 3.2 overall GPA.
Graduation & Commonwealth Honors Scholar Requirements
Students who complete the STCC Honors Program earn the designation Commonwealth Honors Scholar, which appears on the official college transcript.
To earn this distinction, students must:
- complete three Honors experiences (totaling nine credits or more), including at least one Honors Seminar (HNR course)
- earn a grade of B or better in each Honors experience, including Honors Add-On projects
- maintain a 3.2 overall GPA at graduation
Three Ways to Earn Honors Credit
Students in the STCC Honors Program may earn Honors credit through three types of academic experiences.
Honors Seminars (HNR Courses)
Honors Seminars are specially designed courses that invite students to explore complex ideas through discussion, research, and hands-on, experiential learning. These small, seminar-style classes emphasize active participation and close collaboration with faculty.
Many Honors Seminars incorporate experiential learning opportunities, such as field trips, site visits, or engagement with cultural institutions.
Honors Seminars are designed to be both intellectually challenging and accessible. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to engage.
Honors Sections
Honors sections are versions of core courses (such as ENG-101H, ENG-102H, and HIS-110H) that allow students to complete Honors work while staying fully aligned with their degree requirements.
Rather than simply adding more work, Honors sections provide a richer and more engaging academic experience. Students often explore topics in greater depth and participate in more discussion-based learning.
These courses are often an ideal starting point for students new to Honors, offering a supportive introduction while still providing meaningful academic challenge.
Because these courses fulfill major or General Education requirements, they offer an efficient and accessible way to begin Honors study.
Honors Add-On Projects
Honors Add-On Projects provide a flexible way for students to transform a traditional course into an Honors experience.
Students complete an additional substantive project developed collaboratively with a faculty sponsor. These projects often grow from an existing assignment and expand into a more in-depth, independent, and Honors-level experience.
Common formats include extended research papers, creative projects, applied work, and presentations.
All Add-On projects include a required public presentation, often as part of the STCC Honors Student Showcase.
Honors Add-Ons do not increase course credits and are not extra credit. They provide formal recognition of distinguished Honors-level work.
Students interested in completing an Honors Add-On Project should review the full guide and begin the proposal process early in the semester.
- Understanding Honors Add-ons (Student & Faculty Guide)
- Honors Add-On Contract (Project Proposal Form)
Contact
Questions about the STCC Honors Program are always welcome.
Students interested in getting started, exploring Honors courses, or learning more about Honors Add-On projects are encouraged to reach out.
Professor John Diffley
Honors Program Coordinator
Putnam Hall (B17), Room 241
Phone: 413-755-4627
Email: jjdiffley@stcc.edu
Email is typically the best way to get in touch.
It has helped to hone my critical thinking and communication skills. I've always liked taking on new challenges. I feel strongly that the Honors Program has pushed me out of my comfort zone.Nicole Bedard, STCC student enrolled in Honors Program