Student Testimonial

As an incoming student to Sacramento State, you may be wondering if the stress of being in the Honors Program is worth it? As a previously anxious freshman who began and completed the Honors Program, I am proud to express that it is most definitely worth it.

Ihsan Imthiyaz

"My transition from high school to college—especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic—was immensely stressful. The Honors Program challenged me to explore my academic capabilities and social opportunities as a college student while pursuing my dream career as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. The Honors classes were rigorous yet stimulating and I always left with something to contemplate and learn from. Starting from COMS 4H all the way to Honors 103, I became a more culturally competent individual.

As an incoming student to Sacramento State, you may be wondering if the stress of being in the Honors Program is worth it? As a previously anxious freshman who began and completed the Honors Program, I am proud to express that it is most definitely worth it. I was surrounded by open-minded classmates who are very supportive of one another as well as very understanding faculty who are transparent about what they want from their students. The Honors Program is like one big family as individuals only want to see others flourish as well as provide the support you need on your journey. At the end of the day, whatever you put into the program and its courses, is what you will get out of it. The most important thing I remembered during the program was that I was chosen to be an Honors Student for a reason—to serve a greater purpose, for the betterment of my community.”

Ihsan Imthiyaz completed his B.S. in Exercise Science (Clinical Exercise & Rehabilitation Specialist) in Spring 2024. He was accepted into the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program at Sacramento State beginning Fall 2024.

Why Join the GE Honors Program

What is Sac State Honors

Honors Curriculum Design

The Honors Program is composed of 42 units of General Education Honors courses (33 lower division and 9 upper division). Honors students take at least 12 units per semester.

During their freshman and sophomore years, Honors students will take two to three Honors courses per semester. The remaining course(s) can be filled with required in their major or pre-major.

Three upper division courses taken during their junior and senior year conclude the Honors experience.

Benefits

Honors students at Sacramento State experience individualized attention from dedicated professors, small class sizes, and extracurricular activities. One on one interaction with faculty members and fellow Honors students promotes community building both in and out of the classroom.

Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad through either short term programs developed specifically for the Honors Program, or semester or year long programs created for Sacramento State, and the CSU.

They are also encouraged to complete an internship and an undergraduate research experience. The program also offers a variety of scholarships to support students.

Core Courses

The core of the lower division curriculum is a three-semester Honors seminar (HONR 1, HONR 2, HONR 3) in which students read some of the great books of world civilizations, analyze the writings of world thinkers and writers, and improve their skills in critical thinking and writing.

The three upper division Honors courses (HONR 101, HONR 102, HONR 103) are organized around the theme of learning and acting for the public good.

If you are a student with high educational goals and an interest in courses that appeal to the imagination and the intellect, the Sacramento State General Education Honors Program may be for you.

Amenities

Sac State Honors students have access to:

• A lounge complete with study and relaxation space
• Five desktop computers and a printer
• A library with a selection of course texts
• A kitchenette equipped with a refrigerator, coffee pots, tea kettles, and microwaves.