Honors Opportunities

The University at Albany offers many opportunities for ambitious students to challenge themselves further through rich, supportive intellectual programs and honor societies.

The Honors College at the University at Albany was established to create a vibrant community of scholars where students and faculty work together in a challenging environment to stimulate the highest levels of academic achievement. Students can experience a dynamic range of courses that comprise the University’s 54 majors, many of which appear regularly in national rankings of the best programs in their discipline. The Honors College offers a challenging curriculum, exposes students to the very best and most passionate teachers at the University, and mentors students to compete strongly for professional school placement, top jobs in industry, and competitive national scholarships. Visit the Honors College for more information.

All Presidential and Frederick Douglass Scholars are invited to apply to the Honors College. Students accepted as Presidential and Frederick Douglass Scholars are recognized for their outstanding academic achievements in high school, distinguishing themselves academically with a GPA average of at least 90 and a combined Critical Reading and Math SAT score of 1250 or higher, or an ACT of at least 28.

Scholars receive a merit award ranging from $3,500-$6,500 and have the option to live in preferential housing. Additionally, scholars from New York State who rank first or second in their graduating class are eligible to receive an additional $1,000 award. Visit Merit Awards for more information.

Departmental Honors Programs are currently available in over 30 majors at the University. They are designed to provide opportunities for talented and motivated students to work closely with each other and faculty. Students are eligible to apply to the program once they have declared a major and met the coursework and grade point average requirement of the department. Students work closely with a member of the faculty on research and writing projects and plan their course work with their faculty advisor.

There are many academic and honors organizations for students at the University at Albany, all with unique requirements and goals. Here are three examples:

Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s oldest, most prestigious undergraduate honor society. There is a chapter at UAlbany where students are nominated by faculty and must meet strict academic criteria.

Presidential Honor Society is one of the University’s most active groups. PHS students organize events and contribute many hours of community service on campus and in the local community. Freshmen who excel academically at the University are invited to join after their first semester.

Golden Key International Honor Society is an international organization dedicated to academic excellence, community service, and forging relationships between members and sponsor corporations. Juniors and seniors in the top 15% of their class at the University are invited to join.