Benefits of participating:

  • Distinctive academic recognition as an "Honors Scholar" on diploma and transcript
  • Involvement in a learning community with other high-achieving students across the system
  • Limited enrollment facilitates active participation and close relationships with peers and faculty
  • Faculty and Peer Mentoring 
  • Preparation for higher-level learning and challenges
  • Opportunity to serve the Berkeley College campuses and community as a student leader  
  • Chance to present an honors thesis or poster to the Berkeley community
  • Recognition at Honors Scholars Research Symposium upon program conclusion
  • Earn an Honors Program cord to be worn at graduation

Admissions Process for Fall First-Year Cohort

Every fall, Berkeley College invites high school graduates from the most recent academic year to apply for admission to the Honors Program. Students are only admitted during the fall semester. Students may apply online or through Admissions. The Admissions Department will identify potential candidates for the Honors Program. Only incoming high school graduates from the most recent academic year seeking Associate's or Bachelor’s degrees will be considered. Students will be evaluated against a set of criteria, including, but not limited to a minimum high school GPA of 3.50.

To apply, candidates must:

  • Complete and submit an Honors Program application (eForm)
  • Submit an unofficial and clear transcript including cumGPA and credits  
  • One or more letters of recommendation (from a teacher, coach, supervisor, advisor, counselor, etc)
  • Upload/Attach a 500-word Essay of Your Choice OR select and answer one of the following essays in the eForm: 
    • Pick a flavor: There are 40 varieties of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream sold in the United States. Select and discuss a flavor from this brand or any other kind that best describes your life and personality.  
    • Discuss three leaders, creators, writers, or artists who have influenced or inspired you in your life.
    • What is your favorite quote and what does it mean to you? How has this quote shaped who you are today?   

The applications will be sent to the Honors Admissions Committee for consideration. No applications will be accepted after June 1st. The admissions process is held from September to May. 

The Honors Admissions Committee consists of three faculty members. Upon review of the student’s application, a personal interview may be requested. Students not admitted into the first-year cohort Honors Program will be placed on a waiting list and considered for the subsequent fall continuing student learning community.

Admissions Process for Fall Continuing-Transfer Cohort

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Continuing or transfer students seeking Bachelor's degrees
  • Students must have earned at least 18 credits by the Fall start of the program and verify credit status and expected graduation date with academic advisement
  • Students must be able to participate in learning communities at either the New York City, Online,  Woodland Park, or Woodbridge campuses. Days and times may vary by campus. 
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 is required

Candidates will be asked to complete an application (eForm) and submit attachments consisting of the following, but not limited to:

  • Submit an unofficial and clear transcript including cumGPA and credits
  • Upload/Attach a 500-word Essay of Your Choice OR select and answer one of the following essays in the eForm: 
    • Pick a flavor: There are 40 varieties of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream sold in the United States. Select and discuss a flavor from this brand or any other kind that best describes your life and personality.  
    • Discuss three leaders, creators, writers, or artists who have influenced or inspired you in your life.
    • What is your favorite quote and what does it mean to you? How has this quote shaped who you are today?   
  • Evidence of relevant past academic achievements
  • Resume
  • One or more letters of recommendation (Two are preferred) from a teacher, supervisor, or staff member (advisor, counselor, etc).
  • A letter from your academic advisor verifying credit eligibility

The applications will be sent to the Honors Admissions Committee for consideration. No applications will be accepted after July 1 for a fall start. The admissions process is held from September to June.

The Honors Admissions Committee consists of three faculty members. Upon review of the student’s application, a personal interview may be requested.

Admissions Process for International First-Year Students Cohort

Every fall, Berkeley College invites international first-year students to apply for admission to the Honors Program. International students are only admitted during the fall semester. Students may apply online or through International Admissions. Learning communities will meet at the New York City or Online campus. The International Admissions Department will identify potential candidates for the Honors Program. Only incoming first-year students seeking Associate's or Bachelor’s degrees will be considered. Students will be evaluated against a set of criteria, including, but not limited to a minimum high school GPA of 3.0. The minimum GPA requirement is waived for adult students. 

To apply, candidates must:

  • Complete and submit an Honors Program application (eForm)
  • Submit an unofficial and clear transcript including cumGPA and credits  
  • One or more letters of recommendation (from a teacher, coach, supervisor, advisor, counselor, etc)
  • Upload/Attach a 500-word Essay of Your Choice OR select and answer one of the following essays in the eForm: 
    • Pick a flavor: There are 40 varieties of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream sold in the United States. Select and discuss a flavor from this brand or any other kind that best describes your life and personality.  
    • Discuss three leaders, creators, writers, or artists who have influenced or inspired you in your life.
    • What is your favorite quote and what does it mean to you? How has this quote shaped who you are today?   

The applications will be sent to the Honors Admissions Committee for consideration. No applications will be accepted after August 1st. The admissions process is held from September to July. The Honors Admissions Committee consists of three faculty members. Upon review of the student’s application, a personal interview may be requested. Students not admitted into the first-year cohort Honors Program will be placed on a waiting list and considered for the subsequent fall continuing student learning community.

Goals

The Berkeley College Honors Program offers a voluntary and selective one- or two-year special academic experience within the Division of General Education designed to help Honors students:

  1. Remain consecutively enrolled at the College.
  2. Feel engaged and connected with the College. 
  3. Improve their self-confidence, communication skills, & professionalism. 
  4. Enhance their knowledge of current social justice issues. 
  5. Demonstrate stronger information literacy, research, and critical thinking skills. 
  6. Become more civically-engaged through community service activities.
  7. Complete their Associate and Bachelor’s degree programs with distinction as “Honors Scholars.”
  8. Pursue graduate degrees and other post-degree training. 

Director

Byron Hargrove 

Byron K. Hargrove, Ph.D.
Director, Honors Program
Professor, Humanities and Social Sciences
44 Rifle Camp Road
Woodland Park, NJ  07424
973-278-5400 ext. 1440
Byron-Hargrove@BerkeleyCollege.edu