The Honors Program
The Irvine Valley College Honors Program is designed to meet the needs of academically talented and highly motivated students. The program offers eligible students the following opportunities:
- Smaller classes
- Independent study or research
- Enriched coursework
- Recognition on transcripts and at graduation
- Guaranteed priority admission review at many transfer institutions including UCI and UCLA
- Interaction with honors students at local four-year colleges and universities
- Field trips and field studies
- Social and cultural activities
- Dedicated Honors Scholarships
- Complimentary library card at UCI and UCLA
Eligible students may enroll in honors-designated courses, most of which meet the general education transfer requirements for the University of California and California State University systems. Honors sections are noted in the schedule of classes by the letter “H” before the ticket number.
For special consideration by transfer institutions and for recognition on the transcript, Honors Program students must complete a minimum of five courses and 15 letter-graded units of honors-designated coursework during their academic career at IVC (courses taken on a credit/no-credit basis do not fulfill Honors Program requirements). Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.25; they must also achieve a 3.25 GPA in their honors courses to remain in the program.
How To Join the Honors Program
Students who are interested in joining the Honors Program may apply as follows:
If you are NEW to IVC, you must submit an application packet containing:
application form (Adobe Acrobat Format)- transcripts demonstrating a 3.5 GPA and Writing 1 eligibility or SAT 1890 (of 2400) or SAT 1260 (of 1600) or ACT 28 (of 36)
- letter of recommendation
- personal letter of application
If you are a CONTINUING IVC student, you must submit an application packet containing:
- application form (Adobe Acrobat Format)
- transcript demonstrating completion of at least 12 hours of transfer-applicable coursework with a 3.25 GPA and Writing 1 eligibility
- personal letter of application
- The names of two IVC or Saddleback College faculty who will comment on behalf of the applicant
HIGH SCHOOL students—The Honors Program will also consider applications for a provisional membership from high school juniors and seniors who seek concurrent enrollment at Irvine Valley College.
Application forms are available in the Honors Program Office, Room A201A, Irvine Valley College or online here.
Honor Societies at Irvine Valley College
Irvine Valley College has long supported an intellectually rigorous program for its students. The college is affiliated with the following honor societies:
- Alpha Omega Mu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa—the international honor society for two-year colleges; and
- Psi Beta—the national honor society for students interested in psychology.
Students in these groups have brought their intellectual curiosity, creativity and leadership to the college. Their contributions are felt in the classroom, in student clubs and publications, in performances and tournaments, and in the broader community.
Honors Program students frequently serve as elected officers or senators in student government. Students may also choose to participate as the student representative to the Honors Advisory Council, lending their support to the continued development of the campus program. There are numerous opportunities for service and personal growth.
Students enrolled in the Honors Program may be eligible for membership in these honor societies, which are distinct from the campus Honors Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where do I find the Honors Program?
A: The Honors Program is located in the A 200 building, Room A201A. It includes:
- a dedicated classroom for honors courses
- an Internet-connected study lounge and meeting area
- the office of the program director and administrative assistant
Q: Can I enroll in an honors course without being a member of the Honors Program?
A: Yes. We welcome students who are interested in honors courses.
Q: If I complete an honors course, will there be any indication on my transcript?
A: Yes. Students who complete an honors course receive a special annotation beside that course on their transcript.
Q: Can I count a previously completed honors course taken prior to my Honors Program membership toward the five honors courses and the 15 letter-graded units I need to complete the program?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there a special counselor to help me with academic planning?
A: Yes. There is a counselor on campus who advises honors students on their specific program needs.
For IVC Faculty - How to Propose an Honors Course
Honors Course Proposal Form
Have you been thinking about offering an Honors section in a course you already teach? Do you have a great idea for a new course that you are planning to submit to the Curriculum Committee that might be perfect for an honors section? The Honors Advisory Council welcomes your proposals to offer Honors courses. A link to the honors course proposal form is available above or you can get a copy from your department’s senior administrator, your Honors Advisory Council representative, or the Honors Program Office (x 5300).
The Honors Advisory Council strives to offer a broad, balanced set of honors courses. For fall honors classes, forms need to be submitted by late February, for spring honors courses by the end of the prior spring semester, and for summer honors courses by early November. Late proposal will be considered only if Honors course opening remain for that semester.