The Cohen Honors College offers challenging and engaging courses, works with departments to create honors opportunities within the major, and offers multiple additional benefits to students who want to maximize their college education.
"There are a lot of great resources that come with being in the honors college. Besides the free coffee and printing, you also get the opportunity to network with classmates and faculty fellows that can help you make the most out of your college experience." - Noah McGhghy, Cohen Honors student majoring in biomedical engineering
Academic Resources
The Cohen Honors College serves as an academic resource center for all students with particular benefits for students pursuing an Honors curriculum distinction.
Resources available to all students include the first-year research experience program (FYRE) and advising for competitive postgraduate scholarship and fellowship applications such as the Fulbright, Marshall, Truman, and Rhodes.
In addition, any student can request to take one honors course by submitting the permission form available on our website Forms page.
First-Year Research Experience (FYRE)
FYRE is an applied learning program designed to connect first-year students with authentic hands-on research experiences in a variety of STEM-related disciplines. Students selected for the FYRE program enroll in an introductory research seminar course that exposes them to research methods and are matched with research positions in WSU labs actively involved in scholarly STEM research. FYRE students will be better prepared for advanced careers in STEM fields and will develop important skills in critical thinking and problem-solving that can be applied to careers outside of research. Applications are typically due October 1st for the spring program.
Interactive & Student-Centered Honors Courses
Each semester, Honors offers several seminar-style classes that fulfill general education requirements. Honors seminars are small, with an average
enrollment of ten students, and topics vary based on faculty interest.
Some departments offer honors course sections that meet pre-requisite or major requirements. You also can turn a regular course into an honors course any semester with agreement from the course instructor.
Students are encouraged to propose honors course topics to faculty members and the college dean.
Priority Enrollment
Priority enrollment allows Honors students to register first each semester, at the
same time athletes register, and particularly helps students who are pursuing double
majors/degrees. First-year students must meet with their first-year advisor and some
majors require you to meet with a college advisor before being cleared to register.
Check with your college.
Scholarships for Applied Learning & Leadership Opportunities
Honors encourages students to participate in internships, study abroad, National Student
Exchange (NSE) and service-learning. We offer Cohen Enhancement Scholarships of up to $4000 for applied learning.
Honors also builds student leadership in service-learning and leadership travel experiences that are funded by gifts from Dorothy & Bill Cohen including the Lead for Tomorrow Leadership Academy and BILL'S Trip.
Specialized Advising
Honors offers dual advising, meaning Honors advising works collaboratively with your
major college advising. Honors students are encouraged to meet with the Honors advisor
throughout their college career.
Talk about your goals and ambitions and how opportunities in Honors can support you. Reach out to faculty or the college dean about graduate and professional school applications and national scholarship applications. Learn more about our advising process.
Student Community
First-Year Honors students are invited to live in the Honors Living Learning Community in Shocker Hall. Students are actively involved in college decision making through
the Honors College Student Council.
24/7 Student Lounge and Free Printing in Shocker Hall
Honors students have 24/7 access to the Honors College suite and student lounge with
their Shocker card. If you need a quiet place to study in the evenings, want to meet
with a group of students or just hang out with fellow Honors students, the Honors
College is always available to you.