The General Education Honors Program allows highly motivated first-year and transfer students with the opportunity to complete specialized honors curriculum to meet their general education (G.E.) and graduation requirements. The Honors Program curriculum promotes critical thinking, interdisciplinary study, written and communication skills, and leadership development. Students complete a diverse general education course load, preparing students of all majors for various career pathways and graduate programs, as well as, active engagement in their communities. The program’s small class sizes also afford students the opportunity to build community on campus and collaboratively work on real-world projects with their peers, faculty, and community partners.

• Smaller class sizes
• Honors specific scholarships
• Priority registration
• Individualized academic and personal advising
• Student events and socials
• Honors-only study lounge with kitchenette, library, and computer lab
• Special short term study abroad trips
• Honors housing for students living on campus
• Networking and preparation for graduate schools and various career paths

No! For first-year students, all of our classes fulfill the general education and graduation requirements that students need to graduate. Just like regular general education requirements, students take their Honors classes along with their major requirements.

Whereas traditional general education classes typically place a stronger focus on lectures and exams, classes in the GE Honors program focus on written and oral communication, collaboration, and personal growth. Our class sizes are also capped at 25 students so that students get to know their peers and work one-on-one with the Honors faculty.

Yes! Transfer students in the Honors Program complete a special minor in Global Engagement & Leadership. The program also covers the upper-division general education requirements that all transfer students must complete while at Sacramento State.

Students can view the Global Engagement & Leadership Minor requirements here.

No! There is no extra cost or annual fees for students in the program.

Please reach out to us! We are happy to set up a time to further discuss if the GE Honors Program is a good fit for you. You can contact us at honors@csus.edu or (916) 278-2804.

Visit "Apply to the Honors Program" to learn more about who is eligible to apply and when you can submit your application.

If you are interested in living in the Honors housing community in Riverview Hall, you must complete a separate housing application through the Housing Office. Riverview Hall is our state-of-the-art residence hall, and Honors students will enjoy special programming and an Honors Resident Advisor. If you have any questions about housing, please reach out to their office at housing@csus.edu or call them at (916) 278-6655.

Please note that housing placement is on a first-come, first-serve basis and students are encouraged to apply early. Spot are limited and students are not guaranteed housing just because they have been offered a spot in the program.

Apply for Housing at Sacramento State

Check the email you listed on your application often! We will use this email to confirm that we have received your application and to contact you if we have any questions. Once the committee has reviewed your application, we will notify you of whether or not you have been accepted into the program.

Congratulations! Once you know that you will be attending Sacramento State and the GE Honors Program, you need to submit your intent to enroll (ITE) with us by emailing us at honors@csus.edu stating that you accept your offer to the Honors Program. Don’t forget to submit your ITE with CSUS, too!

Important: The intent to enroll (ITE) for Sac State and the Honors Program are two separate processes. Students must submit both ITEs by the University deadline of May 1 or they may have their admission decision canceled.

In addition to submitting your ITE, continue to check your email as that is how we will contact you with important information regarding orientation and registration.

For all first-year students, regardless of your major, you will attend a special orientation session with the Honors Program staff. At this orientation, you will learn more about the Honors Program and meet your fellow peers. These orientations cover the same information as the major orientations. Please note that you only have to attend the GE Honors Orientation. Admitted students, please check your email for the latest updates.

At Sacramento State, courses are pre-selected for all first-year students. Students in the Honors Program will receive both Honors and major classes. Scheduling will be further discussed at Honors Orientation.

The GE Honors team will reach out to transfer students entering the Global Engagement and Leadership Minor to help them sign-up for their courses.