David C. Frederick Honors College

In Summer 2022, the University Honors College was renamed to David C. Frederick Honors College. 

The David C. Frederick Honors College, through a diverse portfolio of formal and informal programs, cultivates and enhances interdisciplinary research and collaborations, supports student engagement, and offers personalized educational experiences locally and globally. All students are welcome to take advantage of the opportunities available through the David C. Frederick Honors College.

Contact Information

University of Pittsburgh
David C. Frederick Honors College
3600 Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-624-6880
www.honorscollege.pitt.edu

Admission Requirements

Although David C. Frederick Honors College opportunities are open to all students, some may choose to be admitted into one of three programs in order to earn a formal credential from the David C. Frederick Honors College: the Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) Degree, the jointly-conferred Honors Degree, and the Honors Distinction.

Credentials

Students have the option to earn one of these three formal credentials from the David C. Frederick Honors College:

The Bachelor of Philosophy  is a research-based degree requiring a rigorous curriculum and independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor culminating in a thesis defense before a committee of faculty members, including an external examiner from another institution. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a degree/diploma jointly-conferred by the David C. Frederick Honors College and their primary school/college of admission.

The Honors Degree  consists of a structured program of curricular and co-curricular activities that provides an enhanced academic experience which includes opportunities for interdisciplinary study. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a degree/diploma jointly-conferred by the David C. Frederick Honors College and their primary school/college of admission.

The Honors Distinction  consists of a structured program of curricular and co-curricular activities that provides an enhanced academic experience which includes opportunities for interdisciplinary study. The Honors Distinction offers a lighter credit load than the Honors Degree, which may be appealing to transfer students or those in highly structured, credit-intensive programs. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a notation on their final transcript.

Special Opportunities

Politics and Philosophy Major

Politics and Philosophy, BA  is an interdisciplinary major in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and is advised through the David C. Frederick Honors College. It provides students with training in the conceptual, empirical, and normative foundations of various fields of public policy. It enhances understanding of the moral and political complexities of public life and offers preparation in both theory and practice to students interested in pursuing careers in social and public affairs, including law.

Research and Creative Fellowships

The David C. Frederick Honors College offers a range of fellowships available to students in any academic discipline. Students identify a Pitt faculty mentor and develop a project in collaboration with them. Many of the David C. Frederick Honors College fellowships involve regular meetings of the fellows in which they share their research with other students, creating an interdisciplinary learning environment.

National Scholarships

Scholar Mentors in the David C. Frederick Honors College work closely with students to identify scholarships relevant to their academic and personal goals and explore the steps to become competitive applicants for these awards. National scholarship advising can help students attain a broader perspective and refined understanding of their personal, academic, and professional goals; strengthen their writing skills through the creation and revision of personal statements and grant proposals; and develop the resourcefulness to identify opportunities to conduct meaningful research and/or incorporate service and international experiences into their educational plan.

Global and Experiential Opportunities

The David C. Frederick Honors College strives to instill a global perspective in students through engagement in scholarship as part of study abroad or study away programs. Students may choose to complete short- or long-term global honors programs, which includes a portfolio of abroadSELECT programs for highly motivated students.

Community Engagement Opportunities

Through community engagement, the David C. Frederick Honors College encourages students to use their academic talents to make lasting impacts in the community. Through research, internships, or programs such our Scholar Communities, students investigate vital issues alongside more than 100 local, national, and international partners.

Honors Housing

Honors Housing is unique in that it connects highly motivated students from across schools and majors in communities that are shaped by their shared academic, cultural, and personal interests. The David C. Frederick Honors College offers honors housing for first-year students in Sutherland Hall and upperclass students in the Forbes Craig Apartments.