About University Honors College
It’s all in your mind
The University Honors College (UHC) is something of a paradox: Though headquartered in a newly renovated suite at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning, we’re not really a bricks-and-mortar school within the University. And while UHC offers specific courses and the Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) degree, these options are available to any student (in any major) who demonstrates an extraordinary ability to pursue independent scholarship.
Perhaps it’s best to think of UHC as a state of mind. That’s why our motto says we’re dedicated to “life above the neck.” You don’t enroll in the honors college, per se, and we don’t offer membership; rather, you become an honors college student by taking more challenging courses than your peers and tapping into our resources, which are dedicated to enriching the education of the best and brightest Pitt has to offer.
UHC is probably right for you if:
- You are exceptionally curious and self-motivated, viewing your studies as an adventure.
- You would like to stand out academically as an individual, rather than a face in the crowd.
- You’re looking to build a mentoring relationship with faculty members.
- You want access to the most challenging course work in your discipline.
The honors college also offers many enrichment opportunities for its students, such as reading groups, academic quiz team competition, film and lecture series, and publications such as Three Rivers Review.
Since our inception in 1986, we’ve been nurturing the educational attainment of Pitt’s most driven, talented students. If you think these challenges are for you, we invite you to contact us to learn more.
