Information about the Honors College

Honors College

Honor College Main Office: King Hall D1045
Advisement Office: King Hall D145 (basement)
Website: Honors College
Phone: (323) 343-5969 | Fax: (323) 343-5966 | Email:  honorscollege@calstatela.edu

Director

Director: Kathy J Cooke
Associate Director: Andrea E. Arias
Advisor & Coordinator for Scholarships & Theses: Sonia Cruz Magana

Early Entrance Program (EEP)

EEP Main Office: King Hall D140
Website: Early Entrance Program
Phone: (323) 343-2287 | Fax: (323) 343-5575 | Email:  eepstaff@cslanet.calstatela.edu
EEP Director: Kidogo Kennedy

Overview

The Honors College at Cal State LA was founded in 2010, and offers outstanding students an opportunity to participate in a scholarly community dedicated to inquiry and discovery, creative and critical thinking, and the creation of knowledge that is linked to positive societal impact. Its interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes community and civic engagement and takes advantage of the vast resources of Los Angeles, particularly in the first year curriculum through which students engage with and critically analyze challenges and perceptions of the Los Angeles region through humanities, arts, and social sciences lenses. It values a liberal arts education, while recognizing and making use of the resources available at a large urban public university.

The Cal State LA Honors College supports approximately 300 students total, currently admitting 80 to 100 new freshman, continuing, and transfer students into the program each year. Approximately one third of Honors College students belong to the Early Entrance Program (EEP), through which students as young as 11 years of age are able to skip most or all of high school, and earn a baccalaureate degree from Cal State LA without the need to complete a high school program. The EEP at Cal State LA was founded in 1982, is one of only three similar programs in the western United States, and is the only one of its kind in the nation that admits students as young as 11.

Learning Goals and Outcomes

Recognizing the need for advanced intellectual and creative skills that emphasize interdisciplinary and independent thinking, students in the Honors College are expected to meet learning outcomes in the following areas.

Inquiry, Analysis, and Research     Students develop an understanding of modes of inquiry in different disciplines. They undertake effective inquiry that demonstrates open-mindedness and uses a systematic process that involves a rigorous assessment of evidence, data, and social, economic, and cultural contexts. At advanced levels, students formulate relevant research questions and produce original research, scholarly or creative projects.

Creative Thinking    Students will be able to synthesize existing ideas, images, or expertise in original and imaginative ways characterized by a high degree of innovation, divergent thinking, and risk-taking.

Problem-Solving     Students will learn to develop, implement, and evaluate a solution that addresses an open-ended question or achieves the desired goal.

Civic Engagement    Students will learn how to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and promote the quality of life in local and global communities, through both political and non-political processes.

Leadership    Students will learn to take initiative, work effectively in teams to achieve a common purpose, involve and motivate others, and demonstrate self-leadership and commitment.

Scholarships

All eligible applicants to the Honors College will be considered for recruitment scholarships. No separate application is required, unless financial need is a scholarship criterion. Scholarships will be awarded based on a comprehensive review of application materials. Continuing students in Good Standing will also be considered for scholarships for which they qualify.

Pathways to Complete the Honors College Program

•  Early Entrance Program Curriculum   
•  The Honors College Curriculum