Honors in the Major

The Honors in the Major program is a specialized track within an undergraduate degree, designed for high-achieving students who wish to explore their field of study in greater depth. Many academic departments at Mason offer an Honors in the Major option, including several available to students at Mason Korea—namely, Business, Economics, and Global Affairs.

To start, we invite you to watch this introductory video prepared by the home departments at the Fairfax campus.

Admission Process

Honors in the Major programs often require a competitive application process. While specific requirements vary by major, most programs expect:

A minimum overall GPA (often around 3.5 overall and/or in the major)
Completion of a set number of credit hours before applying (typically 75–90 credits)
Submission of a personal statement or research proposal
In some cases, faculty recommendations may be required

Curriculum

Students typically complete a two-course sequence within the major, such as an honors seminar and a capstone or thesis project. These courses:

May include independent research, guided by faculty
Are often writing-intensive and count toward Mason Core requirements
Require a minimum grade (e.g., B or higher) to earn honors designation

Co-Curricular & Extra-Curricular Components

Some programs also include co-curricular or extra-curricular elements, such as:

Participation in honors sections of key courses
Completion of an honors project
Attendance at honors events, workshops, or professional development activities

Why Pursue Honors in the Major?

Participating in an Honors in the Major program provides:

Deeper engagement with your academic field
Close mentorship from faculty
Preparation for graduate school, fellowships, or research-based careers
A prestigious designation on your transcript that reflects your academic excellence and initiative

For detailed information on eligibility criteria, program requirements, and required coursework, please refer to the academic catalog.