University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) Honors Program is designed for students interested in a more robust college experience that affords them early access to mentorship opportunities. Honors students earn a distinct Honors diploma by accruing at least 21 credits in approved courses but remain eligible for overlapping accolades, such as earning the distinction of graduating cum laude. Where UAT’s program differs from more traditional institutions is in its inclusion: students are able to earn their way in during their first year of college if they are unable to qualify using their high school GPA, and retroactive Honors credit can be awarded for completing Honors-track assignments during the application process. 

The UAT Honors Experience:

• Take part in rigorous courses that focus on higher academic performance
• Conduct advanced research and collaborate with technology faculty/industry professionals
• Participate in UAT Honors events such as banquets, field trips, and special challenges
• Connect with supportive faculty and staff who are dedicated to your success
• Graduate with special recognition at UAT's Annual Commencement Ceremony
• Earn a specialized Honors diploma

What It Takes:

• Gain acceptance into the program with a 3.5 unweighted GPA during the admission process OR after 15 weeks of coursework
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2
• Complete 21 credits of honors coursework (can be initiated prior to program acceptance with professor approval)

Honors Standards:

Honors Student as Diverse Learner

Honors students will engage in independent study, research, and/or service with the aim of cultivating an appreciation of multiculturalism and the goal of revealing new perspectives via presentation or performance.

Honors Student as Researcher

Honors students will develop personal research standards commensurate with academic excellence in their field of study, including properly documented scholarly articles, interviews with industry experts, market research, and/or innovation proofs as appropriate.

Honors Student as Leader

Honors students will demonstrate leadership in the classroom by teaching/presenting lessons in a seminar format, serving as project directors, and/or engaging in verifiable mentorship roles.

Honors Student as Well-Rounded

Honors students will cultivate knowledge and skills beyond their chosen discipline(s) by striving for excellence in the Humanities, Arts, and Sciences—and as demonstrated by creating an original artifact unrelated to the Student Innovation Project (SIP) and Boards Portfolio.

Honors Student as Dedicated to Service

Honors students will nurture the community at large by engaging in ethical service opportunities with the aim of exposure to social issues that may be improved through innovation.

Honors FAQs

How do I join Honors?

There are two paths you can take to join UAT Honors:

1) Prior to starting classes at UAT, you can submit an official copy of your high school transcript to transcripts@uat.edu. We will evaluate entry based on your final GPA (minimum of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale).

2) After at least one fifteen-week semester at UAT resulting in a minimum 3.5 GPA, you can reach out to the On-Campus Student Services Advisor, Tristen Vaughn. She will bring your request to the Honors Committee and will respond with the results.

How does the official Honors Program differ from receiving scholarly distinctions such as cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude?

They are not mutually exclusive. Graduating from UAT while meeting the requirements of the Honors program makes one eligible for an Honors Diploma in addition to earning any other scholarly distinctions. An Honors student could therefore receive both an Honors diploma and graduate with distinction.

How does retroactive Honors credit work at UAT?

With professor approval, students who complete Honors work in eligible courses prior to qualifying for Honors can receive credit for prior classes after entry into the program. This is possible because key assignments in most UAT core classes have a more rigorous option that can be satisfied regardless of one’s current Honors status. So, for example, a student in ENG101 who meets the Honors requirements for both the Career Development and Multimodal Essays prior to being officially accepted into the program will be retroactively credited upon acceptance.

Apart from the Honors diploma, what are the benefits of joining the Honors program?

Honors students engage in more rigorous study and gain earlier access to mentorship in their respective fields through assignments tailored to foster engagement between students, participating professors, and industry professionals. Honors objectives and challenge events also cultivate leadership and innovation that can lead to a stronger SIP presentation prior to graduation. Lastly, Honors students gain access to a community of like-minded individuals who participate in UAT sponsored social events, such as field trips, movie nights, and competitions.

What happens if I’m admitted to the Honors program and fall below a 3.5 GPA?

After entry into the program, Honors eligibility is predicated on maintaining at least a 3.2 GPA. Falling below this threshold for more than one semester may result in academic probation. This process affords students the opportunity to maintain and—if necessary—regain their eligibility without immediately losing access to their benefits.

Are Hybrid students eligible to participate in the program?

As of January 2026, Online/Hybrid students who are able to meet the same academic requirements as ground students can apply for entry into Honors and receive the same benefits. In-state or visiting students may also participate in Honors-sponsored events.

If I earn a 3.5 GPA at UAT or I am eligible due to my high school GPA, are there any other factors that could prohibit me from joining the Honors program?

Honors students must be able to complete 21 credits within the structured program to be eligible to receive an Honors diploma. With this in mind, applying too many transfer credits to your degree or earning too many credits in UAT classes without completing the Honors objectives could lead to a situation where completing the program would be impossible. If you are interested in Honors but are unsure about completed credits, please contact Student Services at studentservices@uat.edu.

Honors-eligible courses:

• COM226 Communications in Technology

• ENG101 English Composition I

• ENG102 English Composition II

• PDS300/400/450 Production Studio

• SIP311 Student Innovation Project I

• SIP405 Student Innovation Project II: On-Campus

• SIP408/409 Student Innovation Project II: Online

• SIP410 Boards Presentation: On-Campus

• SIP411 Boards Presentation: Online

• SS320 Contemporary Global Issues

• TCH115 Thinking Strategies

• TCH310 Technology, Ethics, and Society

Honors Links:

https://www.uat.edu/honors-program
https://learn.uat.edu/en/knowledge/what-is-the-uat-honors-program

Honors isn’t extra work—it’s next-level work. Dive into UAT’s Honors Program and push your skills, ideas, and innovation further than ever. Learn More today!