When and how to apply for the Nursing Honors Program – Curriculum option?
First-year prospective students may apply to the David C. Frederick Honors College / Nursing Honors through the regular initial University of Pittsburgh application process. The deadline for prospective students to apply is December 1. Applicants will be notified of acceptance on or before March 1.
If you are an upper-division student in the BSN program and you are interested in the Honors Curriculum option, Pitt's David C. Frederick Honors College still admits a limited number of students into its Honors Degree program. Interested students must have a minimum GPA of 3.500 and completed a minimum of 2 semesters (24 credits). Applications for current students are reviewed once a year with an application deadline of May 31. Applications for upper-division students open in the spring for the following academic year.
Alternatively, students may consider earning an Honors Distinction rather than a BSN-H degree. The Honors Distinction offers a lighter credit load than the Honors Curriculum option. Students can declare their intention to pursue an Honors Distinction after completing at least one semester, but no later than beginning their last semester, at Pitt with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.000.
When and how to apply for the Nursing Honors Program – Thesis option?
Students interested in the Honors Thesis option can apply for admission to Honors Thesis (BPhil) degree candidacy on a rolling basis after completing at least two semesters of coursework, but no later than beginning their last semester at Pitt, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.500.
Once you find a suitable mentor who agrees to serve as your thesis advisor, work with them to identify a feasible research project that you can complete as your own thesis.
Once you have a mature and well-articulated idea, work with the Director of the Nursing Honors Program to submit the Honors Thesis* application to the Director of the Nursing Honors Program (SONHonors@pitt.edu). The School of Nursing Honors Committee will complete an internal review of your application. If approved, the Director of the Nursing Honors Program will submit your application to the David C. Frederick Honors College for admission to Honors Thesis (BPhil) candidacy. Applications are reviewed on rolling basis. Most students interested in this option apply in their second or third year to allow ample time for completing and defending their thesis.
*The Honors Thesis is referred to as a BPhil in schools/departments outside of the School of Nursing.