Special Academic Programs

The Honors Program

Dr. Rachel Wifall, Director

Dr. Jeanette Wilmanski, Assistant Director

The Honors Program at Saint Peter’s University provides students of exceptional academic talent and intellectual curiosity with the opportunity to pursue their studies in greater depth, breadth, and intensity.

Admission to the Program

Freshman enrollment in the Honors Program is by invitation and based upon SAT scores and high school grade point average. Students who have earned 15 or more credits at the University and have attained a cumulative index of at least 3.5 may apply for delayed entry into the program. Transfer students who possess the equivalent of a 3.5 GPA may also apply for admission to the Honors Program. 

Special Notes on Honors Program Requirements

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While Honors provides academic enrichment for highly motivated students, it is not a formal major or minor.

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In order to graduate "in cursu honorum," students enrolled in the program must complete a minimum of 24 credits of Honors-designated classes/special study experiences, the one-credit Methods of Research course, and the senior Honors thesis.

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Up to 6 Honors credits may be earned through special study experiences, including credited internships, study abroad, or service learning course work.

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Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 to remain in good standing. Honors students dropping below the minimum will be granted a one-semester grace period to restore their good standing in Honors.

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Any student in the University with at least a 3.5 cumulative average may take an honors-designated course, as an "Honors Associate."

Health Sciences Articulation Programs with Professional Schools

Dr. Leonard J. Sciorra, Department of Applied Science and Technology
Dr. Katherine Wydner, Chairperson, Health Sciences Advisory Committee

A number of combined degree programs are available to students through a series of articulation agreements with area colleges and universities. These programs are coordinated through the Department of Applied Science and Technology and the Health Careers Advisory Committee. For more detailed information, see the separate program sections for Pre-Med/Pre-Dental, Clinical Laboratory Sciences (medical laboratory science), and Pre-Professional Health-Related Programs (pre-physical therapy and pre-pharmacy). Students interested in these programs need to plan their academic course of study with the assistance of a member of the Health Careers Advisory Committee to ensure fulfillment of requirements for admission to the various professional schools and to prepare to take the necessary required examinations, such as the MCAT or DAT.

Pre-Law Advising

TBA, Advisor

Information and guidance regarding law school and law-related careers, including requirements, application procedures, and preparation for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), are available through consultation with the advisor of Pre-Law. Exceptional high school students and first-year University students interested in an accelerated program, leading to both a Bachelor's degree in political science and a professional degree in law in six years rather than the normal seven years, may apply to the Joint B.A./J.D. Program that Saint Peter’s University offers in conjunction with Seton Hall University School of Law. The selective Joint Program is optional and is not required to apply to, or attend, law school. For more information on pre-law preparation at Saint Peter's University, as well as the Joint Program, see the Pre-Law section.

Bachelor of Arts in cursu classico

Stressing its liberal arts and Jesuit traditions, a Bachelor of Arts degree in cursu classico is offered with a major in Classical Languages or Classical Civilization. Requirements for the majors can be found under the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures section.

The Composite Major

In instances where students wish to meet some special educational or career objective, they may undertake a Composite Major (e.g., Comparative Literature) which is designed in consultation with the appropriate academic dean and mentored by an advisor appointed by the dean. Before meeting with the dean, students should prepare a written proposal which indicates the name of the proposed major, the objective of the proposed major, and the proposed list of courses to be taken. A composite major should consist of 30 to 60 credits depending on the number of departments and programs from which upper-level courses will be selected. A minimum of one half of the credits to be ap­plied to the major must be taken at Saint Peter’s University.

The Washington Center Internship Program

TBA, Liaison

The Saint Peter’s University Washington Center Internship Program offers qualified students in their sophomore, junior, or senior year the opportunity to earn academic credit while working full-time in Washington as unpaid interns in positions related to their majors. Internships are available with a wide variety of employers including members of Congress, U.S. government agencies, businesses, think tanks, interest groups, news organizations, and international organizations. Each internship is a full-time, supervised work experience in the nation's capital that is supplemented by a weekly academic course and by lectures from prominent leaders in both the public and private sectors. Internships are available in the fall or spring term, during which students earn 15 academic credits, or in the summer term, during which students earn 9 to 12 credits.

To be eligible to participate, students should possess a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 and must have completed a full academic year at Saint Peter's University. Grades for the internship and weekly academic course are recommended by the student's employer, course instructor, and Washington Center staff, and are assigned by Saint Peter’s University faculty. Both the credits and grades earned are recorded on the student's Saint Peter’s University transcript. However, grades from the Washington Center Internship Program are not calculated in the student's Saint Peter’s University grade point average. Costs for the program are comparable to those for attending Saint Peter’s University, and some scholarships are available. More information about the program can be obtained from the Saint Peter's Liaison to the Program.

ROTC: Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps

Qualified students may participate in the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps through a cross-enrollment agreement with Seton Hall University. The program complements the normal college course of study and qualifies those who complete the program for commissions as officers in the Active Army, the U.S. Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard. Interested students should contact Seton Hall University ROTC Department.

Accelerated Programs

Saint Peter's University offers accelerated programs. Students must apply for a master's degree during their junior year and be accepted into the program in order to schedule graduate courses during their senior year. The number of graduate credits permitted while an undergraduate student varies per program. Please contact the director of the desired graduate program for more information regarding program requirements and policies. 

Certification for Teaching in Elementary or Secondary School

The School of Education offers programs leading to certification for teaching in elementary or secondary schools. A teaching certification is granted to students who successfully complete their chosen program at the University as well as courses prescribed by the New Jersey Department of Education. Specific information about these programs can be found in the School of Education section.