The primary goal of the Honors Program at Coppin State University is to prepare the University's high-ability students for the graduate-school and professional-school experience through courses and activities which focus on academic preparation, character development, cultural enrichment, and leadership development.

Central to the honors academic experience are honors classes, which are limited to a small number of students (usually 15-20) to facilitate dialogue among students as well as between students and faculty members.  Students are required to take more responsibility for their learning; collaboration, rather than competition, is encouraged. The ultimate goal in the honors classroom is to provide students with opportunities to take risks in a “safe” environment and to encourage them to develop to their fullest academic potential. In addition to small class size, emphasis on collaboration, and incorporation of a discussion format, the honors academic experience includes the frequent use of primary sources, the offering of team-taught interdisciplinary courses, and the integration of classroom time with related outside experiences such as field trips.

The character development of honors students is addressed in part through the Honors Community-Service Seminar course.  The course was initiated to increase students' awareness of the needs of their communities.  It is hoped that a heightened social awareness will stimulate the students' desire to “give back” some of what they have been given.  In addition, the service component allows students to take the knowledge and skills that have been acquired in the classroom and apply them outside the boundaries of academia. Recently, Honors Program students participated in the Coppin-Rosemont initiative as mentors and tutors to Rosemont Elementary students.

The cultural enrichment component—the third aspect of the Coppin Honors Program—was designed to further broaden students' perspectives.  As funding allows, the Honors Program coordinates field trips to local cultural activities.  A recent activity allowed students the opportunity to attend the opera “Don Giovani.” Additionally, honors lectures or workshops on various topics are scheduled throughout the year.

Finally, all students are encouraged to play active roles in the Student Honors Association (SHA).  Through participation in the SHA, students develop leadership skills; learn to work cooperatively with others; have the opportunity to participate in regional and state honors activities; and build a sense of community through social activities.  In all instances, honors students determine the nature of their extracurricular activities within the Program.

The separation of these components for the purpose of explanation is not meant to suggest that they operate independently within the Program. On the contrary, the Program strives to intertwine the areas of academic preparation, character development, cultural enrichment, and leadership development to achieve an outcome which is greater than the sum of the parts. For example, a classroom discussion may focus on an event that took place while a student was engaged in community service.  If students display an interest that exceeds the limitations of class time, students may explore the subject further and decide to present their findings at an honors conference.  It is the goal of the Honors Program to insure that this integration occurs and that students are provided with a supportive learning atmosphere which will encourage them to develop to their fullest potential.

The following scholarships are available through the Honors Program:

The Presidential Scholar Award

Eligibility:

First-semester, first-year student

3.2 high school grade point average

1260 SAT

Successful completion of the university entrance examinations

Provides tuition, fees, room/board, book stipend ($600 per year), and a laptop

The Presidential Community Service/Leadership Award

Eligibility:

U.S. Citizen

First-semester, first-year student

3.0 high school grade point average

Significant record of community service

Clear evidence of outstanding leadership ability

Provides tuition, fees, room/board, book stipend ($600 per year), and a laptop

Golden Eagle Honors Program Scholarship

Eligibility:

First-semester, first-year student

3.2 high school grade point average

1200 SAT

Successful completion of the university entrance exam

Provides tuition, fees, room/board

Eagle Honors Program Scholarship

Eligibility:

First-semester, first-year student

3.0 high school grade point average

1000 SAT

Successful completion of the university entrance exam

Provides tuition and fees

Opportunity Scholarship

Eligibility:

First-semester, first-year student

2.0 - 2.9 high school grade point average

1100 SAT

Successful completion of the university entrance exam

Provides one-half of in-state or out-of-state tuition for first semester

(Conversion to Eagle scholarship after first semester upon completion of 12 or more graduation credits and earning 3.3 grade point average or higher)

Upper-Division Honors Program Scholarship

Eligibility:

3.5 grade point average

45-60 credits