The Patrick Leahy Honors College Curriculum
Our curriculum inspires students to recognize and appreciate contributions from a broad range of academic disciplines and as gain expertise in a chosen field of study. In this way, Patrick Leahy Honors College courses supplement and enrich the work students do for their major and degrees; they additionally fulfill many of ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë’s Catamount Core Curriculum requirements. This ensures that all students can balance their major with their Honors College requirements and participate in the wide range of opportunities that make up the college experience.  
The Patrick Leahy Honors College Core Curriculum is designed to enable PLHC students to explore the depth and breadth of the liberal arts and college-level academic opportunities through a thoughtfully curated set of special topics seminars offered by skilled teaching faculty. In our seminars, we intentionally bring together students and faculty from different disciplines. We want to challenge our students to consider topics from multiple perspectives. Our faculty serve as guides helping them learn how to have frank and open conversations that engage with a wide variety of perspectives. The ability to engage in discussions across differences is one we believe is essential for our students’ futures as leaders and thinkers.
In addition to these seminars, students pursue research and scholarly work in their field, and a capstone Honors thesis on a topic which interests them. Students who successfully complete these curricular requirements graduate as Patrick Leahy Honors College Scholars. This distinction is noted on a student’s diploma and final transcript.
The goal of the Patrick Leahy Honors College curriculum is to help students build a set of skills that will serve them not only during their college careers as Patrick Leahy Honors College Scholars, but through graduation and beyond. We want our students to leave ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë and the Patrick Leahy Honors College as courageous and compassionate leaders.
Special research, scholarship, and fellowship opportunities
The Patrick Leahy Honors College additionally oversees ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë’s Office of Fellowships, Opportunities, and Undergraduate Research, which advises on undergraduate research opportunities, coordinates the annual ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë Student Research Conference, and gives access to advising on national fellowship and scholarship opportunities. By encouraging each student to realize their full potential, the PLHC paves the way for students’ continuing success, helping to ensure that they are fully prepared contribute to their next community after graduation.
Honors students also receive the following benefits:
- An assigned PLHC advisor, who can help with academic and co-curricular planning throughout their undergraduate career.
- Priority registration for classes
- Honors funding opportunities for research and internships.
- Honors housing
Beyond The Core Curriculum
In the junior and senior years, students focus on chosen fields of study in their home schools and colleges while working on developing research skills specific to their fields and identifying research questions that will prepare them for an independent research or creative project.
The Senior Thesis
In order to graduate as a Patrick Leahy Honors College Scholar, seniors in the PLHC complete a six credit thesis project in their chosen discipline.