As an alternative to the Areas of Inquiry requirements, students may fulfill the Drake Curriculum by completing the requirements of the Honors Program Track listed below. Students may declare the Honors Program Track by completing a form available through the Honors Program office. Forms may be obtained from Assistant Director of the Honors Program Charlene Skidmore (x2999) in Medbury 206/209. Completed forms will be shared with the appropriate Dean's office. Students pursuing the Honors Program Track must still take a First Year Seminar and a Senior Capstone (note that the First Year Seminar, even if designated as Honors, may not be counted as one of the five required Honors courses indicated below). Note that students who later decide to drop the Honors Program Track must complete the Areas of Inquiry requirements (Honors courses already taken may be counted toward appropriate Areas of Inquiry with advisor approval). Please consult with your academic advisor before switching to the Honors Program Track. Completion of the Honors Program Track in the Drake Curriculum is not sufficient to fulfill the requirements of the Honors Program (leading to a designation of "University Honors" on a student's final transcript). To complete the Honors Program, students must complete the Honors Program Track plus the following: successfully complete a Senior Honors Thesis and maintain an overall 3.5 GPA. Honors Program Track Requirements:
One laboratory science course from AOI lists for either Physical or Life Sciences.
One course from AOI list for Quantitative Area.
One course from AOI list for Artistic Experience Area.
HONR 100: Paths to Knowledge (4 credit class).
15 additional credits in Honors.
Direct from High School Admission
Information for high school students, transfer students, and current Drake students concerning the Honors Program can be found on this site. Honors classes are limited to those who have been admitted to the program and are in good standing.
Recommended qualifications for the Honors Program are the same as the Alumni Scholarship Criteria:
1. Minimum ACT score of 29 or SAT-I score of 1270. Minimum grade point average of 3.75 on a 4.00 scale, OR class rank in the top 5 percent.
However, these qualifications are only recommended; admission to the Honors Program is not restricted to only those meeting these criteria. All motivated students are encouraged to participate in the Honors Program.
Honors Program applications are mailed to qualified high school students upon their admission to the University. Notification of admission to the Program is made within one month of application.
Applications are also available upon request from the Honors Program Office, 515.271.2999, or honors.program@drake.edu
Current Drake Student Participation
Any student who has been accepted to Drake may take Honors Orientation, a one-credit class, and start taking honors courses.
For the Drake audit to begin applying honors courses to an alternate general education program, students need to officially "declare" the Honors Program Track of the Drake Curriculum.
If you are interested, please download the Intent to Change to the Honors Program form and return it to Charlene Skidmore in Medbury 206/209.
We recommend that students speak with their advisor about their interest in the Honors Program. Faculty advisors are an integral part of the educational planning process. He or she will help students interested in the Honors Program successfully complete the Honors Track while still fulfilling all classes needed to graduate.
Please contact the Assistant Director for more information.
Transfer Student Application Process
Students who transfer to Drake and have a 3.50 or higher GPA may send a letter of application, with a transcript of previous coursework at other institutions, to the Honors director. If you have any questions about the Honors Program, the admissions process, or your qualifications please e-mail the Honors Program Director or call 1-800-44 DRAKE and ask for the Honors Program.