James Scholars Honors Program

The James Scholar Honors Program in the School of Information Sciences recognizes the talents of academically outstanding students, promotes curricular/co-curricular growth, and helps prepare students to stand out in their future endeavors. James Scholars may also receive:

Priority registration for classes
A special distinction as a "James Scholar" on final transcripts upon graduation
Programming to address areas such as undergraduate research, international experiences, career development, and co-curricular opportunities
More direct interaction with professors and advisors

Who is eligible?

Incoming students who are at the top of the iSchool's incoming freshman class (based on a combination of ACT/SAT score, high school GPA, application essays, and related involvement) are eligible.
Students are automatically considered upon application to the University, and there is no separate application.
On-campus transfer students (ICT) who are certified by their previous college as James Scholars
Off-campus transfer students with at least a 3.75 GPA
Current iSchool Students who meet the following criteria may apply to self-nominate during the first two weeks of the Fall/Spring Semesters:
- Completed less than 75 credit hours
- Selected for the previous semester’s Dean’s List
- Both an overall/Illinois GPA above 3.50

What are the requirements?

Students work with advisors to create an individual honors plan, selecting from academic and co-curricular experiences. In addition, students must meet the following requirements:

Maintain a University of Illinois semester and cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 (coursework from other institutions will not apply)
Maintain full-time enrollment and complete at least 12 graded credit hours during each fall and spring semester
Complete the required minimum number of honors courses and co-curricular experiences each academic semester
Complete one honors project each fall and spring semester (minimum of four honors projects required for students self-nominating), which will provide opportunities for growth in one of the four foundational program areas: academics, research, community and global engagement, and leadership

If you have any questions about the iSchool's James Scholars Program, please reach out to ischool-honors@illinois.edu.