Director

Director: Kathy J. Cooke
Associate Director: Andrea E. Arias
Advisor & Coordinator for Scholarships & Theses: Sonia Cruz Magana
Honors Thesis /National & International Scholarship and Fellowship Coordinator: Sonia Cruz Magana
Honors College Academic Advisement: Marylu Castillo

Overview

The Honors College at Cal State LA was founded in 2010 and offers outstanding students an opportunity to participate in a scholarly community dedicated to inquiry and discovery, creative and critical thinking, and the creation of knowledge that is linked to positive societal impact. Its interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes community and civic engagement and takes advantage of the vast resources of Los Angeles, particularly in the first-year curriculum through which students engage with and critically analyze challenges and perceptions of the Los Angeles region through humanities, arts, and social sciences lenses. It values a liberal arts education, while recognizing and making use of the resources available at a large urban public university.

The Cal State LA Honors College supports approximately 300 students total, currently admitting 100 to 120 first-time freshman, continuing Cal State LA sophomore and juniors, and transfer students into the program each year. Historically, the Early Entrance Program (EEP) has been housed in the Honors College, and has offered students who have not yet graduated from high school the opportunity to fully matriculate as university students, and earn a baccalaureate degree from Cal State LA.

Learning Goals and Outcomes

Recognizing the need for advanced intellectual and creative skills that emphasize interdisciplinary and independent thinking, students in the Honors College are expected to meet learning outcomes in the following areas.

Inquiry, Analysis, and Research    
Students develop an understanding of modes of inquiry in different disciplines. They undertake effective inquiry that demonstrates open-mindedness and uses a systematic process that involves a rigorous assessment of evidence, data, and social, economic, and cultural contexts. At advanced levels, students formulate relevant research questions and produce original research, scholarly or creative projects.

Creative Thinking   
Students will be able to synthesize existing ideas, images, or expertise in original and imaginative ways characterized by a high degree of innovation, divergent thinking, and risk-taking.

Problem-Solving    
Students will learn to develop, implement, and evaluate a solution that addresses an open-ended question or achieves the desired goal.

Civic Engagement   
Students will learn how to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and promote the quality of life in local and global communities, through both political and non-political processes.

Leadership   
Students will learn to take initiative, work effectively in teams to achieve a common purpose, involve and motivate others, and demonstrate self-leadership and commitment.

Scholarships

All eligible applicants to the Honors College may be considered for recruitment scholarships. Scholarships will be awarded based on a comprehensive review of application materials. Continuing students remaining in “good standing” may also be considered for scholarships for which they qualify.

Admission and More Information

For admission, program requirements and further information, please contact the Honors College Office, view the The Honors College Curriculum page and visit the college website: http://www.calstatela.edu/honorscollege.