College Honors Program at NOVA

Students in class

What is NOVA’s College Honors Program?

The college Honors Program offers motivated students the opportunity to challenge themselves academically while preparing for transfer to four-year universities. Honors courses feature smaller class sizes, discussion-based learning, and opportunities for research, presentations, and leadership. Students who complete the program earn Honors recognition on their transcript and at graduation, helping them stand out when transferring or applying for scholarships.


Apply by November 15th to secure your spot in spring 2026 Honors classes!

Benefits of Joining the College Honors Program

  • Get recognition for your achievements, including a special notation on your transcript indicating honors curriculum completion
  • Dive deeper into broad academic experiences and engagement with academic material
  • Get engaged with smaller class sizes, quickly building close relationships and surrounding yourself with like-minded people

Apply now through the NOVA website.

Applications approved once a month.

What You’ll Experience in NOVA's Honors Courses

Honors courses are designed to be interactive, discussion-based, and intellectually engaging. In an honors class, you may:

  • Participate in seminar-style discussions
  • Work on independent research or presentations
  • Collaborate with classmates on advanced projects
  • Explore topics in greater depth than traditional courses

Develop your leadership skills, think independently and critically and stimulate your mind through rigorous Honors courses. You can conduct research, study a subject in great depth and explore ideas across disciplines. You’ll gain invaluable experience and build your professional network by presenting at Honors symposia and conferences, participating in field trips and service projects and engaging in internships.

Explore Honors Courses

Get the recognition you deserve for your hard work.

When you graduate from NOVA, you’ll be recognized for your achievements during commencement — and Honors course and core completion will be designated on your transcript. And when you need letters of recommendation, you can turn to the Honors faculty for assistance.

Academic Standing Honors

At the end of every semester, academic excellence recognitions are listed here one week after the deadline for posting final grades. Those who qualified but whose grades were not posted by the college deadline will not be displayed on the online list.

How NOVA Honors Supports Transfer to Four-Year Colleges.

By successfully completing the NOVA Honors Program, you’ll have a competitive edge when you apply to any four-year college or university. And thanks to agreements with the following institutions, you can seamlessly transfer into Honors programs or colleges at:

  • George Mason University
  • James Madison University
  • Marymount University
  • Radford University
  • Salisbury University
  • University of Mary Washington
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
Apply to NOVA Honors

Explore Honor societies at NOVA

From the National Society of Collegiate Scholars for high-achieving students to Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, NOVA offers many opportunities for scholars like you to enrich your studies and make connections that will last a lifetime.

Connect with the Honors Team