The Patrick Leahy Honors College Curriculum

Our curriculum inspires students to recognize and appreciate contributions from a broad range of academic disciplines, as well 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 UVM’s Catamount Core Curriculum requirements. This ensures that all students can balance their major, their Honors requirements, and all of the other 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 with those of alternative viewpoints to the one the student may hold. This ability 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 UVM and the Patrick Leahy Honors College as courageous and compassionate leaders. 

Special research, scholarship, and fellowship opportunities

The Patrick Leahy Honors College additionally oversees UVM’s Office of Fellowships, Opportunities, and Undergraduate Research, which advises on undergraduate research opportunities, coordinates the annual UVM 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, and the ability to register for classes first in their class.
• Honors funding opportunities for research and internships.
• Honors housing