The Honors Experience

At the University of New Mexico Honors College, we offer a community where you can be yourself while you keep growing. 

Take Chances 

Honors classes have 18 students or less, so you can really get to know your teachers and fellow classmates. You’ll learn through discussion, collaboration, and meaningful conversations in your classes – not lectures. Our courses are always evolving to help us think about and tackle topics of the changing world we live in. 

We want you to take advantage of opportunities and try new things without worrying about affecting your GPA. Our classes have a different type of grading system, don’t have exams or quizzes, and don’t have boring textbooks – only books that you’d actually read outside of the classroom. 

Find Your Community 

You’ll build relationships and develop community with other students who share your curiosity and ambition. You’ll find connections and support through our Honors Roadrunners and unique experiences and events on campus, including our Discovery Series, the Spectra Art Gallery, and student programs like the Honors Student Association and the Pathmaker Program.  

We also offer a living learning community, Scholar’s Wing, dedicated to Honors students who want to experience an extension of the classroom.  

Create and Explore 

We offer unique experiences beyond the classroom. You can participate in research, creative projects, internships, study abroad programs, and other experiences that bring your learning to life.  

• Take a yearlong course/internship with Scribendi, an award-winning literature and art magazine created by and for UNM students. 

• Work one on one with your teacher on research through an Honors Research Institute (HRI) grant, and even publish or present your work at conferences.  

• Explore majors and degree programs through our Honors Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts (HILA) degree, where you can pursue one of three tracks: thesis/creative project, service learning, or student teaching. 

• Study abroad in places like Spain, Ecuador, Japan or Scotland. You’ll take in the culture, language and history while earning college credits. 

• Take advantage of the Flexlab, where you can create, edit and print posters and flyers for your research and creative projects. 

Build a Foundation for Your Future 

As you continue developing your communication, leadership and critical thinking skills, we’re here to support you with scholarships, internships, fellowships, conference opportunities, career exploration, and other programs to support your growth.   

Check out our current list of scholarships or connect with the Center for Academic Excellence & Leadership Development (CAELD).