The Commonwealth Honors Program at MassBay

At MassBay, the honors program is not just for students who already see themselves as “honors students.” We believe intellectual curiosity, academic confidence, and leadership can be cultivated through challenge, mentorship, and opportunity. The Commonwealth Honors Program at MassBay invites students to engage deeply with ideas, ask difficult questions, and participate in a community built around inquiry, creativity, and critical thinking.

Whether you are preparing to transfer, exploring new ideas, building confidence as a scholar, or looking for a more engaging academic experience, honors courses provide opportunities to:

• Participate in discussion-driven, student-centered classes
• Work closely with faculty mentors
• Strengthen transfer and scholarship applications
• Pursue independent and creative research
• Connect classroom learning to real-world issues
• Join a supportive community of motivated and curious students

Any student may apply to take an honors course, regardless of GPA, degree program, or academic history.

Take an Honors Course
Honors‑designated courses are offered each fall and spring semester, and all students are welcome to enroll. Successfully completing an honors‑designated section results in an honors designation on your transcript for that course.

Complete an Honors Contract
Through the Honors by Contract option, students may transform a non‑honors course into an honors experience by completing an approved honors contract with a willing instructor. Successfully completing an honors contract earns an honors designation on the student’s transcript for that course. Students may complete up to two courses as Honors by Contract.