Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question not listed below, email us at [email protected].

• Who can apply to HonorsX?

  • If any of the following applies to you.

    – Any SJSU student with junior standing
    – Transfer students
    – International students
    – All majors invited
    – No GPA requirements
    – No prerequisites to apply

• What are the benefits?

  • HonorsX exposes you to interdisciplinary education so you can solve the pressing problems facing the world today. You will develop complementary skills outside of your area of expertise, interact with brilliant faculty, and develop relationships with thought leaders from the community and the industry. You will also get advice about graduate schools (including medical school or law school), competitive fellowships, and careers post-graduation.

• How is HonorsX different from other courses on campus? 
  • 1. The HonorsX courses are co-taught by three faculty across domains. You will gain an understanding of important social issues from three perspectives.
    2. You will have the opportunity to learn about the topic from non-university mentors, leaders who are practitioners.
    3. You will actually propose a solution to a real problem — these courses are simultaneously academic and applied. These are new and innovative courses that utilize problem-based learning methods. They are designed to be cutting-edge and provide a global perspective across three different disciplines. You will be exposed to experts across disciplines who will integrate different perspectives to solve a global problem.
• How does this help me launch my career?

  • You will receive mentorship from a team of interdisciplinary faculty and Silicon Valley’s non-profit and high-tech leaders. In addition, a series of customized practical skills workshops will equip you to begin your own startups, enter graduate school, apply for fellowships, or launch your career.

• How many HonorsX courses do I need to complete?

  • You will complete three required courses — nine (9) units to complete the HonorsX program. You may add six (6) additional elective units to earn a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies. Visit our Courses page to learn more about the program completion requirements.

• When does HonorsX start?

  • The first required HonorsX course, UNVS 120, will start in the fall semester.

• How much does the program cost?

  • The cost is included in your mandatory registration fees, varying by part-time and full-time attendance.

    Tuition Fees per Semester (Fall 2024)*
    – Part-time Rate (1.0 - 6.0 units): $1,764
    – Full-time Rate (6.1 or more units): $3,042
    * Rate is subject to change.

• How does HonorsX fit in with my degree program?

  • HonorsX is a supplementary program that provides interdisciplinary learning on a single topic. HonorsX offers a unique opportunity to work in teams to do research, to interact with non-university mentors, to go on field trips, to learn multimedia storytelling, and to present to a broad audience.

• Are the HonorsX courses lower or upper division? Do they meet GE requirements?

  • All Honors X courses are upper division courses. HonorsX courses do not meet GE requirements. However, you can double-count GE courses towards your HonorsX Minor.

• Can I double-count courses to earn my HonorsX Minor?

  • Yes. You can double-count related GE courses, related electives, and up to three units of coursework required for your major.

• When can I expect to hear back after submitting my application?

  • We will reach out to you within four (4) weeks after the initial submission of your application.

• How do I declare the minor?

  • You may reach out directly to our team at [email protected] to declare the minor.