Undergraduate Programs

Honors Students

The School of Business Honors Program is a series of academic, career and co-curricular activities designed to challenge and polish outstanding business majors.

The Honors Program, which requires three to four terms of participation and results in the Honors designation on the diploma, is open to any student who meets the criteria.

The program provides eligible and interested students with many opportunities. Honors students will:

Pursue more academic depth and rigor in their degree studies
Engage in special career-improving workshops
Be publicly recognized for outstanding academic achievement
Be differentiated in the marketplace by their honors designation
Gain exposure to more and better employment opportunities.

The Honors Program will also provide students with improved public speaking skills, critical thinking skills and enhanced computer skills through workshops, seminars and special events.

Academic Enhancements

Honors students participate in each of the following:

UNST 421 - Business Outreach Capstone Part I and II
BA 495 - Business Strategy Honor Section

Required Workshops/Classes

Toastmasters (public speaking, one term)
Writing for Executives (three hour workshop, one day)
Executive Briefings Graduate Course (one credit)
Honors Book Group
Executive Day in Residence

Additional Workshop Requirements

Students complete three workshops of their choice. Examples include:

Negotiations
Mock Interviews
Systems Thinking
Negotiating Compensation
Improvisation in Business
Business Briefing Breakfast Series
Demystifying Data
A leadership position in a student professional organization
Salesmanship

Other Co-Curricular Opportunities

Examples include:

Lunch with the Dean
Honors gatherings
Meeting with School of Business executives-in-residence and corporate associates
Career Development
Recognition at Awards Dessert
Invitation to the Graduate Hooding Ceremony

Admission Criteria

Admission to the School of Business Honors Program is based on the following criteria:

3.5 PSU GPA
3.5 PSU Business GPA
16 credit hours completed at PSU
Admitted status in the SBA

Progress Requirements

Graduation from the School of Business Honors Program requires that you maintain and complete the following:

3.5 PSU GPA
3.5 PSU Business GPA
Participate at least three to four consecutive active terms

Fees

The fee to participate in the SBA Honors Program is $100.00 per term.

How to Apply

Complete the SBA Honors Program Application (PDF) by the appropriate deadline and return to the School of Business Administration, Undergraduate Programs Office, SBA 240.

Deadline

Applications are accepted four times per year on the day that grades post for each term and are due by the end of the 2nd week of the term.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from University honors?

University Honors refers to the bachelor's degree, and SBA Honors refers to the major.

The diploma of the student who fulfills both University and SBA Honors requirements would read: Bachelor of Science cum laude; Business Administration with Honors.

What if my GPA falls below 3.5?

You will be placed on Honors probation for one term. If your GPA does not come back to 3.5, you will be ineligible for Honors.

What will the fee cover?

The $100 per term fee covers the cost of the workshops, special activities and toastmasters.

Is there an honors advisor?

Haley Holmes , Director of Honors Program, will serve as the Honors Advisor. She can be reached at 503-725-4742 or haleyh@sba.pdx.edu.

When are optional workshops/classes offered?

Optional workshops are offered every term between one and four hours long, typically Saturday mornings or weekday afternoons.

When are the required workshops offered?

Toastmasters: participate for one term, offered every term

Executive Briefings (MGMT 407, 1 credit): participate for two Friday afternoons during one term, offered fall and spring, four hours each

Writing for Executives: participate for one day during one term; usually offered fall, winter and spring; three hour session

BA 495 - Honor's Section: participate for one term, offered spring, every Friday morning

UNST 421 (6 credits): Business Outreach Capstone, participate for two terms, offered fall/winter and winter/spring

Book Group: participate for one term, offered fall, winter and spring, meetings are usually every other Wednesdays (depending on student schedule)

Executive Day in Residence: participate for one day during one term, usually offered Fall, Winter and Spring.

What is lunch with the Dean and the honors gathering?

Lunch with the Dean is once a term, usually 12:00-1:00, and gives you a chance to chat with Dean Scott Dawson and eat free pizza.

The honors gathering is three times a year and gives you a chance to meet other students in the honors program.

Contact Information

If you would like more information on the Honors Program including a term by term list of workshops, send an e-mail to Haley Holmes.