University Honors: Multiple Pathways, One Supportive Community
At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Honors education centers curiosity, community, and purpose. You join students who want to think deeply, create boldly, and use what they learn to strengthen the communities around them.
University Honors offers several pathways, each designed around different student goals. Whether you want to solve interdisciplinary challenges, lead in your community, or pursue research in your field, you will find mentorship, resources, and a community that supports your next step.
Across every pathway, you will have access to Honors coaching, early registration benefits, funded fellowship opportunities, and a peer network that helps you feel connected from the start.
“When we bring curious, dedicated minds together and surround them with genuine encouragement, there is no limit to the problems they can solve. Our honors community is built to help you discover not just what you want to study, but the kind of difference you want to make in the world.” — Dr. Talisha Adams, Senior Director, University Honors
Distinct Pathways Built Around Your Purpose
Chancellor’s Honors Program (CHP)
For the curious problem-solver who wants to build human-centered solutions.
The Chancellor’s Honors Program brings together students from every college to tackle real challenges through an 18-credit minor rooted in design thinking. If you want to ask deeper questions, work across disciplines, and build solutions that serve real people, CHP may be the right fit for you.
Haslam Leadership Scholars Program (HALS)
For students who want a close-knit leadership experience focused on community impact.
The Haslam Leadership Scholars Program brings together a close cohort of top scholars who want to lead with purpose in Tennessee and beyond. Through rigorous study, hands-on leadership experiences, and community engagement, HALS helps you grow as a leader who can work with others to address real challenges.
For the focused innovator ready to dive deep into their chosen discipline.
If you want to go deeper in your major, college-level honors pathways help you build advanced knowledge in fields such as engineering, business, healthcare, nursing, and social work. These programs connect honors work to your degree plan so you can build expertise without adding time to graduation.
What it Means to Be an Honors Vol
Being an Honors Volunteer means choosing curiosity, service, and courage. Our scholars conduct undergraduate research, lead campus initiatives, study complex issues abroad, and serve local communities with purpose.
When you choose an honors path on Rocky Top, you gain more than academic distinction. You gain a home base, lasting relationships, and the confidence that your university stands behind your biggest ideas.