Pell Honors Program
The Pell Honors Program at Salve Regina University is designed for motivated, ambitious students who are eager to challenge themselves and push the boundaries of their academic potential. As a member of the Pell Honors Program, you’ll gain access to unique opportunities that will not only enrich your college experience but prepare you for success beyond graduation.
Established in 2001 and named in honor of Claiborne Pell, who represented Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate from 1961-1997, the Pell Honors Program aims to realize Pell’s vision of a liberal arts education as the route to informed and engaged citizenship.
In this dynamic and supportive community, you’ll engage with a group of like-minded peers and professors, diving deep into discussions that foster intellectual growth. With small, intimate classes, you'll have the chance to build strong relationships with faculty who are dedicated to helping you succeed. Plus, the program offers exclusive events, leadership opportunities and a dedicated space for academic exploration, all within a vibrant, mission-driven environment.
Whether you’re exploring new ideas, fostering leadership or preparing for a rewarding career, this program prepares you to thrive in any field.
Emma Liarikos
"The Pell Honors Program is a great way to meet and engage with students that come from different disciplines or have different interests, and who are just as ambitious and excited about learning as you are,” said Emma Liarikos, a communications major.
Sydney Dufresne
“Having access to special courses through the Pell Honors Program really helped me find what I am interested in, and with the experience in these special topics, it has helped me land internships and solidify what I want to do in the future,” said Dufresne, a double major in American history and cultural and historic preservation.
What to Expect
Unique and specialized coursework in your first and second years
In the first two years of the Pell Honors Program, you'll engage in a dynamic academic curriculum, exploring two core disciplines - political science, history, economics, sociology and anthropology or psychology - through specialized honors courses. In your second year, you'll continue with Pell Honors special topics courses, preparing you to think critically, engage with complex concepts and set the stage for more advanced academic and professional opportunities.
Gain global awareness in your third and fourth years
You’ll expand your perspective through a required global learning experience - either by studying abroad or engaging in globally-focused coursework. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in a new culture overseas or explore international themes in the classroom, this requirement is designed to broaden your understanding of the world, enhance critical thinking and prepare you to navigate an increasingly interconnected global society.
Both paths offer valuable opportunities to develop cultural awareness, adaptability and a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives - skills that will enrich your academic journey and distinguish you in any career field.
Benefits
- Opportunity to take rigorous classes with outstanding faculty that focus on critical issues, compelling ideas, foundational questions and significant texts (with an emphasis on primary sources).
- Completion of an experiential learning requirement such as a study abroad program, academic internship or sponsored research with a faculty mentor.
- Access to mentoring and advice in applying for distinguished fellowships such as the Fulbright U.S. Student program and other prestigious scholarship programs.
- Opportunity to attend cultural events, special guest lectures, field trips and social activities sponsored by the honors program and the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy.
- Pell Honors students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 (students entering the program before 2025) or 3.40 (students entering the program beginning in 2025) may request to waive the cost of up to 9 overload credits.
- Access to priority registration for courses within the class year.
- Living in honors program housing and participating in Pell Honors living/learning community activities in the first year (with the option for Pell Honors housing in the second year).
Engage, Explore, Connect
Whether you’re attending inspiring lectures, exploring local and global cultures on field trips or through study abroad, or participating in activities that foster lasting friendships, the Pell Honors Program ensures that your academic journey is as dynamic and impactful as the world around you.