Hello, I am really interested in attending UMBC. I read that it is very good at teaching in the STEM field. I was wondering if it only was when you were in the Honors College, I don’t think I’ll get into the honors college. If I plan to study Computer Engineering in here, would it still be good even if it isn’t through the honors college?
The Honors College is separate from any major you might have. When you’re a part of the Honors College, you take seminars and classes (basically one class per semester is required if you’re in the Honors College) that are designated as ‘honors’ sections. They may be standalone honors classes that the Honors College sponsors, or they may be honors classes in any of the other departments that have a different set of standards than a non-honors section of the same subject would have. Some meet requirements for your major or for your core classes. Others may be electives. There are even honors classes that are combined (in the same class) with non-honors classes. In those cases, the honors students have somewhat different requirements than the non-honors students do. Additionally there’s an honors experience that’s required (internship, study abroad, community service, etc.)
For example, you may take an honors seminar that is a Great Books Seminar. Or you may take an honors section of Physics, or Civilization, or even Dance History. Basically your Computer Engineering major is as rigorous as the department makes that major for any of its students. Honors College students can challenge themselves within that major or outside of that major. In fact, I think that Honors College students are only allowed to take one honors course within their major requirements.