Honors Diploma Program Associate in Arts

Whatever path you choose, do so with Honors. For those who excel in academia and yearn to prove it, we offer an Associate in Arts with Honors. You choose the subjects and the rest is up to you. Study hard. Make the grades, and when your two-year A.A. is earned, you’ll be primed to enter a four-year university with pomp, circumstance and advanced knowledge.

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Getting Started: Fall Term

Aug. 19:  Application


Aug. 26:  Classes Begin

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Why Seminole State?

  • Affordable tuition: Earn a state university education at about half the cost.
  • Small class sizes: With classes of 30 or less, you don’t have to learn in an auditorium.
  • Online degree option: The courses for our A.A. degree are offered in person and online, so you can study when and where you want. 
  • Seamless transition: With your A.A. degree, you can stay at Seminole State to continue your progress toward a bachelor’s degree in a high-demand field.
  • Guaranteed transfer: Earn your A.A. here, and take advantage of guaranteed admission to UCF or one of Florida’s other state universities for your bachelor’s.
  • More than 100 University Transfer Pathways: Take prerequisite courses for majors in various fields from accounting to theater.
Honors Diploma Program Pathway
Type: Associate in Arts
Major Code: HONOR-AA
CIP: 1192401010

Program Description

Available Course Course Not Offered Spring 2025
This course orients Honors students to the College and the Honors program. The course focuses on leadership development, critical thinking skills and problem-solving. Study skills, presentation skills and research methods are also emphasized.
The student will complete, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, a project that will define and execute a research question. Guidelines will be established regarding format, standards and review of projects.
This course is a culminating experience for students in the Grindle Honors Institute. Students will reflect on and articulate their academic and personal growth through the development of an Honors Portfolio. Through documentation of academic and co-curricular experiences, students connect their undergraduate experience to the objectives of the Grindle Honors Institute.
IDH 2300 is a one-credit seminar designed to help students to apply mathematical modeling techniques to applications in physical sciences. This includes traditional mathematical framing, the use of spreadsheets and graphing strategies, and simulation building using the Glowscript/Visual Python computer language. The goal is to support the topics taught in PHY 2048C and to help students become more proficient problem-solvers.
IDH 2301 is a one-credit seminar designed to help students to apply mathematical modeling techniques to applications in the physical sciences. This includes traditional mathematical framing, the use of spreadsheets and graphing strategies, and simulation building using the Glowscript/Visual Python computer language. The goal is to support the topics taught in PHY 2049C and to help students become more proficient physics problem-solvers.
This course is scheduled for individual students who wish to explore topics not covered in the curriculum. The student must present a design of the study (learning contract) to the faculty member who is to direct the work. Approval from the dean or director is required prior to registration.
In this course topics of current interest are presented in group instruction. This course may be taken four times for credit.
In this course topics of current interest are presented in group instruction. This course may be taken four times for credit.
This Honors travel/study course combines preparation on campus, travel and study. Content is variable depending on the program in which the student enrolls and the specific topics to be covered. Students must be 18 years of age on or before departure. Permission of the Honors director required.
In this course topics of current interest are presented in group instruction. This course may be taken four times for credit.
IDH 2300 is a one-credit seminar designed to help students to apply mathematical modeling techniques to applications in physical sciences. This includes traditional mathematical framing, the use of spreadsheets and graphing strategies, and simulation building using the Glowscript/Visual Python computer language. The goal is to support the topics taught in PHY 2048C and to help students become more proficient problem-solvers.
IDH 2301 is a one-credit seminar designed to help students to apply mathematical modeling techniques to applications in the physical sciences. This includes traditional mathematical framing, the use of spreadsheets and graphing strategies, and simulation building using the Glowscript/Visual Python computer language. The goal is to support the topics taught in PHY 2049C and to help students become more proficient physics problem-solvers.
This course is scheduled for individual students who wish to explore topics not covered in the curriculum. The student must present a design of the study (learning contract) to the faculty member who is to direct the work. Approval from the dean or director is required prior to registration.
This course is scheduled for individual students who wish to explore topics not covered in the curriculum. The student must present a design of the study (learning contract) to the faculty member who is to direct the work. Approval from the dean or director is required prior to registration.
This course is scheduled for individual students who wish to explore topics not covered in the curriculum. The student must present a design of the study (learning contract) to the faculty member who is to direct the work. Approval from the dean or director is required prior to registration.
In this course topics of current interest are presented in group instruction. This course may be taken four times for credit.
In this course topics of current interest are presented in group instruction. This course may be taken four times for credit.
In this course topics of current interest are presented in group instruction. This course may be taken four times for credit.
The student will complete, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, a project that will define and execute a research question. Guidelines will be established regarding format, standards and review of projects.
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn internship credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student's academic program.
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn internship credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student's academic program.
This course is a culminating experience for students in the Grindle Honors Institute. Students will reflect on and articulate their academic and personal growth through the development of an Honors Portfolio. Through documentation of academic and co-curricular experiences, students connect their undergraduate experience to the objectives of the Grindle Honors Institute.
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn internship credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student's academic program.
This Honors travel/study course combines preparation on campus, travel and study. Content is variable depending on the program in which the student enrolls and the specific topics to be covered. Students must be 18 years of age on or before departure. Permission of the Honors director required.

Note: 20 credits must be in Honors courses to receive an Honors Diploma.  Please refer to general education requirements in the catalog for specific degree requirements.

Communications General Education Honors Options

Honors English I Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
This course introduces students to rhetorical concepts and audience-centered approaches to writing including composing processes, language conventions and style, and critical analysis and engagement with written texts and other forms of communication. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required.This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Communication requirement for degree seeking students.
This course allows students to further develop their writing with an emphasis on process, rhetorical awareness, and research. Students will analyze a range of texts in order to strengthen critical thinking skills. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Permission required from Honors coordinator.
The purpose of this course is to improve the basic skills of speaking and listening. Class exercises emphasize preparing and delivering public speeches, speaking with clarity and variety and listening with literal and critical comprehension. This course addresses communication in the personal, career and global spheres.

Humanities General Education Honors Options

Note: One Humanities course must be from Area A
In this course, students will learn about the creative ideas and accomplishments of various cultures in various fields of humanities that may include art, architecture, drama, history, music, literature, philosophy, and religion. The course will include cultural expressions from the western canon and may also include expressions from around the globe. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course partially satisfies the writing requirements of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities for degree seeking students.
This course is designed to study representative works of the 20th and early 21st centuries in the performing arts, visual arts, music, literature, film and philosophy so that the student will appreciate the foundations of the 20th century and allow projections into the future. Global culturalism will be incorporated into the course content. The student will be introduced to Internet resources as they pertain to appropriate thematic materials. This course will also show how technology interacts with culture in the contemporary world. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
This course is designed to introduce the student to the contributions of women in the humanities. It will examine their contributions to literature, art and music from the Classical period to the present day. Students will learn about the production of the arts throughout these periods. Fine arts, music, and literature will feature. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Honors Asian Humanities is designed to introduce the student to the cultures of India, Tibet and Southeast Asia. The basic myths underlying culture will be studied as well as their manifestation in the arts. The course will explore the development of Indian thought with special emphasis on early Buddhism and the development of Mahayana Buddhist schools. Representative works in literature, mythology, philosophy and the visual arts will be studied. Archeological rites in Cambodia, Burma and Thailand will be studied as examples of myth in architecture. Honors level content. Permission required from Honors director. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
This course is designed to explore American culture and artistic manifestations produced by Black Americans. Its goal is to promote increased awareness, understanding, and aesthetic appreciation of American heritage. European and American influences on modern cultural values will be examined. Contemplative objects representing both visual and performing arts will be studied in their historical context. The student will be introduced to Internet resources as they pertain to appropriate thematic materials. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
This course is designed to introduce the student to Latin American cultures and to promote the understanding and appreciation of Latin American heritage. Ancient to modern cultures will be surveyed. Emphasis will be placed on cultural roots and myth as well as artists' commitment to social and political struggle. Representative works in the visual arts, literature and music will be studied. No knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese is required. Honors level content. Permission required from Honors director. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
The design of this course creates a diverse learning community for students in the Liberal Studies program. The course is a multi-cultural and inter-disciplinary study of the arts, performing arts, literature, history and philosophy with special focus on race, gender and class. Honors level material. The course satisfies three credits of General Education requirements in Humanities and partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B. E. 6A-10.030.
In this course, students will be introduced to the nature of philosophy, philosophical thinking, major intellectual movements in the history of philosophy, including topics from the western philosophical tradition, and various problems in philosophy. Students will strengthen their intellectual skills, become more effective learners, and develop broad foundational knowledge. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required.
Note: One Humanities course must be from Area B
This course will explore trends and influences in literature from World War II to the present. Contemporary literature will be examined as a reflection of the philosophy of modern life and as a reflection of the student's world. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
This course is designed to create an awareness of the ideas, techniques and historical relationships in world literature from the Enlightenment to the present. The Enlightenment, Romanticism, the 19th Century (Realism and Naturalism) and Modernism will be studied. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
In this course, students will survey the history of classical music from antiquity to the modern period, focusing on western music. The curriculum may also integrate a variety of popular and global styles where appropriate. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree-seeking students. Honors level content. Permission from Honors Director required.

Social Science General Education Honors Options

Note: Courses must be from 2 areas
This is an introduction to the basic principles of associative learning. The primary focus of the course is on how organisms learn about their relationships that occur in the environment. This will be achieved through studying the phenomena of classical and operant conditioning in animals and humans. Specific techniques for understanding behavior are presented. Honors level content. Permission required from the Honors Director.
In this course, students will learn the foundations of macroeconomics as the branch of economics concerned with how decision-making, in an environment of scarcity, maps onto the aggregate economy. Students will examine theories and evidence related to the following core set of topics: national income determination, money, monetary and fiscal policy, macroeconomic conditions, international trade and the balance of payments, and economic growth and development. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students.
This course deals primarily with economic problems. Emphasis is given to markets, production functions, economic role of government, agricultural problems, labor-management relations, imperfect competition, interest and capital, economic security, international trade and finance and economic development. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
This course is an introduction to major issues and theories of world politics. Topics include state and non-state actors, the nature of power, causes of war and peace, terrorism, international organizations, finance and trade, economic development, globalization, human rights and environmental concerns. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Honors U.S. Federal Government Gen Ed Core Civic Lit
3
Credits
In this course, students will investigate how the national government is structured and how the American constitutional republic operates. It covers the philosophical and historical foundations of the American government, including but not limited to the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and all its amendments, and the Federalist Papers. The course examines the branches of government and the government’s laws, policies, and programs. It also examines the ways in which citizens participate in their government and ways their government responds to citizens. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students and partially satisfies the Florida state civic literacy requirement per Florida Statues Section 1007.25 for all students.
The basic principles of political thought are studied in this course. Students will examine the state and the relationship between the individual and the state. Topics such as authority, consent, freedom and obligation are examined. Honors level content. Permission required from Honors director. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
This course is an introductory survey of sociology covering its scope, methods and general principles. Topics emphasized include group behavior, race relations, population, social institutions, social change and social stratification. The purpose of the course is to assist the student in acquiring an understanding of society. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Note: This course contains Honors level material. Acceptance into the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director required.
This course is applied sociology that will pursue a unique, original research project each semester. It provides students with an in-depth understanding of social scientific research through experimental investigation. Utilizing the research project as a point of focus, this course includes training in all aspects of empirical research, including literature review, methodology, data collection, data coding, data analysis and presentation of results. Previous coursework in sociology or psychology is recommended. Honors level content. Permission required from Honors director.
In this course, students will gain an introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. topics may be drawn from historical and current perspectives in psychology. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Some sections of PSY 2012 have service-learning components. Please refer to class notes in schedule of classes for details. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students.

History General Education Honors Options

In this course students will examine United States history from before European contact to 1877. Topics will include but are not limited to indigenous peoples, the European background, the colonial period, the American revolution, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, issues within the new republic, sectionalism, manifest destiny, slavery, the American Civil War, and Reconstruction. Honors level content. Permission required from Honors Director. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students and partially satisfies the Florida state civic literacy requirement per Florida Statutes Section 1007.25 for all students.
In this course, students will trace the history of the United States from the end of the Reconstruction era to the Contemporary era. Topics will include but are not limited to the rise of industrialization, the United States’ emergence as an actor on the world stage, constitutional amendments and their impact, the Progressive era, World War I, the Great Depression and New Deal, World War II, the Civil Rights era, the Cold War, and the United States since 1989. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement and partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course partially satisfies the Florida State Civic Literacy requirement per Florida Statutes.
This course will cover the role of women in American history from the colonial period to the present. Emphasis will be placed upon studying primary sources (historical artifacts) and secondary sources that demonstrate the contributions of women to the economic, social, and political development of the United States. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
This course traces the rise of Western civilization from 1000 B.C.E. to the Renaissance, c. 1600. It emphasizes Greek civilization, including drama, mythology, philosophy and the origins of Greek democracy and then examines the late Roman Republic and early Roman Empire followed by the rise of Christianity, Islam, the Byzantine Empire, the "Flowering of Medieval Culture" and the Christian Synthesis of the late Middle Ages. The European Renaissance and the Reformation including social, political and philosophical issues will be discussed. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
This course covers the period from c. 1600 to the present. Topics include the scientific revolution, the rise of absolute monarchy in Europe, the 18th-century Enlightenment and the French Revolution. The impact of Napoleon is addressed as is the Industrial Revolution. Cultural ideas from Romanticism to social Darwinism are analyzed. European imperialism, World War I and the rise of fascism lead to a discussion of World War II. The Cold War and the modern period conclude the course. Permission required from Honors director. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.

Science General Education Honors Options

Note: Courses must be from 2 areas
This course provides a comprehensive look at modern astronomy, emphasizing the use of the scientific method and the application of physical laws to understand the universe including earth and its environment. Throughout this course, students will develop the ability to discern scientific knowledge from non-scientific information by using critical thinking. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course applies the scientific method to critically examine and explain the natural world including but not limited to cells, organisms, genetics, evolution, ecology, and behavior. It is a study of the characteristics of living organisms. Unifying concepts such as metabolism, genetics, evolution, and cellular organization will be investigated. Designed for non-science majors, this course does not fulfill the credit requirements for biology majors (see BSC 2010C). Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course is a study of plant and animal interactions in their natural environment and the influence of man on these natural systems. Active learning components may include outdoor activities and/or field trips. Designed for non-majors. Honors level content. Permission of the Honors director is required.
This course provides students with an introduction to chemical principles and applications for the non-science major. Students will engage in problem solving and critical thinking while applying chemical concepts. Topics will include the scientific method of problem solving, classification of matter, atomic theory, the periodic table, gases, chemical reactions, energy, and chemical bonds. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course is designed for students pursuing careers in the sciences or who need a more rigorous presentation of chemical concepts than is offered in an introductory course. Students will engage in problem solving and critical thinking while applying chemical concepts. Topics will include the principles of chemistry including atomic theory, electronic and molecular structure, measurement, stoichiometry, bonding, periodicity, thermochemistry, nomenclature, solutions, and the properties of gases. Laboratory experiments are chosen that support these topics. Lab fee required. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course is a survey of basic chemical, biological, and physical principles of environmental science and their applications to environmental issues. This course is appropriate for students in a wide range of disciplines or programs. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
Using the scientific method, critical thinking skills, and data analysis, this course will examine the fundamental processes of the ocean system, composed of an atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, through time. The course will also explore interactions between these spheres, including critical analysis of scientific theories and emphasize oceanic connections with humanity. Laboratory experiments are chosen that support these topics. Lab fee required. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This honors calculus-based course serves as the first in a two-part series, covering topics like kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid dynamics, oscillatory motion, and waves. Designed for science and engineering majors, the course integrates critical thinking, analytical skills, and real-world applications. Lab fee required. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.

Mathematics General Education Honors Options

In this course, students will develop problem solving skills, critical thinking, computational proficiency, and contextual fluency through the study of limits, derivatives, and definite and indefinite integrals of functions in one variable, including algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, and applications. Topics will include limits, continuity, differentiation and rates of change, optimization, curve sketching, and introduction to integration and area. A graphing calculator will be used throughout the course. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Mathematics requirement for degree seeking students.
In this course, students will utilize descriptive and inferential statistical methods in contextual situations, using technology as appropriate. The course is designed to increase problem-solving abilities and data interpretation through practical applications of statistical concepts. This course is appropriate for students in a wide range of disciplines and programs. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability and probability distributions, estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, two-sample inferences, and correlation and regression. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Mathematics requirement for degree seeking students and is the gateway course for majors in the Statistical Reasoning pathway. It is recommended that students without college-level math credits have completed a secondary-level course in Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Calculus, or Statistics with a grade of a “B” or higher before taking this course.
Total Credits: 60

Gen Ed Core   Denotes that a class is a State of Florida General Education Core Course.

Beginning in the 2022-23 academic year and thereafter, students entering associate in arts, associate in science or associate in applied science, or baccalaureate degree programs must complete at least one (1) course from each of the general education subject areas listed in this section prior to the awarding of their degree. Please refer to this catalog's Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the General Education Core Courses .

Civic Lit   Denotes that a class counts toward the course Civic Literacy Requirement.

The State of Florida requires that all students graduating from Seminole State College of Florida and other institutions in the Florida College System (FCS), as well as from any State University System (SUS) institution, fulfill a Civic Literacy Competency requirement prior to submitting an Intent to Graduate form in the term they plan to graduate. Requirements vary based on admit term and program. Please refer to this catalog’s Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the Civic Literacy Proficiency Requirement.

Foreign Language Proficiency

Per Florida Statute 1007.25, "Beginning with students initially entering a Florida College System institution or state university in 2014-2015 and thereafter, coursework for an associate in arts degree shall include demonstration of competency in a foreign language." Please refer to this catalog's Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on Foreign Language Proficiency.

Your tuition shouldn’t go against your intuition.

Your pursuit of higher education is admirable. So why struggle with high tuition in the process? Here we make life’s next steps affordable. Whether you’re seeking a university transfer (A.A.) degree, a four-year bachelor’s, an Associate in Science degree or even earning a college credit certificate, you’ll find reasonable tuition and great value. And to us, that’s scholarly.

In fact, a full-time college education at Seminole State is more than $10,000 less each year than most state universities.

Go For Less.


Tuition and Fee Comparison*

 Seminole StateUFFSUUCF
Tuition and Fees$3,131$6,380$5,666 $5,954 
Room and Board-0-$12,120
$13,474 $12,542 
Books and Supplies$1,000$1,260$1,200$1,200
Total$4,131$19,760$20,340$19,696

For more information on Seminole State's tuition and fees, please see the current fee schedule.

* Tuition costs are based on the current academic year for in-state students living on campus. Dorm fees, meal plans and book expenses are estimates based on cost of attendance information provided by the State University System of Florida. Lab fees and other fees that may be assessed at the time of registration may be viewed in the College fee schedule. As Seminole State is a commuter college with no residence halls on its campuses, costs for room and board are not calculated.