Open to a small number of highly qualified college students, the Capital Scholars Honors Program is a four-year baccalaureate experience combining an integrated core of honors-level courses, general education requirements, and any of the 23 undergraduate majors offered by UIS.  The program provides academically well-prepared and motivated students a unique opportunity to develop creative thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills through a high-quality educational experience based in the liberal arts. Focusing on the student’s total growth in the personal, academic, social, and civic arenas, the Capital Scholars Honors Program features interdisciplinary and collaborative learning and is designed to develop student talents through small classes that encourage lively exchange between students and professors. Students learn actively, applying their skills to real community concerns. Problem solving and research skills are emphasized throughout the program.

At the heart of the Capital Scholars Honors Program is an understanding that the problems facing today’s world are complex, and often cannot be adequately understood or resolved from narrow disciplinary perspectives.  Instead, a broad perspective and the application of knowledge from multiple disciplines are needed. For that reason, the program focuses on teaching and learning of interdisciplinary writing and research strategies.  Development of leadership skills is also a major emphasis of the program. Honors courses not only incorporate the study of leadership, but there is also a curriculum-wide focus on collaborative learning.  Skills learned in UIS Honors courses can be applied via numerous internship opportunities in community agencies and organizations.