HonorsX: An Interdisciplinary Program Unlike Any Other

Addressing today’s societal and global issues head-on with a focus on equity and sustainability: That’s what HonorsX is all about. Designed for rising juniors and transfers in any field of study, HonorsX creates opportunities to work collaboratively with peers across colleges, to learn from faculty across disciplines, and to address the world’s most pressing issues.

Learn more about HonorsX curriculum and courses, application requirements and meet the faculty, advisors and mentors.

Interested? Apply Now

Join HonorsX and be the difference. Review application requirements to see if you can become an HonorsX student and apply today.

Applications are open until Monday, May 15, 2023.  You will receive a decision within two weeks of submitting your application. Apply early!

Apply Now

Key Dates

• You are invited to join us to hear current HonorsX students present their projects to a university-wide audience!
  • Mark the date: Thursday, December 1, 2022 from 4:30 to 7pm in MLK 225. RSVP here to join us in person for HonorsX student presentations followed by an HonorsX reception. Learn how HonorsX student teams are tackling some of the biggest problems in sustainability!

For any questions, please email honorsx@sjsu.edu.

Zoom Information Sessions

September 29  |  8 p.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair HonorsX

Register for September 29

October 2  |  11 a.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair HonorsX

Register for October 2

October 6  |  11 a.m.
Hosted by Marcelle Dougan, Assistant Professor, Public Health & Recreation

Register for October 6

October 6  |  8 p.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair HonorsX

Register for October 6

October 9  |  11 a.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair HonorsX

Register for October 9

October 13  |  8 p.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair HonorsX

Register for October 13

October 20  |  8 p.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair HonorsX

Register for October 20

October 23  |  11 a.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair HonorsX

Register for October 23

Frequently Asked Questions

• I have questions about HonorsX. Who should I contact?

  • Email us at honorsx@sjsu.edu. We will write back to you by the next day. 

• What exactly is HonorsX?

  • HonorsX is an Interdisciplinary Studies Minor at San José State University. We are looking for rising juniors who are most excited about pursuing an interdisciplinary education and who are interested in solving problems for tomorrow’s world.

• Who can apply?

  • You must be a rising junior in SJSU. This means you must have completed 60 units by the start of the program in Fall 2023. There are no other eligibility requirements and there is no minimum GPA requirement. Transfer students are welcome to apply.

• What are the benefits of HonorsX?

  • HonorsX exposes you to interdisciplinary education so you can solve the pressing problems facing the world today. You will develop complementary skills outside of your area of expertise, interact with brilliant faculty, and develop relationships with thought leaders from the community and the industry. You will also get advice about graduate schools (including medical school or law school), competitive fellowships, and careers post-graduation.

• How is this HonorsX different from other courses on campus? 

  • First, the HonorsX courses are co-taught by three faculty across domains. This year, the faculty represented Engineering, Public Health, and Business. You will gain an understanding of a single topic from three perspectives. 

    Second, you will have the opportunity to learn about the topic from non-university mentors, leaders who are practitioners. 

    Finally, you will actually propose a solution to a real problem — these courses are simultaneously academic and applied. These are new and innovative courses that utilize problem-based learning methods. They are designed to be cutting edge and provide a global perspective across three different disciplines. You will be exposed to experts across disciplines who will integrate different perspectives to solve a global problem.

• How does this help me launch my career?

  • You will receive mentorship from a team of interdisciplinary faculty and Silicon Valley’s non-profit and high-tech leaders. In addition, a series of customized practical skills workshops will equip you to begin your own startups, enter graduate school, apply for fellowships, or launch your career.

• I heard that HonorsX is dedicated to a single topic every year. What topic will we explore in 2023-2025?

  • Our topic for 2023-25: “Developing Sustainable Societies.”

• How many HonorsX courses do I need to complete?

  • We require that you take a three-unit HonorsX course in the Fall and in the Spring of your junior year. The remaining nine units can come from HonorsX seminars, electives in your major, GE courses, or internships. See details here [pdf].

• When does HonorsX start and end?

  • You will take your first HonorsX course during the Fall semester of your junior year. You can complete the requirements at any time before you graduate.

• How much does the program cost?

  • There is no additional cost for this program.

• I am a transfer student. Am I eligible?

  • We welcome transfer students into the program.

• How does HonorsX fit in with my degree program?

  • HonorsX is a supplementary program that provides interdisciplinary learning on a single topic. Our topic this year is “Developing Sustainable Societies.” HonorsX offers a unique opportunity to work in teams to do research, to interact with non-university mentors, to go on field trips, to learn multimedia storytelling, and to present to a broad audience.

    For specific questions, email honorsx@sjsu.edu.

• Are the HonorsX courses lower or upper division? Do they meet GE requirements?

  • All Honors X courses are upper division courses. They do not meet GE requirements. 

• How can I learn more about current HonorsX teams and projects?

  • Join us on Thursday, 12/1 at 4:30pm to listen to HonorsX student presentations! Meet the HonorsX faculty and and mentors. Stay for the reception! RSVP here.