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

Students collaborating and two students in lab

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 Thursday, June 15, 2023. You will receive a decision within two weeks of submitting your application. Apply early!

Apply Now

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

Key Dates

"The Final X: Towards a Sustainable Future" Join us for student presentations!
- Mark Thursday, May 11th on your calendar for “The Final X: Towards a Sustainable Future.” HonorsX student teams will present their final proposals.
- Buy your tickets here to reserve your spot. A reception will follow. Email us at honorsX@sjsu.edu for a discounted code.
Scholarship Provided for Summer Course
- If admitted, you will begin your HonorsX journey with a full scholarship for a 3-unit summer course. The summer course runs for three weeks, from July 17 to August 4. The scholarship includes FREE FOUR nights in SJSU dorms. Meals are included!

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With your help, HonorsX can offer San Jose State’s diverse and talented students a combination of cultural, environmental, entrepreneurial, and digital literacies that will enable them to advocate and lead in a rapidly transforming world. Thank you for your support!

Zoom Information Sessions

February 1 | 12 p.m.
Hosted by Kerry Rohrmeier, Assistant Professor & Undergrad Program Coordinator

February 2 | 7 p.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair for HonorsX

February 16 | 12 p.m.
Hosted by Dustin Mulvaney, Professor in Enviornmental Studies

February 16 | 7 p.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair for HonorsX

February 23 | 11 a.m.
Hosted by Ellen Middaugh, Associate Professor, Child & Adolescent Development

March 1 | 12 p.m.
Hosted by Kerry Rohrmeier, Assistant Professor & Undergrad Program Coordinator

March 2 | 7 p.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair for HonorsX

March 16 | 12 p.m.
Hosted by Dustin Mulvaney, Professor in Enviornmental Studies

March 16 | 7 p.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair for HonorsX

March 23 | 11 a.m.
Hosted by Ellen Middaugh, Associate Professor, Child & Adolescent Development

April 6 | 7 p.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair for HonorsX

April 13 | 12 p.m.
Hosted by Dustin Mulvaney, Professor in Enviornmental Studies

April 20 | 7 p.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair for HonorsX

April 27 | 11 a.m.
Hosted by Ellen Middaugh, Associate Professor, Child & Adolescent Development

May 4 | 7 p.m.
Hosted by Ruma Chopra, Chair for HonorsX

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 Summer 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. In 2023, our faculty will come from English, Education, and Geography. Read about them here. 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?
- Our topic for 2023 is “Developing Sustainable Societies.”
How many HonorsX courses do I need to complete?
- We require that you take three HonorsX courses (total 9 units): one in Summer ‘23, the second in Fall ‘23, and the third in Spring ‘24. HonorsX students are offered a full scholarship for the summer course, including four nights of stay in SJSU dorms. The remaining six units of the HonorsX Minor can come from HonorsX seminars, electives in your major, GE courses, or internships. See details here. Email honorsx@sjsu for more information.
When does HonorsX start and end?
- You will take your first 3-unit HonorsX course during Summer ‘23, between July 17 and August 4. Admitted students are offered a full scholarship - this includes four nights in SJSU dorms. Meals are included!
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. HonorsX courses do not meet GE requirements. However, you can double-count GE courses towards your HonorsX Minor.
Can I double-count courses to earn my HonorsX Minor?
- Yes. You can double-count related GE courses, related electives, and up to three units of coursework required for your major. Contact honorsX@sjsu.edu for more information.
How can I learn more about current HonorsX teams and projects?
- Join us Thursday, 5/11 at 3pm at the Hammer Theater (adjacent to SJSU) to listen to HonorsX student presentations! Meet the HonorsX students, faculty, and mentors. Stay for the reception! RSVP here. For a discounted code, email honorsX@sjsu.edu.