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 and advisors.

Key Dates

• You’ll receive a decision no later than Friday, April 29
• The Summer class meets from July 18 to August 5
  • If you are accepted, this class is free. The summer class meets in person from 9 a.m. to noon between July 18 and August 1. For three days, from August 2 to August 5, you will stay in SJSU residential halls at no cost.

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

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. You may also register for a zoom information session.

• What exactly is HonorsX?

  • HonorsX is an interdisciplinary pilot program at San José State University. We are looking for students 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 ‘22. 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: 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 over three semesters. 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 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 do HonorsX students explore in 2022-23?

  • Our topic for 2022-23: “Developing Sustainable Societies.”

• How many courses do I need to complete?

  • There are three 3-unit courses required for a total of 9 units. The first course is in the Summer, the next course is in the Fall, and the last course is in the Spring. The Summer course is offered at no cost. It includes a no-cost three-day residential learning experience. You will stay in SJSU dorms and participate in on-site activities and presentations.

• When does HonorsX start and end?

  • HonorsX for 2022-23 will run for three semesters from Summer 2022 through Spring 2023. The first session will be held in the summer, from July 18 through August 5. All students admitted to the program will receive a scholarship to live in the SJSU residential halls for three nights, between August 2 and August 5.

• When are Honors classes offered? Which days and times?

  • The summer Honors class runs from July 18 to August 5. Classes will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon from July 18 to August 1. The in-person residential program will be held from August 2 to August 5. You will receive a scholarship to live free on campus during the last three nights, from August 2 to August 5. The Fall class is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays afternoons. All classes are offered in HyFlex mode.

• I am a transfer student. Am I eligible?

  • We welcome transfer students into the program.

• How much does the HonorsX program cost?

  • There is no additional cost for this program! The 3-unit summer course is free. You will take one course in the Fall and one in the Spring. These Fall and Spring courses count towards your graduation. There is no additional cost for you to enroll in these courses.

• How does HonorsX fit in with my degree program?

  • If your major allows electives, you may be able to substitute the HonorsX courses for the electives offered as part of your major. If your major does not allow electives, HonorsX courses will be in addition to your major requirements.

    Email honorsx@sjsu.edu and we can help you.

• Does HonorsX extend my graduation date?

  • This depends on how many electives your major allows.

    Email honorsx@sjsu.edu and we can help you.

• 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.