The Kelley School of Business Honors Program is a highly selective academic experience that provides students with increased challenges and innovative learning experiences. The program facilitates students attaining their potential both inside and outside the classroom through special curricula, leadership opportunities, mentoring, increased networking opportunities, and the individual student/faculty interaction that is necessary to fully develop those students who possess the capacity and motivation to excel.

Admission and Eligibility

Students who are applying to or have been admitted to the Kelley School, who will have completed 30 credit hours of college coursework, and will have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.7 by the end of the freshman year, may apply for admission to the Business Honors Program. Students apply online at http://www.kelley.iu.edu/ugrad/academics/honors.cfm, between February 1 and April 1. They are admitted only for the fall semester of the sophomore year. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of their grade point average, participation in extracurricular activities as illustrated on their resumes, demonstrated leadership ability, faculty recommendation, group interview, and a brief writing sample. 

To maintain eligibility and membership in the Business Honors Program, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 throughout the program of study and/or earn semester grade point averages over 3.0. Additionally, members must comply with the IU Bloomington Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct and the Kelley Honor Code.

Honors Curriculum

Honors courses enable academically talented students to engage in a rigorous and challenging course of study while enjoying the benefits of smaller classes and closer faculty involvement.

Once admitted, honors students are required to participate in a team-building orientation, complete at least nine credit hours of honors courses, and take the honors version of I-Core in the fall semester of the junior year. Honors I-Core includes an integrating exercise and includes a Friday project leadership class.

As seniors, honors students must complete a capstone. There are multiple options. Two options allow students to receive three credits: a supervised independent research project (BUS-X 496) or a senior-level leadership seminar (BUS-Z 494). Choices for independent research include a traditional research paper, a business plan, or an industry analysis. The research is supervised by a faculty member of the Kelley School. Topics taught in BUS-Z 494 are chosen each semester by faculty and might include leadership, globalization, negotiation, and professionalism. The third way to fulfill the capstone is to serve as a member of the Honors Leadership Team or serve as an ACE Leader.  The HLT is a group of top honors seniors selected from an application process. They mentor younger students and help coordinate events for the Honors Program. Similarly, ACE Leaders provide mentorship and coordinate activities for the Kelley ACE Program. Students accepted into the 3/2 MBA in Accounting Program are exempt from the capstone requirement.

Business Honors students are also required to either complete an internship or participate in an overseas study program.

Upon graduation, students who have successfully completed the program will have “with Departmental Honors” noted on their diplomas and transcripts.