The Value of Graduating with Honors
We asked alumni to share how graduation with Honors helped them to achieve their career goals. Here are some of their responses:
Undergraduate major: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Undergraduate graduation year: 1996
Any other additional degrees: M.S. and Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics (California Institute of Technology)
Current title: Director of Technology at Cenergy Solutions
Quote on the value of graduating with Honors: “The modest extra effort to graduate with Honors helped give me the confidence to reach higher. I also loved the associations I made with other students and Honors faculty/staff.”
Undergraduate major: Physics
Undergraduate graduation year: 2009
Any other additional degrees: M.S., Ph.D. in Earth and Space Science (University of California, Los Angeles)
Current title: Instrument Scientist
Quote on the value of graduating with Honors: “The lessons I took away from the Honors Program went far beyond the classroom and have been key in so many aspects of my life and career. Every interview I’ve gone through, every application I filled out, and every presentation I have given over the years, I have applied tactics that were first introduced to me through this program.”
Undergraduate major: Human Movement Science with an emphasis in Exercise Science
Undergraduate graduation year: 2014
Any other additional degrees: Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Current title: Pediatric Physical Therapist, Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist, Clinical Operations Coordinator, Assistant Hiring Manager
Quote on the value of graduating with Honors: “Without Honors I wouldn't have developed as strong a relationship with professors to help me have strong letters of recommendation for graduate school applications. The capstone project was something I took a lot of pride in; an experience I wouldn't have had without Honors.”
Undergraduate major: Mathematics Education
Undergraduate graduation year: 2013
Any other additional degrees: M.A. in STEM Teaching (Western Michigan University)
Current title: High School Mathematics and Student Council Teacher, Dual Credit Instructor at Northwest Nazarene University, Online Adjunct Faculty at Brigham Young University—Idaho
Quote on the value of graduating with Honors: “My USU Honors experience set me up for success. Honors helped me get full ride scholarship for my master’s degree that opened up the doors for a lot of opportunities that I enjoy today!”
Undergraduate major: Biochemistry
Undergraduate graduation year: 2016
Any other additional degrees: M.S. in Biochemistry (USU)
Current title: Medical Scientist Training Program Fellow (MD/PhD Student)
Quote on the value of graduating with Honors: “The single most influential program of my career path was the USU Honors Program. The faculty I met and the research I conducted while in the USU Honors Program laid the foundation for me to pursue a physician-scientist career.”
Undergraduate major: Biological Engineering
Undergraduate graduation year: 2017
Any other additional degrees: M.Eng. in Environmental Engineering (Utah State University); Ph.D. in Engineering Education (Utah State University)
Current title: Assistant Professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato
Quote on the value of graduating with Honors: “One of the best opportunities Honors gave me was the ability to take courses with the best professors and fellow Honors students. Those courses were able to challenge me and test me to think outside my comfort zone, rather than just trying to get my generals out of the way in the easiest way possible. The benefits of having a specialized team to lead me through my college experience was very valuable. Honors also encouraged me to pursue research efforts I may not have otherwise and finish what I started, which helped me to be at the point I am now.”
Undergraduate major: Sociology, Economics
Undergraduate graduation year: 2016
Any other additional degrees: Master of Public Policy (The George Washington University)
Current title: Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. State Department
Quote on the value of graduating with Honors: "Graduating with Honors from USU signals that you have worked with the Honors Program to go above-and-beyond your program's traditional courses of study and started making contributions to your field. Honors students at USU have a strong history of rigorous independent research, vibrant professional networks, enriching travel opportunities, and competitiveness for prestigious national scholarships. USU Honors really provides the way to take your studies to a whole new level."
Undergraduate major: Economics
Undergraduate graduation year: 2018
Any other additional degrees: Masters of Development Economics (University of Oxford)
Current title: Investor
Quote on the value of graduating with Honors: “Participating in the Honors Program provided a unique support network and access to a group of people that pushed me above and beyond my regular coursework—it's not common to have conversations about Shakespeare, genetics, and philosophy during a regular economics class, and I am grateful I had the chance to learn these things from my (much smarter) peers in the Honors Program.”
Undergraduate major: Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences
Undergraduate graduation year: 2019
Any other additional degrees:
Current title: Senior Veterinary Student at The Ohio State University
Quote on the value of graduating with Honors: “The Honors Program was the highlight of undergraduate career. I learned to think critically, to creatively solve problems, and to step outside of my comfort zone to learn new things. I can confidently say that Honors changed the trajectory of my career, and I am forever grateful for my time in the program.”