Rowan University’s John H. Martinson Honors College (formerly the Honors Concentration) is a special academic community designed for high-achieving, motivated students who want to enhance their undergraduate experience. Open to students of every major, it provides enriched coursework, mentoring, leadership, and unique experiences. Rowan Today+3Rowan Sites+3Rowan Sites+3
Here’s what you gain from being part of the Honors College and what the program offers.
What Is the Martinson Honors College?
- The Honors College is home to the Thomas N. Bantivoglio Honors Concentration, open to students from any major. Rowan Sites+1
- It was founded in 1989, became an Honors College officially in 2017, and was renamed after a major $5 million gift by John H. Martinson in 2022. Rowan Sites+1
- Its mission is to foster what Rowan calls “citizen scholars” — students who think critically, lead with integrity, engage in service, and explore interdisciplinary approaches to learning. Rowan Sites+2Rowan Sites+2
Benefits of the Honors College
Here are key advantages of joining the Honors College at Rowan:
- Enhanced & Interdisciplinary Coursework
You take Honors courses each semester, including unique interdisciplinary classes and enhanced versions of discipline-specific courses. These classes often involve more discussion, field trips, and in-depth study. Rowan Sites+2Rowan University Admissions+2 - Alternative Course Experiences (ACEs)
Honors students can count certain experiences (study abroad, internships, research, graduate-level courses) toward Honors credit via the ACE system. This gives flexibility and allows real-world learning to be part of your honors requirements. Rowan Sites+1 - Strong Mentoring & Advising
You’ll have Honors advisors in addition to your major advisors, peer mentoring, and structured first-year support (BLAST) to help you transition and succeed in college. Rowan Sites+1 - Priority Registration & Honors Housing
Honors students often get early registration for courses so they can choose their schedule first. There’s also honors cluster housing (learning communities) and access to specialized wings or floors. Rowan Sites+2Rowan Sites+2 - Community & Co-Curricular Activities
The program includes social, cultural, wellness, and leadership events, service opportunities, speaker series, field trips, and more. You have to attend events each semester in three categories: Think (academic), Thrive (wellness/professional), Share (service) to stay active. Rowan Sites+2Rowan Sites+2 - Funding & Opportunities
Thanks in part to the Martinson gift, Honors students get more access to paid research positions, spring break service trips at no extra cost, funding for study abroad, and support for attending academic or professional conferences. Rowan Today+1 - Recognition on Diploma & Transcript
When you graduate, the Honors Studies (Concentration) appears on your diploma. This distinction can help in graduate school applications, scholarship applications, or when applying for competitive jobs. Rowan Sites+1
Requirements & What You’ll Need to Do
To stay in the Honors College and enjoy these benefits, there are obligations. These make sure students remain engaged and maintain the academic standards. Here are the main requirements:
- Take 8 Honors courses by graduation (or proportionate number if you transfer in or graduate early). Rowan Sites+1
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 to graduate with Honors; to remain in good standing you need at least a 3.33 GPA each semester. Rowan Sites
- Enroll full-time and take at least one Honors course in your first semester after entering Honors. Rowan Sites+1
- Participate in co-curricular / extracurricular events each semester: Think, Thrive, Share events (academic, wellness/professional, and service) to maintain involvement. Rowan Sites+1
Opportunities & Outcomes
- Students in Rowan’s Honors College have earned prestigious awards such as Goldwater Scholarships in STEM fields. Rowan Today
- Graduates often go on to competitive graduate schools, external fellowships, or high-impact roles in business, research, public service. Rowan Today
- The Honors College helps expand perspectives through field trips, service experiences, cultural events, and interdisciplinary learning. This develops well-rounded skills — communication, leadership, critical thinking. Rowan Sites+1
Is It Right for You?
Here are some things to think about if you’re considering applying:
Pros
- Strong academic and personal growth
- More support (mentoring / smaller classes)
- Greater chances for research, study abroad, conferences
- Recognition on transcript/diploma
Potential Challenges
- You need to maintain higher GPA standards
- The requirement to take Honors courses and attend activities adds to workload
- Some Honors offerings (courses or housing) may require extra planning
How To Apply / Join
- Incoming first-year students and transfers can apply to Honors once they have accepted admission to Rowan. Rowan Sites
- There’s an Honors Application Essay and Recommendation Form to fill out. For first-year, there are deadlines (example: recommendation form deadline, etc.) specific to Honors admittance. Rowan Sites
- You must enroll full time, major in an eligible program, and commit to Honors course requirements when you apply. Rowan Sites+1
Summary
The John H. Martinson Honors College at Rowan University offers academically driven students a richer, more challenging, and supportive undergraduate experience. With enhanced courses, community-focused events, priority registration, special funding, and recognition, Honors students get extra tools for success. If you’re academically motivated, enjoy being part of a tight-knit community, and are ready to put in the work, Honors could give you a strong boost both while you study and afterward.