Honors Programs
Enhance Your Educational Experience
Sierra College offers two distinct honors pathways: Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), an international honor society, and our in-house Honors Contract Program.
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the premier internationally recognized honor society for two-year colleges, established in 1918. Membership is widely recognized by four-year colleges and universities and enhances transfer applications and scholarship opportunities.
- Eligibility: Completion of at least 12 degree-applicable units at Sierra College with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- How to Join: Qualifying students receive an invitation email each fall (September) and spring (March) with the subject line: “Congratulations! You qualify to join PTK!” Follow the instructions in the email to register with the national organization. No ongoing obligations are required once enrolled.
- Local Sierra College Chapter: Our campus chapter meets regularly to organize community volunteer service and leadership projects. National membership is not required to participate in local meetings or volunteer work. All are welcome!
To learn more about national membership, visit www.ptk.org. To join the Sierra College PTK community and access meeting schedules, enroll in our Canvas shell.
Honors Contract Program
The Honors Contract Program allows students to earn honors recognition on individual courses by collaborating directly with professors on advanced, meaningful academic work.
How It Works
- Advanced Coursework: In any credit course taken for a letter grade, a student and instructor design an honors contract outlining supplementary, advanced work to be completed during the course
- Transcript Recognition: Successfully completing an honors contract earns the official designation “Completed with Honors” next to that course on your Sierra College transcript.
- Degree Distinction: Completing five honors contracts during your time at Sierra College awards the “Completed with Honors” designation on your degree itself.
Starting a Contract
- Initiation: Either a student or professor may initiate the conversation about working on an honors contract for a given course, typically within the first few weeks of the semester. View a sample honors contract.
- Faculty Discretion: Faculty supervision is voluntary. If a professor cannot supervise a contract during a given term, students are encouraged to reach out to their other course instructors.
- Academic Focus: While you may complete an honors contract in any eligible class, we strongly encourage focusing contracts in the discipline or career field you plan to pursue beyond Sierra College to build relationships with faculty mentors in your field.
Contact Us
For any questions, you may contact the Honors Program Coordinator and PTK Faculty Advisor.
Honors Program
Building W