Honors

Honors programs at Fisher are designed for students who want more than a traditional business education. Through a highly intentional and immersive experience, beginning early in the undergraduate journey and continuing through graduation, honors students engage more deeply in their academics, apply their learning in complex, real-world settings and build the capabilities that set them apart from day one.

Students may apply to one of four specialized honors tracks or pursue an honors research distinction, offering a distinct pathway to deepen expertise, gain industry insight and graduate with a recognized diploma designation.

For students interested in bridging business and engineering, the Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) Honors Program provides a distinctive, interdisciplinary experience in partnership with the College of Engineering. Unlike other honors pathways, IBE has a separate application process completed after admission to Fisher and prior to the start of the first year.

  • Accounting Honors
    A rigorous, cohort-based program that builds deep expertise in accounting through economic analysis, communication and real-world application. Designed to prepare students for long-term success across accounting and business careers.
  • Finance Honors
    An intensive program focused on valuation, asset management and financial decision-making. Develop the analytical and technical skills sought by top firms in finance, consulting and beyond.
  • Honors Cohort
    A collaborative, interdisciplinary experience that strengthens critical thinking, communication and problem-solving across business contexts. Students learn alongside a close-knit cohort while exploring complex challenges that span industries.
  • Honors Leadership
    A distinctive program focused on developing principled, self-aware leaders through coursework, real-world application and a personalized leadership challenge. Combines business education with experiences that build perspective and purpose.
  • Honors Research Distinction
    An independent, faculty-guided research experience culminating in a thesis and formal presentation. Ideal for students interested in deep inquiry, academic research or graduate study.
  • Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) Honors
    A highly integrated, four-year program combining business and engineering to develop tech-savvy problem solvers. Graduate with a unique blend of analytical, technical and business expertise—plus a minor in engineering science or computer science.

Fisher honors eligibility and application requirements

Students begin their honors journey through university honors, which provides enriched coursework, priority registration and early access to advanced opportunities. From there, eligible students can apply to specialized Fisher honors programs or pursue an honors research distinction—the pathways that lead to an honors designation on the diploma.

Getting Started: University Honors

Students can begin in university honors in one of the following ways:

  • Incoming students: Apply through the Common Application prior to enrolling at Ohio State
  • Current Ohio State students: Eligible students (minimum 3.75 GPA and 12 graded credit hours) are invited to apply during the spring semester
  • Transfer students: Eligible after completing 12 graded credit hours at Ohio State with a 3.75 GPA and fewer than 60 total earned hours

University honors provides a strong foundation for pursuing Fisher honors programs and research distinction opportunities.

Applying to Fisher Honors Programs

Students typically apply to Fisher honors programs in the spring of their second year and should have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA.

To be well prepared, students are encouraged to complete the following coursework by the end of their second year:

  • ACCTMIS 2200 or 2200H (2200H required for Accounting Honors)
  • ACCTMIS 2300 or 2300H (2300H required for Accounting Honors)
  • BUSMHR 2292 or 2292H
  • BUSOBA 2320
  • BUSFIN 3220 (required for Finance Honors)

Prerequisites may vary slightly by program and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis with honors advisors and faculty directors.

Earning Honors Distinction

Participation in university honors alone does not result in graduating with honors from Fisher.

To graduate with an honors designation, students must complete one of the following:

  • A Fisher honors program, or
  • An honors research distinction project

Each pathway provides a distinct, high-impact experience and results in a diploma designation.

Maintaining Honors Enrollment

To remain in good standing in university honors, students must:

  • Maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA
  • Complete honors or upper-division coursework each year (typically at least one honors course per semester)
  • Progress toward admission into a Fisher honors program or apply for an honors research distinction by the end of the junior year

Upper-division enrichment courses typically include 4000- and 5000-level courses (excluding standard upper-division business core courses).

Approved Honors Course List

Use the below course list to view accepted honors courses:

Honors Course List

Questions? We’re here to help.

Connect with an honors advisor to explore your options and plan your path.