Honors Distinction Requirements – First Year Admits

Become a global citizen, ready to impact our interconnected world.

Honors Distinction

Achieving Honors Distinction showcases students’ exceptional dedication to both academic excellence and engagement in those global learning experiences synonymous with Northeastern University. It represents the mastery of the competencies essential for navigating the global community in which we live: intercultural competency, cross-cultural communication, and global citizenship. Honors Distinction elevates students’ profile with future graduate schools and employers and demonstrates their readiness to impact our interconnected world.

Honors Distinction Requirements

To graduate with Honors Distinction, students are expected to:

  1. Participate in 2 different signature NU Global Experiences (see options below)
  2. Complete GBST 1012 – The Global Learning Experience (1 Credit Hour)
  3. Complete the Global Work Citizen module (GEXO 0450, Non-Credit)
  4. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00
Signature NU Global Experience Options

Students can choose from a variety of signature NU Global Experiences:


Students who satisfy the requirements will receive Honors Distinction upon graduation, which will be officially notated on their university transcript. In addition, students who receive Honors Distinction are awarded the Honors Global Citizen badge. The Honors Program will advise students on global opportunities, academic planning, and financial resources.

Honors is dedicated to ensuring students who face barriers to earning Honors Distinction (such as disability, financial hardship, and academic restrictions) are accommodated to the best of their ability.