Athena Honors Program

Who are Athena Scholars?

Launched during the 2014-2015 academic year, the Athena Honors Program welcomes students who demonstrate academic achievement and potential in all fields of the Humanities and Social Sciences. The program invites applicants in disciplines including, but not limited to: 

Classics, Creative Writing, English, Film Studies, Gender Studies, History, Languages, Literature, Philosophy, Women and Gender Studies, Psychology (particularly the history of psychology, psychological theories, and the philosophy of mind), and other disciplines in the Social Sciences.

Athenas study with their cohort in a first year general Humanities course, followed by a second year, one semester course.  Athenas are invited to think across disciplines and to delve into subjects that consider how we form meaning in our lives and through our work. Through these introductory classes, Athena Scholars explore large philosophical questions concerning the quality and meaning of our lives.  Athenas consider how literature poses such philosophical questions.  The specially designated courses and activities available to Athena Scholars also allow students to hone their writing, oral, and critical thinking skills.

Scholars receive a tuition award for four years and priority access to both registration and residence life. Athena Scholars consult with the Program Director, a faculty mentor, and an academic advisor who will work to help them succeed at Hunter and to offer them guidance about graduate schools, career paths, and other academic and non-academic opportunities.