About

About
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Forging Bright Futures

In 1986, the University of Pittsburgh established an honors college to meet the special academic and co-curricular needs of students who sought to elevate their undergraduate experiences. Now, as the David C. Frederick Honors College, our students have additional opportunities, incentives, and recognition for high academic attainment, and they use their time and talents to give back as global citizens and leaders.

Top of the Cathedral of Learning at night

Frederick Honors College Successes

The David C. Frederick Honors College is one of the oldest honors colleges in the nation, providing students with individualized learning and research opportunities, enhanced academic challenges, and an extensive network of driven peers and world-class faculty mentors.

Attracting High-Caliber Students

Attracting High-Caliber Students Our incoming class of 2027 boasts a 1501 average SAT; 34 average ACT; and 4.51 average GPA.

Championing Research

Championing Research Frederick Honors College provided more than 150 funded research experiences – Over $400,000 was allocated to student research funding in the 2022-23 academic year.

Producing Top Scholars

Producing Top Scholars Pitt named 2022-23 Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. students. Through the Office of National Scholarships and Post-Graduation Success, Pitt had nine Fulbright scholars in 2022-23.

Changing the Medical Landscape

Changing the Medical Landscape Anna Li, an MD/PhD candidate focusing on treating antibiotic resistant infections in cystic fibrosis patients, was named Pitt’s first ever recipient of the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans.

Commanding National Scholarships

Commanding National Scholarships Pitt students and alumni were awarded 57 national scholarships in the 2022-23 academic year.

Graduating With Honors

Graduating With Honors 111 received Honors distinction; 182 received honors degrees; 34 received Bachelor of Philosophy degrees (includes graduates from summer and fall 2022 and spring 2023).
Nicola Foote, dean of the David C. Frederick Honors College

Welcome to the Frederick Honors College

Nicola Foote has served as the dean of the David C. Frederick Honors College since July 1, 2021, a role she takes great pride in. As a scholar herself, Dean Foote seeks to make the Frederick Honors College an inclusive and welcoming space for all students as they pursue academic success.

Dean's Welcome

The Pursuit of Excellence
G. Alec Stewart
Honoring a Legacy

In 1979, Alec Stewart was asked to be the first director of the University Honors Program, thus laying the groundwork for what became the David C. Frederick Honors College.

Former Chancellor Patrick Gallagher, Sophie Lynn, and David C. Frederick
A Lasting Gift

In 2022, David C. Frederick and his wife, Sophie Lynn, made a transformative gift to the University of Pittsburgh, establishing the David C. Frederick Honors College.

Honors faculty and students gather outside of the
Exceptional Faculty

Frederick Honors College faculty members design innovative courses that challenge students to pursue interdisciplinary opportunities in and beyond the classroom.