The Merced College Honors Program continues to grow and provide students with a more meaningful and challenging college experience. Honors Coordinator Professor Jacqueline Alvarez says the program is designed to help students develop academically, personally and creatively.
The goal is not just to prepare students for university-level work, but to give them the confidence to succeed when they get there.
Alvarez explained that the Honors Program is designed to challenge students in a way that goes beyond the structure of regular courses. Honors classes focus more on discussion, critical thinking, independent analysis and creative expression. Additionally, being part of the Honors Program can make a student’s university application stand out.
While the program aims to prepare students for the expectations of a four-year university, it also encourages students to take ownership of their learning rather than simply memorizing information.
Smaller class sizes give students more frequent interaction with instructors, leading to stronger academic support and more chances to ask questions or explore topics in depth.
Alvarez described the program as something that invites students to grow beyond grades alone. “Honors is about personal growth as much as academic success,” she said.
For spring 2026, Merced College plans to offer courses in philosophy, humanities, an Honors Seminar on Sex and Love, and Honors Critical Reasoning and Writing.
As student interest continues to rise, the program expects to add more classes in the future. This ongoing expansion reflects the growing demand for academic pathways that push students beyond traditional coursework.
