Gies Business Honors Programs

James Scholars

The James Scholar Program encourages high achieving undergraduates to expand scholastic opportunities beyond the minimum requirements. Named for one of the University of Illinois's distinguished presidents, Edmund P. James, this program recognizes students of extraordinary ability and achievement. High-achieving admitted freshmen will be invited to enter the Gies College of Business as part of the James Scholars program. All Gies College of Business students have the opportunity to become James Scholars once they demonstrate outstanding academic achievement as a freshman student. The top 5% of the freshman class will be invited to apply to join the James Scholar Program for their sophomore year.

Gies Scholars

Around 40 incoming freshmen will be selected for the Gies Scholar Program, which includes special seminars, intensive dialogue with Gies College of Business faculty and business leaders, and international travel. Along with academic achievement, we're looking for leadership skills, social diversity, creativity, community service activities, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. You're considered for the Gies Scholar Program after extensive review of your admissions application and an interview.

Other Gies College of Business Honors

Dean's List

The Dean's List is prepared each semester to honor all students whose grade-point average for that semester is in the top 20% of the college. Other eligibility criteria include completion of at least 12 hours of course work in which traditional letter grades are earned (effective 2017-2018 academic year).

No consideration is given for the Dean's List until final traditional grades are submitted for courses designated EX and DF.

Students who are named to the Dean's List are notified via their University email account and will receive a certificate upon request.

If you believe you should be placed on the Dean's List as a result of a grade change or a grade received more than a month after the end of the semester, notify the Office of Undergraduate Affairs (217-333-2740) to ensure that corrective action will be taken.

College Honors

Students receive the designation Honors if they have a cumulative University of Illinois grade-point average of at least 3.5 at graduation. High Honors: Students receive the designation High Honors if they have at least a 3.75 grade-point average at graduation. Highest Honors: Students receive the designation Highest Honors if they have at least a 3.90 grade-point average at graduation.

Beta Gamma Sigma

Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student (anywhere in the world) can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have spent at least one full academic year at the UofI and are in the top 10% of their respective classes are eligible for membership in this honor society.