ABSTRACT
The needs of advanced learners for quality, content-based curriculum to support their growth clearly continue when students graduate from high school. No matter how selective an institution of higher education may be or how rigorous its standard curriculum, some students will still need more advanced learning experiences to support ongoing growth when they reach university level. The rise in honors programs on college campuses over the past 50 years can be seen in part as a recruitment effort from universities to draw talented learners. Universities may develop honors programs as a way to attract students who would likely have multiple options in making their college choice, so the offerings of an honors program may increase the appeal of one institution over another. Students enter honors programs and courses expecting to encounter advanced content. Honors courses are advanced versions of courses that are also offered at a "general" level and sometimes distinct courses that are offered only within the honors context.
