Macaulay Academic Requirements

Macaulay Honors College students at John Jay are University Scholars who have been selected for their potential to achieve high academic standards at the College and to become future leaders. The following are the minimum academic requirements necessary for graduation. It is your responsibility to be familiar with all requirements and to be aware of policy changes.

  • As a University Scholar, you must achieve an overall GPA of 3.3 by the end of your freshman year and maintain a 3.5 GPA by the end of sophomore year and thereafter. If your GPA falls below the required level, but it seems likely that you can meet that standard, academic probation for one semester may be possible.
  • If you fail one of the four Honors Seminars, you will be dismissed from Macaulay Honors College.
  • In addition to the four Macaulay seminars, you must successfully complete a minimum of four additional honors courses.
  • You must complete honors in the major whenever available, or a senior thesis or a capstone project.
  • Failure to meet the requirements and standards of the Honors College will result in dismissal and the termination of the University Scholar Scholarship and all associated privileges. Dismissal from the Macaulay Honors College does not necessarily mean dismissal from John Jay College.

All Honors College students must fulfill the John Jay College General Education requirements as established in the John Jay College 2013 Undergraduate Bulletin. The bulletin can be accessed online here. The Macaulay academic advisor will assist you with degree planning and in the selection of courses.

You must also

  • Submit a yearly FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and a New York State TAP (Tuition Assistance Program - for New York State residents only) application. Click here for FAFSA and TAP step-by-step instructions.
  • Engage in at least ten hours of community service during each of the first three years in the Macaulay Honors College for a minimum of 30 community service hours.
  • Successfully complete an internship, undergraduate research project or an accredited study abroad program.
  • Attend Honors College Common Events over the course of all four years in the Macaulay Honors College.

Contact Us

Aisha Abdelmula, Macaulay Advisor
aabdelmula@jjay.cuny.edu