The Honors Program exists to challenge New Paltz Students beyond what is usually expected of them. It was designed around the philosophy that intense and rigorous courses, taught by outstanding instructors and filled with motivated, focused students would create the optimal learning environment.

The Honors Program is small, consisting of around 100 students. Once admitted to the Program, students take special Honors seminars, which are interdisciplinary and small in size (usually around 10 students). Unlike traditional lecture courses, Honors seminars emphasize dialogue and non-lecture based learning; students are expected to come to class with something to say and to actively participate in debate and discussion.