The James Patterson Honors Program

The mission of the James Patterson Honors Program is to prepare a special group of Manhattan University students for successful, ethical lives. Each Honors student receives personalized coursework and advising, priority access to an extensive alumni mentoring network, and opportunities to take part in community and global engagement through Manhattan University connections.

A Pipeline to Success

The unique curriculum and extraordinary programming of the James Patterson Honor Program will transform students into polished leaders, ready to innovate, inspire, and change lives in positive ways.

In addition, in honor of their long-standing relationship with James Patterson, MasterClass has granted to the Manhattan University community an annual subscription to all its premium content, which includes online courses from top talent in fields ranging from business to sports to filmmaking.

Come Build Your Story

Inspired and supported by one of Manhattan University’s most illustrious graduates, best-selling author James Patterson ’69, the Patterson Honors Program provides students with curated academic and leadership workshops, as well as professional development opportunities including internships, mentorships and research experiences.

Through the Patterson Speaker Series, students from the Honors program hear directly from leaders from varied industries and have plentiful opportunities to engage with them at events held throughout the academic year. Each Honors cohort receives enriched exposure and access to the endless possibilities of Manhattan University’s Jasper alumni network and the robust professional ecosystem of New York City.

Academics

The Honors program curriculum provides Patterson Honors students with advanced and academically engaging coursework. Honors students enroll in a first-year writing and oral communication sequence concentrating on written and oral modes of presentation.

Students also take at least four Honors-designated core and discipline-specific courses. Honors students take tailored, workshop-based one-credit courses on trends in industry and leadership development. In their senior year, students complete an intensive capstone or industry experience project, culminating in a presentation at the annual Honors Student Showcase.
Mentorship and Career Development

Practical, hands-on experiences are a vital aspect of the Honors program. Students enjoy networking and professional development activities offered by the Office of Career Pathways. Patterson Honors students will have access to an exclusive Mentor Program track, and will be connected with multiple mentors throughout their four years, including faculty, alumni, industry leaders and student peers.

The Honors program cohort will also have opportunities to attend prestigious University events, such as the biannual Horan Lecture Series, featuring groundbreaking leaders from the worlds of business, technology, athletics, architecture, healthcare, hospitality and more.

How to Join

For the Patterson Honors Program’s inaugural year, top prospective students will be informed of their selection when they are admitted to Manhattan University. Current honors and otherwise outstanding students will also be invited to apply.

MasterClass
In conjunction with the launch of the James Patterson Honors Program, Manhattan University is proud to announce a generous grant from MasterClass, the streaming platform that provides access to video lessons taught by the world’s best in the fields of arts and entertainment, writing, business, food, home and lifestyle, music, sports and gaming, and more.

The grant offers current Manhattan students and employees no-cost annual memberships to the entire MasterClass platform for one year. MasterClass is offering this extraordinary educational opportunity in honor of Manhattan University alumnus James Patterson ’69, who has been a MasterClass contributor since the platform’s inception.

From business and leadership to photography, cooking, writing, acting, music, sports and more, MasterClass delivers a world-class online learning experience. Video lessons are available anytime, anywhere on your smartphone, personal computer, Apple TV and FireTV streaming media players.

Memberships expire January 30, 2026.
- Instructions
  Go to: https://www.masterclass.com/auth/discovery
  
  Type in the organization URL: manhattan.edu (do not include your name or email)
  
  Click on Continue
  
  You will be directed to Manhattan University's Single Sign On (SSO) to complete authentication.
  
  Questions? Ask Us!

Media Mentions
Explore Our Programs

The James Patterson Honors Program at Manhattan University has recently been highlighted in the media for its commitment to academic excellence and student achievement.
- Associated Press News
- U.S. News and World Report

Explore Programs at the University

Manhattan University has a wide array of academic programs perfectly suited to your passions and career goals. Explore the University's complete list of undergraduate majors and minors, and 5-year programs below:

Majors and Minors 5-Year Programs

Questions on the James Patterson Honors Program?

Contact Dr. Michele Saracino, Executive Director of the James Patterson Honors Program at michele.saracino@manhattan.edu or (718) 862-7412.