James M. Seneff Honors Program

The James M. Seneff Honors Program in the College of Business is an elite honors program that is based on the joint collaboration of the University Honors Program and the College of Business. The highly competitive program is available to a select number of motivated university honors students majoring in business. 

Seneff Scholars gain experience and knowledge through educational activities, volunteer experiences and a personalized one-on-one mentorship program. They have priority access to honors courses in the College of Business, special meetings with elite business leaders, a mentorship program and unique experiential learning opportunities.

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Eligibility

To apply, you must:

• Be a current University Honors student in good standing
• Be a business major or conditionally admitted to the College of Business, which for most students occurs in the semester when they are enrolled in Managerial Accounting (ACG 2071)
• Have at least one full academic year remaining after acceptance into the program (for example, students applying in Fall 2025 must have an undergraduate graduation date of Spring 2027 or later)

Students who meet these criteria receive an email invitation to apply on August 1.

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Program Requirements

Being a Seneff Scholar means being active in the life of the College of Business. Scholars attend professional events, complete a cohort course, and take part in service. They are encouraged to pursue honors enrichment opportunities such as research, case competitions, or graduate coursework. Just as important, Scholars are expected to maintain good standing with the University Honors Program and the College of Business, and to represent the program with professionalism and integrity.

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Benefits

Support & Resources

• Professional development scholarship
• LinkedIn Premium membership
• Annual book stipend to encourage continued learning

Experiences

• Corporate tours in major U.S. cities, providing direct exposure to leading firms and alumni
• An annual weekend retreat featuring presentations and dinners with Mr. and Mrs. Seneff, along with distinguished guests such as former senators, congressmen, authors, corporate executives, and nonprofit leaders
• Cohort development programs that build leadership skills, collaboration, and group cohesion

Community

• A close-knit cohort where Scholars consistently describe the relationships they build as the highlight of their experience
• Trust, support, and camaraderie that extend beyond graduation and into their careers

Career Outcomes

• These resources and relationships translate into proven success, with 100% placement in jobs or graduate programs
• Scholars have launched careers with organizations such as:
  • Big Four accounting firms: Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC
  • Leading banking and finance firms: JPMorgan, Citi, Citizens, William Blair, Raymond James, among others
  • Corporate and industry leaders: Tiffany & Co., Johnson & Johnson, Chevron, Nextera, Swiss Re, Stanley Robotics, NASCAR, Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Professional sports organizations: New York Mets and Gotham FC
• Graduate school placements include law at Harvard, Emory, Boston College, FSU, and UF; MBAs at Virginia, Georgia, and FSU; and PhDs at FSU and Alabama

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Connect with Current Scholars

Want a student’s point of view on the program, workload, and community?
A list of current Seneff Scholars can be found on the Seneff website. Most of the students in the previous cohort are still on campus and are happy to meet with you. This is an excellent opportunity because not only can these students tell you about the Seneff experience, but they are also quite accomplished in many areas of the College of Business. They offer a wonderful peer perspective.

Scholars can be contacted directly through their FSU email or via LinkedIn to arrange a conversation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?
Eligible students receive an invitation to apply on August 1. The application includes short essay responses, a letter of recommendation, and a current resume. Applications are reviewed by the College Honors Committee, with selected students invited to interview before final selections are made in October.

What is the time commitment?
The program offers many professional development opportunities, and you should expect to devote meaningful time to them. We will not ask you to miss class or cancel prior commitments. Be aware that the opportunities are extensive, and taking advantage of them takes real time and energy.

What makes a strong application?
Academic strength is expected. What sets candidates apart is character, work ethic, and professionalism. We also strive to ensure that each cohort is composed of students who represent different majors, personality types, and backgrounds. Scholars are often invited to attend events with executives, alumni, and other guests, so being comfortable and respectful in their interactions is essential.

Can I apply more than once?
Yes, and it is recommended. Given the competitiveness of the program, many sophomores do not get in during their first year of eligibility. Many current Scholars were admitted on their second attempt after using the extra year to build experiences and skills that strengthened their application.