University Honors

John R. Vile, Dean

The Honors College curriculum is designed with the needs of the superior student in mind. It is a University-wide program, leading to a degree with University Honors in a major of the student’s choice. Emphasis is on small classes, excellence of instruction, and interaction between students and professors.

The University Honors College is housed in the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building, a facility designed to provide a sense of community among high-achieving students.

Entering freshmen are eligible to participate in the Honors College if they have a minimum high school GPA of 3.50 and a 25 composite score on the ACT. Returning MTSU and transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater to enroll in Honors classes.

Participation in the MTSU Honors College does not afford students an automatic waiver of out-of-state tuition.

 Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the University Honors College, a student must

1. complete a minimum of 20 hours of lower-division Honors coursework;
2. complete a minimum of 4 hours of upper-division coursework (one hour of which must be a UH 3000 Honors Lecture Series);
3. complete a minimum of 3 hours interdisciplinary coursework (additional hours of interdisciplinary course hours may substitute for upper-division hours);
4. complete the Honors Thesis Tutorial, UH 4900, for 1 hour credit;
5. complete the Honors Thesis, UH 4950, an independent research or creative project, for at least 3 hours credit (an engraved University Honors College medallion is awarded);
6. have a minimum 3.25 GPA;
7. file an Intent to Graduate with University Honors form no later than the beginning of the semester of graduation.

Recognition

Students who graduate with University Honors

1. receive a certificate upon completion of 20 hours lower-division Honors coursework;
2. have all Honors coursework designated on their transcripts;
3. have University Honors College graduate designated on the official transcript and diploma;
4. wear special academic regalia at graduation.

Departmental or School Honors Offerings

Honors sections are offered in the following schools or departments:

Honors students may receive Honors credit in non-Honors upper-division courses under special circumstances (see Honors).

The Honors Living and Learning Center

Students who enroll in at least one 3-hour Honors class per semester qualify for residence in the Honors College Living and Learning Community in Lyon Hall. MTSU Housing and Residential Life has worked with the Honors College to create a total learning environment that unites the education and the residential experiences. Lyon Hall, located in the historic section of campus, is home to a diverse group of students from all academic disciplines and includes both Honors and non-Honors students. Recently renovated, Lyon Hall includes Miss Mary and McHenry Halls and can house 236 students. Qualifying students may request residency on a first-come, first-served basis and may request a specific roommate. Amenities include

• computer lab
• resident assistant on each floor
• meeting rooms and study rooms with carrels
• service-learning classroom
• floor lounges
• community kitchens and laundry facilities on every floor
• activities and programs to encourage community and academic growth
• blue bus route transports students to the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building with pickup every 5 to 10 minutes
• Honors advisor available during peak times

Publications

The Honors College publishes a semiannual Honors Magazine; Collage, a literary magazine that accepts poetry, short stories, photography, and art; and Scientia et Humanitas, an undergraduate and graduate research journal that accepts essays in natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Scholarships

The Honors College offers Buchanan Fellowships to 20 incoming freshmen a year, Honors Transfer Fellowships to 15 incoming transfer students a year, as well as additional achievement scholarships to MTSU undergraduates who have distinguished themselves in Honors courses.

Study Abroad

The Honors College provides support for a variety of study abroad opportunities. Students wishing to receive Honors credit must complete an Honors Study Abroad Intent Form and meet with representatives of the MTSU Abroad office and the Honors advisor prior to the trip

Undergraduate Fellowship Office

The Honors College is home to the Undergraduate Fellowship Office, which aids students interested in applying for Fulbright, Goldwater, Truman, Marshall, Mitchell, National Defense, USA-Today, and other national and international scholarships.