What is the Honors College?
Put simply, the Honors College is a community of high-achieving students at Missouri State University who have demonstrated a dedication to learning and are encouraged to reach their full potential through an enriched program of study, research, and recognition.
But the Honors College doesn’t exist solely in the classroom; it can be so much more!
Honors students are traditionally some of the most involved students at MSU, and many attain leadership positions in campus activities ranging from student government to marching band to sports. The Honors Council regularly hosts social and service programs that help to bring students together in a diverse academic community.
In short, the Honors College strives to give students a wide array of opportunities for personal growth across the whole spectrum of college life.
What academic advantages does the Honors College offer me?
An Honors education has many benefits:
- exceptional staff/faculty
- priority registration (students first to register in class)
- smaller class sizes
- broadened library privileges (4-month loan time, free inter-library loan)
- in-depth, personalized instruction
Many of our students also go on to complete Departmental Honors, a program of study which allows students research opportunities unavailable to most undergraduates. Finally, the broad, liberal arts focus of the program can give graduates of the Honors College a competitive edge when seeking employment or placement in, and funding for, graduate school and professional programs.
What are the requirements for membership?
To be eligible for admission, students must have done the following:
- Earned an ACT score of 27 or higher (or SAT of 1220 or higher)
- Graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class OR graduated high school with a 3.9 cumulative grade point average
- Applied and been admitted to Missouri State University
Current MSU students are eligible if they have maintained a 3.5 GPA in their undergraduate classes and apply no later than the first semester of their sophomore year. Applications can be found in Online Resources.
To continue membership in the Honors College, a student must maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA. As most of our students are on scholarships that require a 3.5 GPA, the grade requirement is rarely an issue.
For more information, please see Membership.
How big is the Honors College?
Currently, the Honors College is made up of approximately 950 students out of Missouri State University’s 16,000+ undergraduates. Honors students make up roughly 6% of the total undergraduate population.
What is the typical Honors student like?
There is no typical honors student! Students in the Honors College represent every major field and come from all parts of the United States and beyond. Part of the appeal of an Honors education is immersion in a group of peers from widely different backgrounds that have all demonstrated a love of learning.
How do I apply?
All students eligible for membership are invited upon their acceptance to the University. Prospective students merely need to return the reply form and attend their SOAR session to begin their journey in the Honors College.
Students not initially invited to join are eligible after the first semester if they have achieved a 3.5 GPA in their undergraduate classes at MSU and apply no later than the first semester of their sophomore year. Applications can be found in Online Applications.
Will I have to do any extra coursework?
Not at all! All Honors courses are offered as sections of required orientation and General Education classes. Every course a student takes as an Honors section is already required for their basic graduation; they are merely taking a an Honors version of their basic required courses.
How do Honors courses and regular courses differ?
Enrollment in Honors courses is typically limited to a maximum of 25 students. As a result, Honors sections provide enhanced opportunities for classroom discussion, in-depth study, and personal attention from the instructor. Additionally, Honors classes are taught by exceptional professors who have distinguished themselves both as scholars and teachers. Since the body of the class is made up of high-achieving students, grades may not be assigned according to the traditional bell-curve. Students do not compete with each other; they work together as a learning community and get the grade they earn.
For more information, please see Course Criteria.
Are Honors courses harder?
While everyone must answer this question individually, the majority of our students agree that Honors courses are NOT harder. In fact, some even claim they are easier! This is because Honors courses are tailored to the style of learning typical of students with high capabilities. The small class size, increased instructor attention, and emphasis on classroom discussion and writing make Honors course offerings the highlight of our students’ college education. Rather than saddling them with further intellectual burden, Honors courses offer students the chance to find and more fully express themselves in their learning.
What are the requirements to graduate with General Honors?
All Honors students are required to take at least six courses in the program. One of the courses, UHC 110: Freshman Honors Seminar, is an introduction to university life and is taken in the first semester. That leaves five Honors courses of the student’s choosing that need to be taken in the first five semesters. To ensure students get the best possible liberal arts education, these classes must have at least four different prefixes (a student may not take five Honors English classes, for example).
For more information, please see Program, or look at the handout Honors College in a Nutshell.
What are the requirements to graduate with Departmental Honors?
Students choosing to complete Departmental Honors, they will be required to complete 12 additional hours of coursework in their major area. Nine of these additional hours may be completed as either Honors course offerings within the major or Honors components added to regular coursework with permission of the Department Head. Students must also complete at least three hours worth of a senior project that is tailored to their interests.
For more information, please see Program.
Do I need Departmental Honors to graduate from the Honors College?
No. Departmental Honors is entirely optional.
Does the Honors College offer scholarships?
Currently, the Honors College does not offer any scholarships specific to Honors students, though we are in the process of finding a donor to remedy our situation. However, all Honors students are eligible for the general MSU scholarships offered to qualified freshmen upon admission. The majority of our students receive undergraduate scholarships and many are beginning to use their Honors College education to earn grants and fellowships for graduate study. In response to this trend, MSU has recently created the Fellowships Office to aide students in funding their professional education. For more information, please see Fellowships Office.
What is Honors Council?
Honors Council is a student organization that provides social and service opportunities to Honors College students. All members of the Honors program are automatically members of Honors Council. In the past, Honors Council has been involved with Habitat for Humanity and organized social events such as barbeques, ice cream socials, and dances.
What is the difference between Honors housing and regular housing?
Students choosing to live in Honors housing are privileged to live in a community dedicated to scholarship and intellectual development. Honors housing makes neighbors of some of the brightest students at Missouri State University and allows them to participate in special activities put on by the Honors Council. Demand for this housing is great so we suggest students apply early.
Do I have to live in Honors housing?
No. Honors housing is entirely optional.
Which facilities on campus provide Honors housing?
Scholars House is an entire residence hall exclusive to Honors College students. The eighth floor of Hutchens House serves as Honors Scholars Floor and is reserved for Honors students. Demand for this housing is great so we suggest students apply early. For more in-depth information on this subject, please visit Honors Housing.
Can I participate in Study Away as part of my Honors College experience?
Study Away options are an excellent opportunity for anyone and we encourage Honors students to capitalize on such an experience. Participation in Missouri State University’s variety of Study Away options in no way hinders graduation from the Honors College. In fact, the Honors College is developing Honors courses that take place in Rome and the Caribbean.
For more information, please see Study Away Programs.
If I have more questions, whom should I call?
The Honors College office can be reached at 1-417-836-6370. The office is located in University Hall Rm. 115 and open from 8-5 Monday thru Friday.