About the Honors Program

• What is the Honors Program?
• What qualifications do I need to be accepted into the Honors Program?
• What benefits will I receive from being in the Honors Program?
• How are Honors courses different from non-Honors courses?
• How do I apply for the Honors Program or find out more information about the program?

What is the Honors Program?

The Honors Program is designed to challenge students and provide opportunities for creative exploration and intellectual development. The program allows motivated students to fulfill thirty hours of core requirements in a more challenging, interdisciplinary environment. 

What qualifications do I need to be accepted into the Honors Program?

Generally, a student should rank in the top ten percent of his/her high school class, have a minimum ACT Composite Score of 26, and have a commendable high school record. These requirements are flexible, however, and any student with a strong academic background and an interest in more challenging, creative courses should apply.

What benefits will I receive from being in the Honors Program?

The principal benefit comes from experiencing the courses themselves. Honors students have close interaction with the Honors faculty and enjoy the atmosphere of being in courses with other Honors students.

Additionally, students who successfully complete thirty hours of credit in the Honors Program will receive an Honors Certificate and a notation of this achievement on official transcripts. Furthermore, students will receive the designation of Honors Scholar upon graduation.

As an Honors Student, you may apply for residence at Harvill Hall, where you will be in an environment with other high-achieving students. Also, you will be invited to become a member of the Laurel Wreath Society, an honor society which has the distinction of being the oldest student organization on campus

How are Honors courses different from non-Honors courses?

Honors courses are not simply regular courses which are harder or more work-intensive; the approach is different. Honors faculty are encouraged to adopt an interdisciplinary approach, and to create an atmosphere which challenges students. This may take many forms, such as bringing in outside speakers, encouraging lively classroom discussions, attending performances and other functions, and pursuing intensive research interests.

How do I apply for the Honors Program or find out more information about the program?

A link has been supplied to the Honors Application to the left. For more information on the Honors Program, you may contact the director, Dr. Linda Barnes, by emailing honors@apsu.edu or calling (931) 221-7119 or (931) 221-7403.