The Robert C. Nusbaum Honors College (RCNHC) provides an opportunity for students to develop, sharpen, enhance, stretch and shine. Through exciting academic and social activities and events, students’ collegiate experience is maximized to support optimal development. We offer enhanced academic classes, co-curricular enrichment activities and special programs for high-ability students across all majors.
Honors in the RCN Honors College is more than grades—it is character, integrity, behavior, and attributes. Honors at NSU provides high-ability students supports and advocacy to shine in the midst of our complex global world!
The RCN Honors College emphasizes five core areas:
- Academic Excellence
- Professional Preparation
- Personal Growth & Development
- Social Interactions
- Community Service
Jordan Moody Interview
Academic Benefits
Whenever possible, Honors courses are taught in smaller, more intimate settings than regular classes. Students participate in a deeper exploration of topics presented by our world-class faculty and distinguished visiting scholars. The Robert C. Nusbaum Honors College experience will extend beyond the classroom into the community (through service learning and internships) and into the world (through opportunities for domestic travel and study abroad).
Scholarships
Most honors scholars are also Presidential and Provost Scholarship recipients. These scholarships are administered through the Office of Financial Aid. The RCN Honors College provides a small number of select scholarships.
Our scholarships are found here.
Please contact honors@nsu.edu for more information. In order to apply and receive such scholarships, students must be in good RCN Honors College standing, have a current FAFSA, and meet the requirements of each scholarship.
Advising and Registration
Students in the RCN Honors College receive advising from the Academic & Professional Enrichment coordinator along with faculty advisors. Once a junior, students are required toregister for the GST Honors Seminar. Once successfully completed, these scholars have the additional privilege to request the customization of regular courses into Honors courses. Such requests are at the discretion and approval of the course professors. These customization requests are due PRIOR to the start of the semester.
Honors housing | Midrise Honors Residential college
Honors Scholars (including incoming freshmen) may request to live in Midrise Honors Residential College Hall. This residential hall was renovated to support academic excellence through designated living spaces for study, relaxation and rest, with a computer lab, group/work rooms along with the Junior Commons RCN Honors College Room where students gather for various activities including in-person Honors Café on Tuesdays. To be considered for Midrise Honors Residential College students must submit their housing application before or by the deadline established by Housing and Residential Life. All specialized housing requests are at the discretion of Housing and Residential Life, on a first come/first serve basis.
Internships and Study Abroad
Each and every student in the RCN Honors College who desires an internship, will be supported through the process to locate, apply, secure and engage in such experiential learning. Working closely with the Office of Career Services, including use of the Handshake platform, students are supported through the marketing, and solicitation process, students often received paid internships for varying lengths—micro, summer, semester, and year-long opportunities.
In collaboration with the Office of Global Learning and International Programs, students have the opportunity to study abroad through NSU faculty-led programs for varying lengths. These opportunities vary across disciplinary interest, academic year, and other areas.
Robert C. Nusbaum Honors College Student Association (RCNHC Student Association)
The Robert C. Nusbaum Honors College Student Association is a registered club with Student Activities, serving as the voice of Honors Scholars. The RCNHC Student Association elects annually its officers including, president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, Miss RCN Honors College and Mister RCN Honors College among its active members. All students in the RCN Honors College are members of the Student Association.
The RCNHC Student Association plans multiple events through the year, participates in Homecoming, Royal Court activities, social and community service, along with supports students’ academic success through study groups, tutoring, and peer mentoring.
Graduation Honors
Robert C. Nusbaum Honors College graduates receive an Honors medallion and highest recognition at graduation as well as an NSU diploma in the major with an Honors College seal and endorsement. For a special diploma, students must complete 30 hours of Honors credits, including at least one Honors Seminar (GST 345 H or GST 445 H) or an approved capstone Honors research project in the major department (for DSHP students). Students entering NSU as transfers with an A.A. or A.S. or A.A.S. plus General Studies certificate degree may receive a special diploma with 18 hours of Honors credit (including at least one Honors Seminar or Honors capstone major project).
Types of Honors Courses
Honors courses are determined by the “H.” Examples include ENG 101H.01, SEM 101H and MTH 153H. Please review the current listing of H courses in the Course Registration Booklet.
Characteristics of an "H" Course
Honors courses generally require students to read, write and do more extensive research and engagement than in regular courses. Students are often asked to present, developing leadership skills. The extensive and enhanced opportunities in courses may be, but are not limited to:
- Increased challenging work that pushes you to explore, investigate, “stretch and shine”
- Increased exposure, experience and expectations
- An additional performance, exhibition or presentation
- An additional lab project, experiment or peer teaching
- An additional reading, paper, project and/or activity
Do note: the requirements will vary from course to course, but the general benefits are an advanced curriculum that prepares you for graduate school and other extensive opportunities while at Norfolk State University and beyond.