Welcome to the NSU Honors College

The NSU Honors College provides an exciting living and learning community dedicated to maximizing your college experience. It offers enhanced academic classes, social experiences and special programs for high-ability students in all majors. The Honors College is a community of scholars where critical thinking, curiosity, imagination and creativity are encouraged. Challenging courses, spirited debate, international study and research projects are all part of the Honors College experience. The preparation you receive here will set you apart and improve your global marketability in the career of your choice.

The Honors College has two component programs based on students’ majors: the prestigious DNIMAS program for selected math and science majors and the Alison J. and Ella W. Parsons Scholars program for all others.

The goals of the Honors College, in full support of the university’s overall mission, are

• to raise the level of academic standards and expectations at the university;

• to provide an enriched and challenging program of study for students who manifest exceptional academic potential and are willing to commit to a rigorous academic curriculum;

• to improve the university’s ability to attract, matriculate and graduate such scholars; and

• to enrich the entire university community by sponsoring and co-sponsoring worthwhile academic and co-curricular events.

Honors College Benefits

Academics
Honors courses are usually taught in small, intimate settings where students participate in a deeper exploration of topics presented by our world-class faculty and distinguished visiting scholars. The Honors College experience will extend beyond the classroom into the community (through service learning and internships) and into the world (through opportunities for travel and study abroad).

Scholarships
Renewable scholarship support for every major is available for students who apply early. DNIMAS students are supported by a full, four-year scholarship/grant-in-aid that is renewed on an annual basis. Parsons Scholars are eligible for partial to full scholarships covering tuition and fees.

Advising and Registration
The Honors College staff offers special advising for all Honors students, and all in good standing may pre-register. Juniors and Seniors who have completed the Honors Seminar have the additional privilege of customizing regular courses into Honors courses by agreement with their instructors.

The Honors College Residence Hall (Midrise)
As a Junior Fellow (the title given to all undergraduate participants in the Honors College), you will enjoy living in a learning community with computer labs, quiet study rooms, a Junior Common Room where student-led movie fests, news and debates take place, and a Senior Common Room for mingling with visiting scholars, artists and celebrities. Students also have access to a Scholar-in-Residence and to dozens of faculty and community mentors. Honors residents who are incoming students can also take the required orientation course right in the Honors Residence Hall.

Internships and Study Abroad
Guaranteed internships for a minimum of two summers or semesters allow you to explore your career choice first-hand. You will also have the option of studying up to one semester at an approved college or university abroad. Before you go, you will have the opportunity to learn and successfully speak a foreign language.

Graduation Honors
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 entering in Fall 2009 and thereafter 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. 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).

Additional Benefits

• Preparation for graduate school admissions tests,
• Free trips to Honors conferences
• Leadership training
• Opportunities for service learning and civic engagement
• Membership in the Honors College Student Association
• Free tickets to theater, opera and civic and cultural events.