THE HONORS PROGRAM

Go directly to: Honors Program of Study

Peter Longo, Director
Jane Christensen, Associate Director

The Honors Program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney offers exceptional students an opportunity to explore in depth the intellectual and cultural concepts that have shaped our society. This four-year program enriches and supplements all academic majors at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. It provides students with small classes—small enough that the members can actively engage in discussion. This program also offers interdisciplinary seminars which bring together knowledge from various fields. Finally, the program offers an excellent opportunity for independent study.

While the Honors Program at UNK is primarily an academic program, it offers students a number of diverse social and personal opportunities. By choosing the Honors Hall, Men's Hall (a co-educational residence hall), students may engage in a unique living experience that provides a sense of community among Honors students, study groups, leadership opportunities, and social activities. Of course, since these students experience so much together, they also form lasting friendships with both their fellow students and their faculty. Those who participate in the Honors Hall experience a residential college at its finest.

Honors Program
Designed for students of high academic abilities and ambitions, the Honors Program offers an exciting and challenging experience in the Liberal Arts tradition. Specialized sections of Honors General Studies courses enhance student-faculty interaction, emphasize discussion in a seminar atmosphere, and increase opportunities for intellectual exploration. The four-year Honors Program enriches and supplements all academic majors in the university. The Honors Program also offers interdisciplinary seminars, and excellent opportunities for undergraduate research and independent study.

Academic Aspects
The Honors Program offers a four-year academic program which traditionally requires that students complete twenty-four hours of Honors courses spread over the entire collegiate career. During the first four semesters students are required to take four courses, or twelve (12) hours from the General Studies requirements, at least one Honors course per semester. During the final four semesters, students must complete twelve (12) hours of Honors Options, which are chosen from the 300-400 (junior/senior) level courses taken from their disciplines; the final Honors Option is considered the Honors Senior Study.

Admissions Criteria

1. First-time freshmen must have a minimum ACT score of 26 or above, rank in the top 25% of their high school class, complete a writing sample and provide two academic letters of reference.
2. Upon completing 12 credit hours students currently enrolled at UNK may apply for admission to the Honors Program. These students must have at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, must complete a writing sample (same topics as above), and must interview with the Director and Associate Director.
3. Admittance to the Honors Program is by invitation of the Directors.

Scholarships

1. The Honors Program offers Honors scholarships to incoming freshmen based on ACT scores, high school GPA, class rank and the writing sample. Students who remain in the Program and in good standing (maintenance of a 3.25 cumulative grade point average) may hold these scholarships for four years. Honors scholarship winners may hold tuition or other scholarships as well.
2. Traditionally, two or three students in each incoming freshman class receive the Omaha World Herald/Kearney Hub Scholarship. This scholarship provides tuition, room, board, fees, and books for four years, again with maintenance of a 3.25 cumulative grade point average.
3. Students currently enrolled in the Honors Program can earn an Honors scholarship with a GPA of 3.7 or higher.

For additional information contact: