Overview

The MU Honors Program seeks to attract motivated and academically accomplished students, and provide an interdisciplinary educational program; provide unique learning opportunities that engage and challenge students; develop a close mentoring relationship between students and faculty across disciplines; develop student leaders who are actively involved on-campus and in their community; promote the mission of Manchester University to graduate persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition; and provide opportunities for faculty to challenge their own teaching/learning in an environment with motivated students.

Eligibility and Applying

There are a few ways you can join the Honors Program at Manchester University:

1. You can be invited to apply.

• Prospective students who submit a completed application for admission by May 1, AND are rewarded a Presidential or Dean's Scholarship will be invited to apply to the Honors Program.

2. Students already enrolled or who are transferring to Manchester University must: 

• have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, with at least 12+ credit hours
• complete the online application (Honors Program Application)
• return Faculty Recommendation to the Honors Director (Pam Haynes)   Faculty Recommendation Form Honors Program
  

Scholarships

High school seniors who are admitted to the University and awarded a Presidential Scholarship and apply for the Honors Program & attend Scholarship Day (Dec. 2, 2023) will be considered for our top academic scholarships. Though the final deadline for applying to the Honors Program is May 1, Presidential Scholarship recipients who apply by Monday, November 27, 2023, are in the pool of candidates considered for these top scholarships:

Honors Scholarship

One Honors Scholarship is awarded, and it covers tuition, fees, room and board per year (for up to four years). The Honors Scholarship replaces the Presidential Scholarship. Honors Scholars must maintain a 3.5 CGPA, maintain active status in the Honors Program, and graduate with Honors & Achievement from the Honors Program. 

Trustee Scholarship

Five Trustee Scholarships are awarded to the top five alternates for the Honors Scholarship, and they are up to $24,000 per year (for up to four years).  The Trustee Scholarship replaces the Presidential Scholarship. Trustee Scholars must maintain a 3.5 CGPA, maintain active status in the Honors Program, and graduate with Honors from the Honors Program.    

Scholarship Review process

All Presidential Scholars will be invited to Manchester University's Scholarship Day on Saturday, December 2nd for a unique opportunity to interview with faculty and current students of the Honors Program to determine acceptance into the Honors Program and so that the Honors Committee can narrow down finalists and award the Honors and Trustee Scholarships. All applicants who attend will receive letters by mid-December on these decisions.  

All scholarship details for Manchester scholarships can be found at: www.manchester.edu/scholarships

Honors Requirements

Students may receive 1 of 3 different levels of Honors recognition, depending on the number of honors courses they have completed. Honors courses cannot be taken on a Pass/No-Pass basis.

I.      Honors and Achievement.
This honors recognition is given to the student who has maintained a cumulative 3.5 GPA and who has completed a minimum of 18 hours of honors coursework, 9 hours outside of major, 6 hours in major, as well as 3 hours of honors theses (IDIV 495).   

II.     Honors.
This honors recognition is given to the student who has maintained a cumulative 3.5 GPA and who has completed a minimum of 12 hours of honors coursework (which can include FYS-H). At least 6 hours of coursework needs to be a the 300-400 level.

III.    Achievement.
This honors recognition is given to the student who has maintained a cumulative 3.5 GPA and who does not complete the required number of honors courses to qualify for Honors, but does complete 3 hours of Honors Thesis (IDIV 495). To qualify, students must apply no later than the beginning of their senior year and must have a strong recommendation from an instructor. 

The Goals of the Honors Program:

• Students will challenge themselves with complex perspectives and interdisciplinary ideas through Honors course opportunities.
• Students will actively learn both in the classroom and from the diverse collection of experiences in our community.
• Students will develop into leader’s on-campus and in the community by being actively involved in the Honors Program.
• Students will build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and peers through the First Year Writing Seminar, Honors Program Events, Honors Leadership Council, and the Honors Thesis.
• Students will generate professional skills in formal writing, oral presentations, and intellectual dialogue as demonstrated through the Honors Thesis.

Advantages

There are many advantages to being a part of the MU Honors Program, but the focus in our program is that you get to create your own experience. At MU honors students can select pre-arranged honors courses (where the honors project is already outlined by the faculty member) or they can plan conversions in courses they are already enrolled in. Our goal is to facilitate a community of honors students in courses in meaningful ways that promote the learning for all MU students.

Active students in the honors program also have the benefit of registering early for their following semester’s classes, increasing the level of control students have over their course schedules. Students are able to develop close relationships with fellow honors students as they participate in honors program sponsored events. Students are able to demonstrate to graduate schools and employers that they challenged themselves while obtaining their college degree. Students develop their leadership through the Honors Leadership Council student group, and by getting involved on campus and in the local community through service projects. Finally, students are recognized at graduation and wear special honors regalia to recognize their achievements while at MU.