Honors College Program Learning Outcomes:

  1. Integration: Honors students will be able to integrate concepts and methodologies from a range of diverse disciplines and viewpoints through their participation in Honors seminars
  2. Research: Honors students will engage in research, using appropriate disciplinary and scholarly skills to produce a senior thesis
  3. Critical thinking: Honors students will continually develop their ability to think critically and independently by actively engaging in discussions of complex issues throughout the Honors curriculum
  4. Communication: Honors students will communicate clearly and precisely in multiple formats including written prose, verbal exposition, and audio/visual projects.
  5. Community Engagement: Honors students will engage in activities that promote civic mindedness, global citizenship, and the stewardship of our natural environment.

Honors seminars are capped at sixteen students, fostering close interaction with faculty and peers. There are also special sections of departmental offerings in chemistry, computer science, earth science, economics, mathematics, music, psychology, sociology, engineering, and physics. These courses are restricted to Honors students and are considerably smaller than regular departmental classes. Additionally, Honors students are routinely invited to join outstanding researchers in their laboratories or pursue independent studies with acclaimed scholars and artists in a variety of fields. 

Extending the dynamic energy that is at the core of all Honors classes, students also engage in social activities that further their personal and intellectual growth. Each academic year begins with a two-day excursion for incoming freshmen into the beautiful Hyalite Canyon, where students participate in vigorous hikes, book discussions, community building, and faculty presentations.

Students are encouraged to participate in service opportunities on campus and beyond, many of which are made available through the Honors College. Special lectures and symposia are also featured throughout the year. 

The Honors College provides assistance and guidance to students applying for major national and international scholarships. Our students enjoy an exceptional record of achieving such awards, and many go on to pursue research grants and fellowships at top graduate, medical, veterinary and law schools.

Students may graduate from the university with a degree in their major field plus an Honors Baccalaureate degree and distinctive medallion bearing the President's seal, which are both received during the Honors College commencement ceremony.

Watch the video below for Dr. Lee's advice on applying to the Honors College!

News

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Honors College dean finalists to visit campus
February 25, 2025
Bonnie Roos, Christopher Kolda and Richard Badenhausen will interview on campus, and each finalist will hold a public forum.
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MSU sees increased Indigenous enrollment in Honors
December 17, 2024
Programs like the college’s Honor Bound seek to create a close community between new students.
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Montana State students find research opportunities
September 23, 2024
The Undergraduate Research Fair connected MSU students with research opportunities.
Outdoor portrait of Paul Funk
MSU to award honorary doctorate to Paul E. Funk II
September 18, 2024
Funk, who graduated from Montana State in 1984, served in the Army for 42 years, 38 years on Active Duty and 4 years in the Montana National Guard.
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MSU kicks off International Seed Grant program
September 9, 2024
The Office of International programs announce the recipients of International Seed Grant awards and is looking for new applicants.