Honors Program

WHAT IS THE HONORS PROGRAM AT MHU?

The Honors Program is a unique program, that features a multi-disciplinary approach that complements and enhances the liberal arts program at Mars Hill University. It consists of honors mini-courses, which meet throughout the semester to supplement a student’s regular class load. These mini-courses focus on exciting topics with passionate faculty.  Some examples of current mini-course topics include a course in data analytics which helps students use analytics to distinguish fact vs. fiction, a course on cultivating historical empathy, and a course on modern stoicism which focuses on stoic philosophy in modern business management.  They are also enrolled in an FYS-111 section with their peers, this years version is taught by Dr. Matt Baldwin and is a Seminar on Excellence in Life, School and Work. Subtitled: The Good Life.

Students enrolled in the honors program also have special housing selections and access to the Honors Center, which is their own space to build community, connect, host movie nights and gatherings, and study.

The Honors Program is a scholarship program, with students receiving additional financial aid.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mars Hill University Honors Program enhances the university’s rigorous liberal arts education, graduating exceptional students who emerge as intellectually curious scholars and effective, principled leaders –at their institution, in their communities, and in the world.

A graduate of the Honors Program at MHU will:

• Demonstrate advanced skills in critical, creative, and independent thinking through multi-disciplinary study,
• Display exceptional written, oral, visual, and technological literacy to a variety of pertinent audiences,
  Exhibit a love of learning, risk-taking, and intellectual curiosity,
• Demonstrate effective research and information literacy skills in academic and civic environments,
• Demonstrate exemplary leadership abilities in the promotion of community and global awareness through active civil engagement, and
• Be an active member of a community that fosters friendship, scholarship, creative expression, and personal growth.

REQUIREMENTS

• Interview
• Recommendations: 2 required – recommended to be from teacher/instructor/mentor
• Academic Criteria – Two of three of the following must be met:
  • 1. Minimum 3.7 High School GPA
  • 2. Top 10% of graduating class
  • 3. Minimum SAT of 1170 OR minimum ACT of 24
• Applicants are interviewed by members of the Honors Council, who look for evidence of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, strong communication skills, cultural awareness, leadership potential, and creativity.
• Students in the program must maintain a 3.20 or better cumulative grade point average (GPA), must demonstrate regular progress toward completion of the program, and must live on campus in their first year and sophomore years.

Apply to the Honors Program