Program
The McNeese State University Honors College is for students with exceptionally strong academic records. The Honors College provides unique courses taught by exemplary professors as well as opportunities to enhance the educational experience outside of the classroom. Students interested in the Honors College should contact the director: Dr. Scott Goins, McNeese Honors College, MSU Box 93430, Lake Charles, LA 70609; telephone: (337) 475-5456 or (800) 622-3352 ext. 5456; email: sgoins@mcneese.edu
Criteria for Admission to Honors College
- Excellent high school record including a college-preparatory background
- Minimum GPA of 3.40 (on a 4.0 scale)
- ACT Composite score of 27, SAT Total score of 1280, or SAT combined Math and Critical Reading score of 1210 (prior to March 2016)
- Written essay
- Three letters of recommendation from teachers, principals, or guidance counselors
- Acceptance for admission to the University
- Students are admitted to the program on a competitive basis, and the number of admitted students may be limited.
Honors College Scholarship and Recognition
Students admitted to the program receive four-year academic scholarships covering the cost of tuition and fees (less any TOPS scholarship award) and partial room and board. Other opportunities for students include priority registration and individualized academic counseling, small class size with discussion-style format, and increased mentoring from professors. The program is supplemented by special honors events (seminars, field trips, and conferences), cultural opportunities, and social activities. Honors courses are designated on University transcripts, and recognition is given to Honors College graduates at commencement and on diplomas.
Elements of the Honors College
- Core Honors Courses. During the first year, honors students enroll as a group in unique core courses which satisfy general education requirements. These courses are designed to foster critical thinking, enhance written and oral communication skills, and promote classroom discussions.
- Honors Option Courses. Students choose the honors option designation in traditional courses by adding independent elements, e.g., a research paper/project or a presentation at a regional or national meeting, as decided by the professor of the course, department head, and director of the Honors College. Prerequisites for the Honors Option course designation include admission to University Honors College or 3.0 GPA and permission of department head. Students earning hours in courses with the Honors Option designation may not get credit for the traditional course of the same number.
- International Study Abroad. Students successfully completing the first two years in the honors program have the option to study abroad in established programs.
- Honors Independent Study. During the junior year, students can investigate a special topic through independent reading and writing, in-depth scholarly research, or completion of a creative project under the guidance of an honors professor.
Graduation Requirements for Honors College Designation
To earn the Honors College diploma, students must graduate with at least 24 honors hours and a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. The honors hours must be approved by the director of the Honors College and should include HUMN 105H; ENGL 204H or ENGL 221H; HONS 100 (2 hours); and HONS 200 (2 hours).
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