The Lander University Honors College
The Lander University Honors College is a community of academically gifted students who seek challenges beyond the typical classroom experience.
Lander University Honors College members
• Take specially designed Honors classes that explore topics in depth and encourage student interaction;
• Participate in faculty-led and independent research opportunities and present scholarly work at conferences and showcases;
• Enjoy a wealth of opportunities to participate in national and international study;
• Create a culture of academic excellence by taking part in cultural and social activities locally; and
• Upon completion of all Honors College requirements will receive special recognition upon graduation.
Admission and Enrollment
Admission to the Lander University Honors College is competitive.
Incoming first-year Lander freshman who wish to apply for admission to the Honors College should:
• Have a combined Math/Critical Reading SAT score of at least 1170 or a composite ACT score of at least 24, or submit additional documents in lieu of test scores; and
• Complete an application form; and
• Provide sufficient evidence of promise of academic excellence based on:
o An academic writing sample or creative portfolio;
o Two letters of recommendations from mentors, including one from a person who can address the quality of the student’s academic promise; or
o An interview with the Honors Committee.
Currently enrolled Lander students and transfer students who wish to apply for admission to the Honors College should:
• Have an overall university GPA of 3.5 or above;
• Complete an application form; and
• Provide sufficient evidence of promise of academic excellence based on any one of the following:
o An academic writing sample or creative portfolio;
o Two letters of recommendation from university faculty; or
o An interview with the Honors Committee.
To continue enrollment in the Honors College, a student must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 and remain active in Honors coursework or activities.
If space is available, students who are not members of the Honors College may register for individual honors courses with instructor permission and Honors Director.
Honors College Curriculum
To complete all Honors College requirements, students take at least 15 hours of honors-level coursework and complete some additional challenges, as outlined below. The honors curriculum is designed to promote active learning and global awareness. Honors courses emphasize student-driven discussion, depth of inquiry, and independent and small-group learning. Other honors experiences encourage academic travel and professionalization.
Gateway Courses (4 credit hours of required coursework)
HONS 210.HONORS TRAVEL LABORATORY 1 credit hour
HONS 211.HONORS TOPICS IN THE HUMANITIES
(*General Education – Humanities and Fine Arts) 3 credit hours
Core Courses (at least 9 hours of coursework, selected from offerings below)
HONS 291.HONORS TOPICS IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS
(*General Education - Behavioral and Social Perspectives) 3 credit hours
HONS 292.HONORS TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION
(*General Education – Humanities and Fine Arts) 3 credit hours
HONS 293.HONORS TOPICS IN LABORATORY SCIENCE
(*General Education – Scientific and Mathematical Reasoning) 4 credit hours
HONS 294.HONORS TOPICS IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
(*General Education – Behavioral and Social Perspectives) 3 credit hours
HONS 295.HONORS TOPICS IN FINE ARTS
(*General Education - Humanities and Fine Arts) 3 credit hours
HONS 296.HONORS TOPICS IN HISTORY
(*General Education - Behavioral and Social Perspectives) 3 credit hours
HONS 297.HONORS TOPICS IN LITERATURE
(*General Education - Humanities and Fine Arts) 3 credit hours
HONS 298.HONORS TOPICS IN SCIENCE
(*General Education – Scientific and Mathematical Reasoning) 3 credit hours
HONS 299.TOPICS IN MATHEMATICS
(*General Education – Scientific and Mathematical Reasoning) 3 credit hours
HONS 389.DIRECTED INDEPENDENT STUDY 1-3 credit hours
HONS 390.SPECIAL TOPICS 1-4 credit hours
HONS 393.HONORS TOPICS IN WORLD CULTURES
(*General Education - World Cultures) 3 credit hours
*Some majors require students to take specific courses for certain General Education categories. Consult major advisor and major program requirements.
Students may pursue unique projects through individual or small group tutorials with the approval of the Honors Committee.
Break Away
Students will spend a semester or summer going beyond the traditional classroom experience. Options include study abroad, study away, internships, and directed independent research. Break Away plans are proposed by the student; the proposal form and instructions are available on the Honors College webpage. Break Away Proposals must be approved by the Honors Advisors.
Capstone Experiences (2 hours of required coursework)
HONS 489.HONORS REFLECTION SEMINAR 1 credit
HONS 499.HONORS CAPSTONE SEMINAR 1 credit