Discover Your Edge | MTSU Honors College

Elevate Your Academic Experience at MTSU Honors College

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) offers students an enhanced educational experience that actively expands their potential, curiosity, and career opportunities.

The Honors College is a top honors program that provides unique and enriching learning experiences. This includes face-to-face interactions with prominent guest speakers from diverse fields such as academia, science, business, politics, art, and religion. Additionally, with a strong focus on undergraduate research, MTSU Honors students consistently make significant contributions both locally in Tennessee and globally, preparing them for successful futures.

What makes the MTSU Honors College unique?

Becoming an Honors student reflects academic excellence, high aspirations, and dedication. The Honors program regards its students as some of the most elite and motivated individuals. Furthermore, they actively strive to maximize their college experience. As a result, Honors College students consistently demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

“I chose the Honors College for its smaller class sizes, providing an environment for increased interaction with professors and fostering a more personalized and engaging learning experience. Additionally, I joined to be part of a hardworking group that shares my values and aspirations—these are the kind of people I want to surround myself with.”

• Rand Hasan, Honors Ambassador and 2024 Biochemistry graduate

Opportunities for Cultural and Academic Enrichment

“See What’s Possible at MTSU” – featuring Honors Buchanan Fellow Victoria Grigsby

• Fulbright Awards
• Goldwater Scholarships
• Selection for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)
• Finalists for the Rhodes Scholarship, Marshall Scholarship, and Udall Award
• Recipients of Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, Boren Scholarships, Gilman Scholarships, JET Program, and Critical Language Scholarships

Honors students actively participate in study abroad programs and present their scholarly research at national and international conferences with full support, including trips to historically, scientifically, and culturally significant locations. These trips enrich students’ perspectives.

“Choosing the Honors College gave me the opportunity to study the subjects I’ve always wanted to learn about without the stress. Thanks to the Buchanan Transfer Fellowship, this was possible without the constant worry of the financial burden and debt weighing me down!”

• Lexi Flick, Buchanan Transfer Fellow, and 2024 Professional Studies graduate

A Thriving Honors Community

The MTSU Honors College offers a comprehensive liberal arts education within the dynamic setting of a major university, combining the best of both worlds. Students benefit from small, engaging classes taught by expert faculty, a nurturing academic environment that encourages growth, and the free exchange of ideas across disciplines. Our mission is to provide a high-quality, value-driven undergraduate education tailored to a small yet diverse student population. This population consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to scholarship, creative activity, and intellectual curiosity.

In addition to Buchanan Fellowships, we proudly offer Transfer Fellowships and other awards to support eligible students. Last year alone, over 80 Honors students completed rigorous theses and graduated with distinction. This advances their academic and professional careers while making meaningful contributions to their fields.

“The Honors College is more than just a place for academic excellence; it is a community that fosters mentorship and collaboration. Whether through undergraduate thesis research or engaging discussions in student-centered classrooms, I have learned that true scholarship is not just about acquiring knowledge but also using it to uplift others. The environment of the Honors College, rooted in integrity and curiosity, shapes confidence and prepares you for whatever the future may bring. Being part of this program means holding the lamp of learning high and pushing boundaries to pursue knowledge.”

• Rashieq Cockerham, Honors Ambassador, Buchanan Transfer Fellow, Veteran Leadership Award recipient, and 2025 Biology graduate

Publications and Scholarly Involvement

The Honors College is home to 3 award-winning publications and a podcast:

• Areté, a literary magazine
• Scientia et Humanitas, an interdisciplinary journal of undergraduate and graduate research
• Collage: A Journal of Creative Expression
• Honors Spotlight podcast

Our students actively contribute to these publications, gaining valuable experience in writing, editing, and research. We collaborate closely with the Honors Ambassadors, the Undergraduate Research Center, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Phi Kappa Phi to promote student leadership and scholarly excellence.

Join a community of scholars and creators at the MTSU University Honors College. Here, we work diligently to support and advance the academic and professional goals of our students. Please contact us with any questions you may have.

Dr. John R. Vile
Dean, University Honors College

More information about Honors to explore:

• Awards, Heritage, Customs, and Traditions
• Advisors
• Honors Council