Welcome to MTSU’s Honors College!

Elevate Your Academic Experience at Middle Tennessee State University Honors College

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

The University Honors College provides unique learning experiences, including face-to-face interactions with prominent guest speakers from diverse fields such as academia, science, business, politics, art, and religion. With a strong focus on undergraduate research, MTSU Honors students make significant contributions locally in Tennessee and globally.

Why Join the MTSU Honors College?

Becoming an Honors student reflects academic excellence, high aspirations, and dedication. Students in the Honors program are widely regarded as among the most elite and motivated individuals, determined to maximize their college experience. Honors College students consistently demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Opportunities for Cultural and Academic Enrichment

Founded in 1973, the MTSU Honors Program has grown into a full-fledged Honors College with its own building, thanks to generous donations from alumni and friends. The College offers an Honors minor and has produced numerous prestigious award winners, including:

• 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, GilmanScholarships, JET Program, and Critical Language  Scholarships

Honors students also participate in study abroad programs and are supported in presenting their scholarly research at national and international conferences. The College organizes trips to historically, scientifically, and culturally significant locations, enriching students’ perspectives.

A Thriving Honors Community

The MTSU Honors College offers a liberal arts education in the setting of a major university, combining the best of both worlds. Students benefit from small classes taught by expert faculty, a nurturing academic environment, and the free exchange of ideas. Our mission is to provide a high-quality, value-driven undergraduate education for a small yet diverse student population that is deeply committed to scholarship and creative activity.

In addition to Buchanan Fellowships, we offer Transfer Fellowships and other awards for eligible students. Last year, over 80 Honors students completed theses and graduated with distinction, further advancing their academic and professional careers.

Publications and Scholarly Involvement

The Honors College is home to award-winning publications, including:

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

Our students actively contribute to these publications, gaining valuable experience in writing, editing, and research. We also collaborate closely with the Honors Ambassadors, 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, where we work diligently to support and advance the academic and professional goals of our students.

Dr. John R. Vile
Dean, University Honors College