Buchanan Transfer Fellowship

The Honors College offers the Buchanan Transfer Fellowship, named after MTSU’s Nobel Prize-winning alumnus, Dr. James M. Buchanan. Each year, 30 students entering their junior year receive this top honor. Buchanan Transfer Fellows will participate in a special seminar together in their first semester and complete at least 11 hours of Honors coursework.

Transfer Benefits

• Students who qualify for in-state tuition: $3,500 per semester (up to four semesters)
• Students who qualify for out-of-state tuition: $7,000 per semester (up to four semesters)
• Early registration, a benefit for transfer students
• Up to $2,500 for approved study abroad or away programs, participation in scholarly conferences or related activities while at MTSU

Transfer Eligibility

• minimum of 60 hours of college or university coursework*
• 3.5 grade point average or higher (inclusive of all institutions including any coursework already taken at MTSU – if applicable)

*Students may apply with fewer hours if they anticipate completing 60 hours by the fall. Students who plan to transfer should be aware of the deadline.

Course Requirements for Buchanan Transfer Fellows (11 hours)

• Research Seminar, UH 3900 (3 hours)
• Honors Thesis, UH 4900 & 4950 (4 hours)
• Honors Lecture Series, UH 3000 (1 hour)
• 3 hours of any-level Honors course

NOTE: Fellowship course requirements cannot be completed as an online (or evenings-only) program.

Additional Resources

• How to Apply
• New Student Orientation Information
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Technical Issues

Contact

University Honors College
MTSU Box 267
1301 E. Main St.
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
615-898-2152
uhc@mtsu.edu for inquiries about transfer details.

Be sure to check out the other scholarships available to all MTSU Honors students! Also, check out the Honors graduation cords and stoles.

Why Choose the Honors College at MTSU?

At the Honors College, transfer students don’t just earn a degree—they join a community. Small class sizes, one-on-one mentoring, and research opportunities help students grow as scholars and leaders. The Buchanan Fellowship is more than just a scholarship—it’s a pathway to academic excellence and personal success.

Highlights:

• Supportive faculty who care about your goals
• Collaborative learning with driven peers
• Access to unique honors seminars and thesis opportunities
• Resume-building experiences like publishing, presenting, and studying abroad

Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Honors students are encouraged to explore their interests and expand their horizons.

Buchanan Fellows often:

• Travel internationally through study abroad programs
• Present at conferences in the U.S. and abroad
• Intern in Washington, D.C. or with local nonprofits
• Conduct original research with faculty mentors

Help Spread the Word

Are you a community college advisor or instructor? We’d love for you to share this opportunity with your students! Visit our Resources for Advisors page or request printed brochures by contacting us at uhc@mtsu.edu.