Choosing a college is about more than selecting a major. Students also want opportunities to grow as leaders, conduct meaningful research, travel the world, build professional networks, and prepare for life after graduation.
At Middle Tennessee State University, the Honors College provides high-achieving students with a unique academic experience that complements any major. Honors students still enjoy everything MTSU has to offer, but they also gain access to additional opportunities designed to challenge them, connect them with mentors, and help them stand out in graduate school and career searches.
Here are 10 reasons many students choose MTSU Honors over a traditional college experience.
1. Smaller Classes and More Interaction with Faculty
One of the biggest advantages of Honors courses is the opportunity to learn in smaller classroom settings.
Rather than sitting in a large lecture hall, Honors students often enjoy discussion-based classes that encourage active participation and close interaction with faculty members. These connections can lead to research opportunities, mentorship, recommendation letters, and professional guidance that extend well beyond graduation.
2. Opportunities for Undergraduate Research
Many students assume research is something reserved for graduate school. At MTSU Honors, undergraduates regularly work alongside faculty members on research and creative projects across a wide range of disciplines.
Students present their work during Scholars Week, publish in undergraduate journals, and develop research experience that strengthens applications for graduate school, professional programs, and competitive fellowships.
“I am sincerely grateful to the Honors College for their guidance and for letting me know about the internship. I am excited to use my field of study in computer science to help make the world a better place,” said Honors Buchanan Transfer Fellow, computer science graduate Jake Salter, Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink Research Internship recipient. “For my part of the project, I will use data analysis of 50 years of pollen data to understand the rising global temperature’s effect on ecology.”
3. Support for Nationally Competitive Scholarships and Fellowships
The University Honors College houses the Undergraduate Fellowships Office, which helps students pursue nationally competitive awards.
Students receive guidance on opportunities such as:
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program
- Gilman Scholarship
- Goldwater Scholarship
- Truman Scholarship
- Boren Awards
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)
From identifying opportunities to reviewing application materials to preparing for interviews, students receive personalized support throughout the application process.
“I started with wanting to connect with people through music. Now I want to understand it scientifically and contribute to something that can help others to most optimally communicate and connect,” said Fulbright recipient Elizabeth Lawrence, a Buchanan Transfer Fellow, former Honors ambassador, and 2026 psychology graduate. Through the Honors College and the Department of Psychology, Lawrence pursued an Honors thesis and found numerous research opportunities to bolster her higher education journey.
4. A Community of Motivated Students
College can be a transformative experience when students surround themselves with peers who share their commitment to learning and personal growth.
Honors students become part of a community that values academic excellence, leadership, service, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. These friendships often extend across majors and continue long after graduation.
5. Study Abroad Opportunities
Employers and graduate schools increasingly value global experiences.
Honors students are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs that expand cultural awareness and provide opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Students can combine Honors coursework, fellowship opportunities, and international experiences to create an education that is truly global in scope.
The opportunity to study abroad through the Gilman Scholarship gave me invaluable experience working hands-on in my field of interest while making a documentary about mysticism and art in Ireland,” said Chelsea Hall, an Honors student majoring in video and film production. “This was a huge advancement in my education and skills that will be extremely useful in my future career.”
6. Leadership Development
Employers consistently seek graduates who can think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, and lead teams.
At MTSU Honors, students can develop these skills through student organizations, service projects, research collaborations, conference participation, and the Institute for Leadership Excellence (ILE). Through ILE, students connect leadership theory with hands-on experience, participate in leadership-focused programming, and engage with campus and community leaders.
These opportunities allow students to build confidence, strengthen their communication skills, and develop the ability to lead in a variety of settings. Whether serving in student government, leading campus organizations, mentoring peers, or organizing community initiatives, Honors students graduate with practical leadership experience that extends far beyond the classroom.
Student leadership often begins with opportunities that challenge students to step outside their comfort zones and make a meaningful impact on the people and communities around them.
7. Enhanced Preparation for Graduate and Professional Schools
Whether a student plans to pursue medicine, law, engineering, education, business, or a doctoral degree, Honors provides experiences that help applicants stand out.
Research projects, presentations, leadership experiences, faculty mentorship, and fellowship applications all contribute to a stronger portfolio when applying to graduate and professional programs.
“I remind myself of the fear that I used to feel and how far beyond that I have grown. And, with the right support, nothing will ever come close to holding me back again,” said Elijah Blank, an Honors student majoring in biochemistry and physics. “I regained some of my strength, which went a long way for me both mentally and physically.”
8. Recognition Through the Buchanan Fellowship
The Buchanan Fellowship, open to 20 incoming freshmen and 30 incoming transfer students each year, represents one of MTSU’s premier scholarship opportunities.
Buchanan Fellows receive significant financial support while participating in enhanced academic experiences, leadership development opportunities, and a community of high-achieving scholars. The program allows students to focus on academic and personal growth while reducing financial barriers.
At MTSU, Central Magnet’s top students continue their pursuit of excellence.
9. Publication and Presentation Opportunities
Honors students are encouraged to share their ideas with broader audiences.
Many students present their work during Scholars Week, publish research and creative works, or contribute to Honors-supported publications such as Scientia et Humanitas and Collage: A Journal of Creative Expression. These experiences help students develop strong communication skills while building a portfolio of work that can support graduate school, scholarship, and career applications.
Students also have opportunities to share their experiences and expertise through the Honors Spotlight podcast, which features conversations with Honors students, faculty, alumni, and campus partners. Whether discussing undergraduate research, study abroad experiences, national scholarships, leadership initiatives, or creative projects, students learn how to communicate complex ideas to a broader audience while highlighting the impact of their work.
By presenting, publishing, and sharing their stories, Honors students gain valuable experience that prepares them to become effective communicators, professionals, and leaders in their fields.
10. A More Personalized College Experience
Perhaps the greatest difference between Honors and a traditional college experience is the level of personalized support students receive.
Honors students benefit from dedicated advisors, faculty mentors, fellowship support, research opportunities, and a close-knit academic community. Rather than navigating college alone, they have access to a network of individuals invested in their success.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, and I think we helped challenge each other,” stated Mary Wilgus, the first person to complete an Honors thesis at MTSU. “I had always wanted to go to college. Once all the kids were in school, I decided to give it a try.”
The Best of Both Worlds
Choosing MTSU Honors does not mean choosing a separate university experience. Honors students still participate fully in campus life, join organizations, compete in athletics, conduct research, study abroad, and pursue majors across the University.
The difference is that they do so with additional opportunities, resources, and support designed to help them achieve their goals.
For students seeking a college experience that combines academic challenge, meaningful relationships, leadership development, research opportunities, and preparation for future success, the University Honors College offers an environment where they can thrive.
Learn more about the Honors College and discover how Honors can help you make the most of your MTSU experience.