Student Voices: Life in the Honors College

The Honors College at MTSU takes pride in providing undergraduate education of exceptional quality and value to a small but diverse student population deeply committed to scholarship and creative activity. The College fosters the academic excellence and nurturing environment of a small, select, liberal arts college within the setting and with the resources of a major university. The free exchange of ideas and the opportunity to learn from one another in small classes taught by expert faculty make the Honors College experience rich and meaningful. We welcome visits by high school and transfer students interested in discovering the numerous opportunities we offer. We would be delighted to have you as our guest!

Meet Our Students

Hear directly from the students who shape our community.

“Why I Chose Honors”

Students consistently cite:

• Small classes
• Faculty mentorship
• A strong sense of community
• Opportunities for research and leadership

“Scholarships at MTSU changed the trajectory of my education. Funding for my degree provided more than just financial relief. It gave me the freedom to pursue four years of undergraduate research and three life-changing programs abroad. I am incredibly thankful for scholarships from the College of Basic and Applied Sciences and the MTSU Honors College. These awards ensured that my entire collegiate experience and every professional development opportunity remained entirely cost-free.”

• Ariel Nicastro, Buchanan Fellow, Senior, Physics major

Day in the Life

Honors students balance:

• Engaging seminars
• Research meetings
• Campus involvement
• Social events and service projects

Thesis Journeys

Students share how their thesis projects helped them:

• Discover career interests
• Build professional portfolios
• Earn graduate school admission

Alumni Reflections

Graduates describe the Honors College as:

• “The most transformative part of my undergraduate experience.”
• “A launchpad for graduate school and fellowships.”

“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