2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
The Honors College
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 Message from the Dean
Dr. Christopher J. Keller, Dean, Honors College
The Honors College strives to enhance the academic experiences of its students by providing smaller classes, mentorship and research experiences with faculty, challenging coursework, flexibility in curricula, and meaningful interactions with peers. What happens inside classrooms, of course, is critical to student success, but the Honors College encourages students to think beyond just courses and grades.
Student academic development should be both deep and broad: we want to help students extend their expertise vertically into an area of academic specialization while simultaneously expanding their knowledge and abilities horizontally across a range of disciplines, experiences, and perspectives. To do so, honors students regularly participate in high-impact practices like study abroad programs, internships, community engagement, grants and fellowships, and senior thesis projects, among other possibilities. The Honors College not only helps connect students to impactful experiences but also helps them create interesting and compelling stories about those experiences to further students’ academic and professional success.
In short, the Honors College sees students as much more than their transcripts. We see them as innovators, problem solvers, international travelers, responsible leaders, and life-long learners. We know all of our students will journey down a wide range of interesting and important paths in their lives. They will help shape the world as well as have valuable stories to share with the world. The Honors College at ETSU wants to be part of those stories.
I invite you to browse our website to learn more about the Honors College and to please contact me if I can answer any questions about honors academics or curricula.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Honors College at East Tennessee State University is to provide access to honors-distinctive academic, creative, and enrichment opportunities for a broad spectrum of qualified students and to provide recognition for undergraduate students who excel in distinct areas of academic achievement. The college promotes and supports ambitious academic goals for talented and motivated undergraduate students as well as innovative teaching, mentoring, and scholarship by our faculty. In addition, the college sponsors activities, events, and programs designed to enhance the collective cultural and intellectual environment and foster a more global perspective within the university community.
For more information, visit our web site http://www.etsu.edu/honors, or contact us at The Honors College, PO Box 70589, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614; (423) 439-6076.
Opportunities for All Undergraduates
In addition to formal honors programs, the Honors College at ETSU offers opportunities for all undergraduates to pursue undergraduate research, creative projects and to participate in national exchanges or international education through study abroad and exchange experiences. ETSU is a member of the ISEP (International Student Exchange Program) consortium, which provides students with access to institutions in 33 countries and to numerous academic programs, many taught in English. We also have bilateral exchange programs in 13 countries including China, Ecuador, England, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Scotland and South Korea (http://www.etsu.edu/honors/international/abroad).
Grants, fellowships, and travel awards to participate in professional conferences are available to support undergraduate research. Study Abroad Scholarships are also available to support students participating in summer semester or year abroad programs. For more information, please visit https://www.etsu.edu/honors/ug_research/ and http://www.etsu.edu/honors/international/.
Academic Honors Programs
Academic Honors Programs offered at ETSU include:
- Honors-in-Discipline Programs, identified by major field of interest
- University Honors Scholars Program
- Fine and Performing Arts Scholars Program
- Midway Honors Scholars Program (for transfer students)
- Presidential Honors Community Service Scholars Program
The various formal Honors Programs at ETSU are designed to provide unique educational opportunities for academically and artistically talented students. Our goals focus on recruiting exceptional students, nurturing their intellectual growth through challenging curricula, promoting their commitment to lifelong learning and service, and instilling the desire to advance knowledge in their chosen fields. Honors programs enlist exceptional faculty, who are provided opportunities to promote innovative and creative approaches to teaching and one-on-one mentoring in their classrooms and laboratories. All honors programs require completion of an honors thesis, representing a major research or creative project accomplished in collaboration with faculty mentors.
Honors scholars attend special workshops on campus resources, study abroad and exchange programs, fellowship and other award opportunities, and graduate or professional school application procedures. Students are encouraged to participate with their colleagues in the Honors College Student Council and as active members of student organizations across campus. Through our institutional membership in the National Collegiate Honors Council, ETSU honors scholars are provided access to state, regional, and national council positions. Graduates from honors programs receive special regalia and designations on transcripts and diplomas.
All honors programs provide out-of-state tuition scholarships to all qualified students, and some programs also offer additional scholarship opportunities. All programs emphasize smaller classes, writing, discussion, hands-on learning approaches, problem-solving skills, and interdisciplinary content in special courses.
Consideration for selection in any honors program requires a special application (separate and in addition to ETSU admissions application). Application for admission to ETSU must be submitted prior to submission of application to any honors program. Students in all honors programs must maintain good standing in their program by enrolling in a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester, meeting minimum GPA requirements (as required by each program), and completing a senior honors thesis; probationary status may be granted for one semester only before scholarship support is withdrawn. The deadline for application to honors varies by program. See below for more information or visit our web site http://www.etsu.edu/honors.
Honors-in-Discipline Programs
Honors-In-Discipline programs are specially designed, in-depth, and hands-on academic programs offered within a variety of degree programs at ETSU. Students can apply to HID programs as incoming freshmen, current ETSU students, or transfers.
Benefits for HID students include: advising and mentoring by faculty in the discipline, excellent academic and co-curricular experiences, early registration, completion of an honors thesis project, and honors graduation and transcript recognition. HID programs are academic programs, not scholarships. However, the Honors College offers two different types of scholarships on a competitive basis. Tennessee residents may be eligible to compete for an HID scholarship covering full tuition and most fees for a maximum of eight semesters of study. Out-of-state students who participate in an HID program may be eligible to receive a scholarship covering the out-of-state portion of tuition.
Honors-in-Discipline programs are currently offered in the following areas:
College of Arts and Sciences:
Honors in Chemistry
Honors in Communication Studies
Honors in Criminal Justice
Honors in English
Honors in Geology
Honors in Geography
Honors in History
Honors in Mathematics
Honors in Philosophy
Honors in Physics and Astronomy
Honors in Psychology
Honors in Theatre and Dance
College of Business and Technology:
Honors in Business
Honors in Technology
College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences:
Honors in Nutrition
College of Education:
Honors in Exercise Science
Honors in Teacher Education
College of Nursing:
Honors in Nursing
College of Public Health:
Honors in Environmental Health
Honors in Health Sciences: Human Health
Honors in Health Sciences: Microbiology
For more information about these programs including admission standards and applications, visit the Honors-in-Discipline website at http://www.etsu.edu/honors/hid_scholars or refer to descriptions and instructions provided in each of these academic areas within this catalog. New Honors-in-Discipline programs become available each year. Contact Dr. Michael Whitelaw, Director of Honors-in-Discipline Programs, PO Box 70589, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; (423) 439-7506 or 439-7507; email whitelaw@etsu.edu; or the Honors College honorscollege@etsu.edu, PO Box 70589, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; (423) 439-6076.
University Honors Scholars Program
The University Honors Scholars Program is a four-year program specially designed for outstanding students who enter ETSU as freshmen. The program is tailored to students who desire an interdisciplinary approach to general education, in addition to their chosen fields of interest. University Honors Scholars may major in any academic program available at ETSU. Each year, 22 exceptional high school students are invited to join the program. Full scholarships are provided (including in-state and out-of-state tuition, most fees, costs of standard residence hall and meal plans, and an honors allowance) for four years, as long as the student remains in good standing with the program. Completion of an honors thesis is required. Students are required to reside on campus during the program.
University Honors Scholars have unrestricted access to Honors House (Ada Earnest), with computer facilities, conference and meeting rooms, lounge, and study areas. Interested potential candidates are encouraged to visit Honors House and meet with the director; see information below to make an appointment.
The special application required for the University Honors Scholars Program is available. Minimum qualifications for consideration include a 29 ACT or copmarable SAT (Reading + Math only) and a high school GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale). High school curriculum, a résumé (including extra-co-curricular activities and honors and awards), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay are considered in the application process. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis each year. The application deadline is December 15 for admission the following fall semester.
For more information about the University Honors Scholars Program, contact Dr. Karen Kornweibel, Director of the University Honors Programs, PO Box 70294, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; (423) 439-7881; email UHScholars@etsu.edu; or the Honors College honorscollege@etsu.edu, PO Box 70589, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; (423) 439-6076; or visit http://www.etsu.edu/honors/university_scholars.
University Honors Scholars (UHS) Courses
- Eight semesters of Honors Colloquium (8 credits total)
- UHON 1108 , UHON 2108 , UHON 3108 , UHON 4108
- Collo provides opportunities for new scholars to engage in orientation activities, and all scholars to engage in public service, small group activities, personal and professional development, and academic and social activities.
- Honors Quest I & II (6 credits total; fall and spring freshman year)
- HUMT 1218 & ENGL 1228 /PHIL 1228
- Quest is a yearlong literature and philosophy seminar that the UHS freshman cohort takes together. The first half meets the GE humanities requirement and the second semester gives students either English 1020 credit or a philosophy elective.
- Honors Artistic Experience (3 credits; spring freshman year)
- Meets GE fine art requirement
- Honors Sophomore Seminar (3 credits; fall sophomore year)
- Honors Intro to Women’s Studies or Honors Intro to Cultural Anthropology (3 credits; usually spring of sophomore year)
- Honors Literature (3 credits)
- Honors electives (12 credits total)
- Within the student’s major, minor, or general electives
- Honors Foundations of Research (2 credits; spring sophomore year or fall junior year)
- UHON 3008
- Foundations prepares students for their thesis work.
- Honors Thesis in the student’s major (6 credits over two semesters, usually senior year)
- Often counts as major electives depending on department.
Fine & Performing Arts Scholars Program
The Fine and Performing Arts Scholars Program at ETSU provides a unique approach to educating our artists of the 21st century. This four-year program supports a cohort oriented interdisciplinary group of student artists drawn from all of the arts areas at ETSU. Fine and Performing Arts students share their experiences of learning about art through their artistic endeavors and special interdisciplinary courses through special projects across the campus and local community.
Fine and Performing Arts Scholars have access to their own facility in Yoakley Hall, home of the Honors College, which provides project, study and lounge space, as well as access to computers and projection equipment.
Each year, a maximum of 25 students are selected for the program. A limited number of in-state scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Retention of scholarships for up to four years (8 regular semesters) depends on meeting retention requirements for good standing with the program (see Academic Honors Programs section above). Completion of an honors thesis is required.
Admission to the Fine and Performing Arts Scholars Program requires special application and submission of a portfolio to support evidence of artistry and is for incoming freshmen only. Application and further information about the portfolio can be found on our web site, http://www.etsu.edu/honors/arts_scholars. Minimal qualifications for consideration include a 22 ACT or 1050 SAT (Reading + Math only) and a high school GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale). High school curriculum, a résumé, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay are considered in the application process. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis each year. The application deadline is March 1 for admission the following fall semester.
For more information, contact Dr. Scott Contreras-Koterbay, Director of Fine and Performing Arts Scholars Program, email: koterbay@etsu.edu; (423) 439-7507; or the Honors College, email: honorscollege@etsu.edu, PO Box 70589, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; (423) 439-6076.
Midway Honors Scholars Program
The Midway Honors Scholars Program at ETSU is designed specifically for exceptional students who are transferring to ETSU, either from a community college or another university. This two-year program supports transfer students in any major area of study offered at ETSU.
Each year, 20 students are selected for this program. Each student receives a scholarship for four regular semesters, which includes in-state or out-of-state tuition and most fees, an honors allowance each semester, and a one-time award of $2500 that may be applied toward a summer research fellowship, a study abroad/Washington Center Internship experience, or an additional semester of study. Retention of scholarships requires remaining in good standing with the program. Completion of an honors thesis is required.
Midway Honors Scholars have unrestricted access to Honors House (Ada Earnest), with computer facilities, conference and meeting rooms, lounge, and study areas. Interested potential candidates are encouraged to visit Honors House and meet with the director; see information below to make an appointment.
Admission to the Midway Honors Scholars Program requires a special application. Qualifications for consideration include a minimum 3.5 GPA from the previous institution and either an associate degree or at least 30 earned credit hours. Selection is competitive and based on a cover letter, résumé, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis each year. The application deadline is March 1 for admission the following fall semester.
For more information about the Midway Honors Scholars Program, visit our website at http://www.etsu.edu/honors/midway_scholars, contact Dr. Karen Kornweibel, Director of the Midway Honors Scholars Programs, PO Box 70294, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; (423) 439-7966; email MHScholars@etsu.edu; or the Honors College honorscollege@etsu.edu, PO Box 70589, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; (423) 439-7881.
Presidential Honors Community Service Scholars Program
The Presidential Honors Community Service Scholars Program at ETSU provides an opportunity for high-achieving students with a passion for community service to develop as active citizens, scholars, and leaders. This four-year program supports students in any major area of study offered at ETSU.
Each year, a maximum of 20 students are selected for this program. Each student receives a $6000 scholarship per year, renewable for eight semesters. Retention of scholarships requires remaining in good standing with the program.
The cohort-based program allows students to explore a variety of service opportunities; engage in meaningful, continuous service; and empower themselves and the community to effect real change. The four-year honors curriculum and integrated experiential learning aim to promote civic engagement and responsibility as an integral part of a 21st century education.
Admission to the Presidential Honors Community Service Scholars Program requires a special application. Applicants must be incoming freshmen and residents of Tennessee or one of the following border counties: Ashe, Avery, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, Yancey in North Carolina; Grayson, Lee, Scott, Washington in Virginia. Qualifications for consideration include a minimum high school GPA of 3.9 (4.0 scale) and an ACT score of 30.
For more information about the Presidential Honors Community Service Scholars Program, visit our website at http://www.etsu.edu/honors/service_scholars, contact Daniel Hedden, Director; (423) 439-6088; email hedden@etsu.edu; or the Honors College honorscollege@etsu.edu, PO Box 70589, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; (423) 439-7881.
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