The Honors College

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), contact us at The Honors College, PO Box 70589, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614; (423) 439-6076; or email the dean, Dr. Rebecca Pyles (pylesr@etsu.edu).

Opportunities for All Undergraduates

In addition to formal honors programs, the Honors College at ETSU offers opportunities for all undergraduates to pursue undergraduate research and creative projects and to participate in national exchanges or international education through study abroad and exchange experiences. Grants, fellowships, and travel awards to participate in professional conferences are available to support undergraduate research; for more information, please visit our web site (http://www.etsu.edu/honors/research). A wide diversity of exchange and study abroad opportunities are available through our Office of International Programs and Services. ETSU currently offers formal exchange programs with 17 countries (Brazil, China, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Spain, and Sweden) and our consortium memberships provide access to programs in more than 35 countries (http://www.etsu.edu/honors/international).

Academic Honors Programs

Academic Honors Programs offered at ETSU include:

University Honors Scholars Program
Fine and Performing Arts Scholars Program
Midway Scholars Program (for transfer students)
Honors-in-Discipline Programs, identified by major field of interest

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 programs in academic disciplines 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 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 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, visit the Honors-in-Discipline website at http://etsu.edu/honors/university/discipline 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. Karen Kornweibel, Director of Honors-in-Discipline Programs, PO Box 70589, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; (423) 439-7506 or 439-7507; email kornweib@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 tuition, fees, costs of standard dormitory and meal plans, and a book allowance) for four years, as long as the student remains in good standing with the program (see Academic Honors Programs section, above). Completion of an honors thesis is required. Students are required to reside on campus during their freshman and sophomore years in the program.

University honors scholars have unrestricted access to Ada Earnest House, 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 only from the University Honors Programs Office. Minimum qualifications for consideration include a 29 ACT or 1280 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 typically is the end of January for admission the following fall semester.

For more information about the University Honors Scholars Program, contact Dr. Joy Wachs, Director of University Honors Programs, PO Box 70294, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; (423) 439-7966; email wachs@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.

Fine & Performing 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 an interdisciplinary group of student artists who share their experiences of learning about art through their artistic endeavors, special interdisciplinary courses, and as a troupe of Roving Artists that bring artistry, in all its forms, to 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 (tuition and fees) 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. Application and further information about the portfolio can be found on our web site, http://www.etsu.edu/honors/arts. Minimal qualifications for consideration include a 22 ACT or 1050 SAT (Reading + Math only) and a high school GPA of 2.8 (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 typically is March 15 for admission the following fall semester.

For more information, contact Professor Patrick Cronin, Director of Fine and Performing Arts Scholars Program, email croninp@etsu.edu; (423) 439-6513; or the Honors College (honorscollege@etsu.edu), PO Box 70589, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; (423) 439-7507 or 439-6076.

Midway Scholars Program

The Midway Scholars Program at ETSU is designed specifically for exceptional students who wish to transfer 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, a maximum of 20 students are selected for this program. Each student receives a scholarship for four regular semesters, which includes in-state tuition and fees, a book allowance each semester, and a one-time award of $2500 that may be applied toward a summer research fellowship, a study abroad experience, or an additional semester of study. Retention of scholarships requires that the student remain in good standing with the program (see Academic Honors Programs section, above). Completion of an honors thesis is required.

Admission to the Midway Scholars Program requires a special application available from the web site (see below). 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 application information, including résumé, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. Applicants without an associate degree also need to provide official high school transcripts and reports of ACT/SAT scholastic exams. The application and further information about the Midway Scholars Program can be found on our web site, http://www.etsu.edu/honors/university/midway/. The application deadline typically is March 15 for admission the following fall semester.

For more information about the Midway Scholars Program, contact Dr. Joy Wachs, Director of University Honors Programs, PO Box 70294, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; (423) 439-7966; email wachs@etsu.edu; or the Honors College (honorscollege@etsu.edu), PO Box 70589, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; (423) 439-6076.