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Study alongside other academically motivated students to think independently within a challenging and supportive community. Take unique interdisciplinary seminars taught by Montana State’s most distinguished professors and guest lecturers.
Honors Baccalaureate Degree
The Honors College at Montana State prepares academically motivated students to think independently within a challenging and supportive community. The Honors College offers an experience of a highly selective liberal arts institution within the context of a broader university setting with its special offerings, which include programs such as Great Expeditions, the Freshman Research Symposium, Honors Texts and Critics courses, the Hike and Read program, Undergraduate Research and Creative Thesis project and the Directed Interdisciplinary Studies program.
Considered an academic distinction, the honors designation is awarded in conjunction
with a degree. As such, honors students can study in programs from engineering to
archaeology and every subject in between.
Great Expeditions
Enjoy enrichment through structured study abroad opportunities that parallel a portion of a historically and/or culturally significant expedition
Freshman Research Symposiums
Gain an introduction to the breadth of research opportunities on Montana State's campus as early as your freshman year
Honors Texts and Critics Courses
Dive into courses that emphasize critical reading and analysis of fundamental texts in a variety of disciplines
Hike and Read
Start off your MSU experience with a weekend in the mountains with hikes, presentations and book discussions
Undergraduate Research/Creative Thesis
Cap off your MSU journey with an advanced thesis opportunity that acts as an excellent preparation for advanced education or your new career
Directed Interdisciplinary Studies
Self-motivated learners have the opportunity to integrate three varying academic disciplines to design their own curriculum that prepares them for dynamic and evolving careers of their choosing
Chart Your Course
In the Directed Independent Studies program, design your own degree.
Top Producer of Goldwater Scholars
MSU has produced 74 Goldwater Scholars.
Engaged Beyond the Classroom
Live and learn in a community of fellow scholars.
Honors Residence Halls
Honors students may choose to live in Honors residence halls, which include Atkinson Quadrangle, or on the Honors floor in South Hedges. The "Quads" are gracious buildings surrounded by giant blue spruce trees, an expanse of lawn and flowers. The buildings are coed and have a first- floor living room, a full-size, equipped kitchen, dining room, and laundry. Honors dorms are typically quiet, and students often form study and discussion groups. Although meals are served in nearby Rendezvous Dining Hall, residents of the Quads often hold dinner parties on the weekends.
Sample Courses
An example of some Honors classes and seminars include:
- Mentoring Gifted Students
- Extreme Microbiology in Yellowstone
- Honors Evolution: Integrating Micro and Macroevolution
- Honors Ski and Read
- Wolves in Yellowstone
- Our Nuclear Age
- Shakespeare in Performance