East Tennessee State University
Office of Registrar

The primary mission of the various Academic Honors Programs at ETSU is to provide unique educational opportunities for academically talented students. Within this mission, our goals focus on recruiting exceptional students, nurturing their intellectual growth through challenging curricula, promoting their commitment to lifelong learning and service, and instilling in them a desire to advance knowledge in their chosen fields. In order to accomplish these goals, Honors Programs enlist exceptional faculty, who are provided opportunities to promote innovative and creative approaches to teaching in their classrooms and laboratories. Honors Scholars are provided opportunity to work collaboratively with professors in research and scholarly activities, and receive assistance in the pursuit of fellowships, awards, and access to continued studies in graduate and professional programs.

Academic Honors Programs offered include the University Honors Scholars program and a variety of Honors-in-Discipline programs that are identified by major field of interest. All Honors Programs provide out-of-state tuition waivers, and some offer additional scholarship opportunities. The University Honors Programs Office directly administers the University Honors Scholars Program and provides oversight and coordination for all Honors-in-Discipline programs.

Honors-in-Discipline Programs

For more information about these programs, refer to descriptions and instructions provided in each of these academic areas within this catalog. New Honors-in-Discipline programs become available each year; please direct inquiries about potential new programs to the University Honors Programs Office, P.O. Box 70294, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701; 423/439-6456; email to Honors@ETSU.edu.

Honors programs in academic majors are offered in the following areas:

College of Applied Science & Technology
College of Business
College of Nursing

within the College of Arts & Sciences, the
Department of Chemistry
Department of Biological Sciences
Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology
Department of English
Department of History
Department of Mathematics
Department of Physics and Astronomy

within the College of Education, the
Teacher Certification Program

and within the College of Public and Allied Health, the Department of Environmental Health

University Honors Scholars Program

The University Honors Scholars Program is a four-year program specially designed for outstanding 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, 20 exceptional high school students are invited to join the program. Each student is provided a full scholarship that includes tuition, fees, costs of standard dormitory and meal plans, and a book allowance; students are expected to reside on campus during their freshman and sophomore years in the program. Scholarships are granted for four years, depending upon successful completion of coursework, attainment of minimum GPA standards (see below), and completion of an Honors Thesis. Students work closely with a faculty mentor in their major or minor area of interest. University Scholars receive special workshops on campus resources, study abroad and exchange programs, fellowship/award opportunities, and graduate/professional school application procedures. Students are encouraged to participate with their colleagues in the Honors Student Council, as student representatives on the Honors Advisory Committee, and as active members of student organizations across campus. Through our institutional membership in the National Collegiate Honors Council, ETSU University Scholars are provided access to state, regional, and national council positions. A variety of social and cultural activities are provided. University Scholars have unrestricted access to Honors House, with computer facilities, conference and meeting rooms, lounge, and study areas. Honors House is located at 914 W. Maple Street and is home to the University Honors Programs Office. Interested potential candidates are encouraged to visit Honors House and meet with the Director; call 423/439-6456 or email Honors@etsu.edu for more information or to make an appointment.

Admission to the University Honors Scholars Program requires special application. Applications are available only from the University Honors Programs Office, P.O. Box 70294, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614-1701. Minimal qualifications for consideration for admission include a 29 ACT or 1280 SAT and a high school GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale). High school curriculum, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, high school scholastic honors, and a personal essay are considered in the application process. Students that do not meet minimum test scores, but with unique qualifications in other areas, may be considered for admission. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis each year. The application deadline typically is the end of January for admission the following fall semester. Graduates from the program receive special regalia, and "University Honors Scholar" designation on transcripts and diploma.

The University Honors Scholars program provides special general education courses with small class sizes that emphasize writing and discussion. Most requirements in general education are provided in year-long, interdisciplinary honors seminars, including Quest for Meanings & Values, Artistic Experience, Institutions & Society, Great Ideas in Science and Honors Colloquium. All Honors Scholars must successfully complete a semester of Calculus, a year of Honors U.S. History, all honors general education courses, and an Honors Thesis. For their Honors Thesis, students work in their major or minor interest in collaboration with a faculty member on a significant creative research project. Skills acquired by completing this requirement provide a capstone experience for students in their senior year and enhance their preparation for continued studies or professional occupations.

In order to be retained in the program, University Honors Scholars are required to complete 15 credit hours per semester, and to maintain the following GPA standards: 1st semester, 2.75; 2nd semester 3.0; 3rd semester, 3.15; 4th and remaining semesters, 3.25. Probationary status may be granted for one semester only before scholarship support is withdrawn.