Why Should I Join the Honors College?
While every individual’s journey through the Honors College is unique, these are some of the common benefits highlighted by the thousands of students who have graduated from this special learning community.
- Consistently powerful outcomes indicate you are joining a long tradition of academic success
- Small class sizes mean your voice is heard in the innovative, discussion-based courses that make up the Honors College curriculum
- You can personalize and deepen your learning through a highly flexible curriculum that allows you to choose your individual pathway through the Honors College
- You will stretch yourself in an academic community of supportive and motivated peers, faculty, and staff
- You have access to special opportunities, including first-year honors housing, research support, and leadership development
- You receive dedicated, individualized advising from trained Honors College staff members
- You can enroll in specialized study abroad opportunities available only to Honors College students
- A powerful first-year program supports you during your transition to university
Student Perspectives on the Benefits of the Honors College
Community. "As an out-of-state student, the Honors College makes a new environment and big university feel like a small tight-knit community that's easy to find your place in."
- Chloe A, Psychological & Sociology, Twin Valley MN
Student Support. "The support I received from the folks in the Honors College opened doors for me I never could’ve imagined. I owe a great deal to their encouragement and guidance."
- Nick F, Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, Mazama WA
Viewpoint Diversity. "Texts and Critics has served as an eye-opener to the importance of understanding different perspectives. The course has taught me to use my own voice but also to listen to the voices of others.”
- Ekemini O, Biomedical Engineering, Las Vegas NV
Powerful Learning Environment. "I love that Texts and Critics is such an encouraging place to openly discuss your thoughts and ideas on a wide range of topics. It enables you to think in new ways, explore a broad variety of subjects in depth, and hear what your classmates have to say about pressing societal issues."
- Aika L, Environmental Design, Bozeman MT
Personal Growth. “I am sure that the Honors College community at MSU is unlike any other in the country. This program is filled with a variety of opportunities, incredibly bright students, and devoted staff who work day in and day out to make the program the best it can be. This program has changed the way I think and has allowed me to become a student filled with curiosity and wonder.”
- Grace L, Kinesiology, Bozeman MT
Student Mentorship. “Being a Student Fellow allowed me to come full circle with my academic career. I was able to think through previous texts and ideas with new life experiences and academic tools. Most importantly, I loved connecting with younger Honors College students and helping them begin their journeys at MSU through conversation, mentorship, and friendship.”
- Quinn S, Economics & English Literature, Billings MT
Place-Based Learning. “Hike & Read helped me realize how lucky I am to be part of the special Honors College community. It connected me with some of my best friends, the Honors College faculty, and the resources they offer. It made me feel welcome as a freshman and valued as a returning counselor each year. It also exposed me to the beautiful wilderness that MSU is surrounded by and encouraged me to explore the area more on my own.”
- Lydia P, Biochemistry & Psychology, Belgrade MT
Viewpoint Diversity. “Texts and Critics taught me what it is like to exist in and meaningfully contribute to a space where different ideas are discussed every day. Not only are everyone’s different backgrounds and upbringings accepted, but they are valued.”
- Aspen M, Astrophysics, Polson MT
Best of Both Worlds. “The Honors College at MSU is exactly what most students look for in a college experience. It’s a small, intimate college where you will truly feel seen, supported and appreciated by staff, but within the framework of one of the largest research institutions in the country. If you’re academically motivated, that’s an amazing combo.”
– Jackson S, Mechanical Engineering, Spokane WA
Student Support.“The support I’ve found in the Honors College has been deeply personal. Whether it’s academic advising or just a reassuring conversation in the office, I’ve always felt seen, valued, and guided with genuine care.”
– Precious O, Electrical Engineering, Ibadan Nigeria
Faculty Mentorship. “Attending the Honors Research Symposium opened my eyes to the incredible range of research happening on campus and inspired me to explore my own academic interests more deeply. It truly highlighted how the honors community at MSU fosters curiosity and connection between students and scholars.”
– Homa M, Political Science, Billings MT
Place-Based Learning.“The Ski & Read was genuinely one of my most memorable experiences at MSU. Being able to play in the snow in Yellowstone National Park for college credit while learning about the history of the park is an experience unique to MSU and worth every single minute.”
– Rebecca C, Mathematics, Bozeman MT
Honors College Residence Halls. “I spent two years in the Quads and loved it! The environment is so welcoming and it's a great place to just be yourself. Also, the setup is so homey!”
– Zora H, Animal Science, Hinsdale MT
Community. “Being around similar individuals makes you feel seen. This was a new experience and gave me hope that I was in the right place.”
- Hiram C, Biomedical Engineering, Havre MT
