Why Honors?|Faculty|Courses|Graduates|Facilities|Special Opportunities

Why Honors?
The Honors Program at Marshall offers capable and motivated students a chance to enrich their academic experience beyond the regular classroom. The program emphasizes independent and creative thinking, small class discussion, and a free and open exchange of ideas. Honors students work closely with distinguished members of the faculty in specially designed classes which typically meet Honors graduation requirements as well as general education requirements. Honors students enjoy a unique camaraderie both inside and outside the classroom with others like themselves who want both to be challenged to gain the most from their college experience.

Faculty
Honors faculty are selected because of their excellent teaching reputations and their distinguished records of scholarship. Many are senior professors. They all typically hold doctoral or terminal degrees in their fields. Graduate students and adjuncts (with the exception of individuals who have some special expertise) do not teach honors classes. Honors students receive personal attention from the faculty through small classes, convenient office hours, and through the various informal events that take place outside of the classroom.  

Courses
Honors sections of regular courses are much smaller than the typical university class--fifteen to twenty students.  The maximum enrollment in an Honors Seminar is fifteen. This allows for a learning environment in which discussion, research, and writing can thrive.

Graduates
Each year between 300 and 400 students participate in the Honors Program.  On average, 20 students graduate each year "In University Honors." 

Facilities
The John R. Hall Center for Academic Excellence, located on the second floor of Old Main, houses a suite of offices, seminar rooms, a computer lab, a library/reading room, and a student lounge. Established for the exclusive use of Honors students, the Center serves as a special community within the university which promotes both learning and friendship. 

Special Opportunities
Honors courses are only a part of the program. Membership in the National Collegiate Honors Council and the National Student Exchange establishes Honors student eligibility for summer and semester abroad programs. Honors students participate in the Yeager Distinguished Practitioners program in which they meet with national leaders in business, education, the fine and performing arts, and government. The program also sponsors the "What's It Like?" lecture series to introduce students to professionals in many different areas. In addition, there are field trips and social events, all designed to present students with unique challenges, opportunities, and fun within a special learning community.