Honors Scholar Program

Edison State College offers qualified students with high ability and motivation an enriched, challenging program of study through the Honors Scholar Program (HSP). Participation in this superior educational experience provides for intellectual and social development, builds character, and promotes enthusiasm for lifelong learning. Honors courses are not intended to be appreciably more work than traditional classes, but instead offer innovative approaches to learning that focus on the individual student. Honors classes may, depending on the course, involve problem solving, student projects, or a student seminar approach to learning. Synergy results when the best and brightest are assembled together to inspire each other to think in unique, novel ways. Faculty are selected for their expertise and interest in helping students.

Benefits of the Program

• Active discussions
• Small class sizes
• Independent and critical thinking
• Field trips
• Independent research or creative project option

Edison State Honors Scholars are desirable recruits to other institutions of higher learning and often receive special attention for scholarships and awards.

Completion of the Honors Scholar Program is recorded on the students’ transcripts. Students who graduate with Honors or High Honors are also recognized at the graduation ceremony. The cumulative grade point average is used to identify graduation with Honors or High Honors as follows:

Requirements for Admission

Students must be AA or AS degree seeking and are required to write an essay and complete an application. The applicant must meet at least two (2) of the following criteria, one from Column A and one from Column B, to qualify for the program.

Program Requirements

A minimum of 12 credit hours of Honors classes (earning at least a grade of “B” in each course) will complete the academic requirements to graduate from the Honors Scholar Program. These classes must be chosen from at least two of three academic areas: basic sciences/math, social sciences, or humanities/communications. One of these classes can be the Honors Research Study (3 credits). Additional requirements not summarized here also apply.

Honors Scholarships

Edison State College is eager to assist the highly motivated and achieving students who participate in the Honors Scholar Program. Based on availability, up to $1,000 performance-based scholarships are awarded in the Fall to full-time students who will graduate from the program. These scholarships are renewable each semester if certain criteria are met.

How to Apply

The program coordinator should receive completed applications prior to the term in which the student wishes to begin participation in the program. For further information or an application form, call the HSP Coordinator at (239) 489-9102.

Honors Research Classes

Honors Program Research courses are designed to allow a student to pursue topics within a specific discipline or program under the guidance of a qualified professor. It provides an opportunity for the student to explore in depth an area of particular interest. Honors Program Research may not duplicate any existing course in the Catalog. The course is designed by a professor to fit the needs of an individual student.

The course syllabus must be designed by the professor, with input as to areas of interest from the student. It must represent college-level work and be sufficiently complex and demanding to warrant the credits awarded.

To begin the Honors Program Thesis/Research registration process, students must complete the Honors Thesis/Research Project form. This form is available on the Lee Campus in the Division of Arts and Sciences, L-102, and on the Charlotte and Collier Campuses in the Academic Advisors’ offices. Once this form is properly documented, submitted, and approved by the Campus Dean, the student may register for the course.

The regular college grading system applies to Honors Program Research students. Honors Program Research classes may not be taken to satisfy general education requirements.