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Why should
I enter the Honors Program?
The Honors Program is not for everyone. It is challenging and rigorous and it is intended for outstanding students who wish to develop flexible, independent, and creative minds. Students who possess these qualities usually do very well after graduation. Honors scholars are prepared, because of the interdisciplinary nature of the Honors Program, to make decisions based on a broad educational background.
Honors scholars are confident that they can be whatever they want to be. In the competitive job market, that confidence can be the deciding factor during an interview. Of course, the permanent notation on your transcript that you are an Honors Program graduate will also be a significant asset when you begin your job search or apply to graduate school.
What courses will I take?
As an Honors student you may, in consultation with your advisor, design your own program of study. You may begin work in your major field much earlier and complete a double major if you wish. In addition to taking a wide variety of courses both in the major and other areas, you are required to participate in several specially-designed Honors courses. Teaching these courses is a select group of vigorous, creative, and enthusiastic faculty who view teaching and learning with a sense of wonder and adventure. When it comes to helping you develop your potential, the energy and excitement they produce is contagious! Honors scholars also complete a culminating thesis or final project.
Will I have to take more courses because I am in the
Honors Program?
No. The Honors courses you will take, and additional courses in other fields designed to provide a balanced liberal education, take the place of the usual liberal education requirements. No student in the Honors Program will be required to take more classes outside his or her major than they would if not in enrolled in the Honors Program.
How large will my Honors classes be?
The Honors Program is the most selective program at Bemidji State University, so classes are usually small. Honors faculty work closely with Honors students at all times, and students often develop close bonds with faculty and other Honors students. Students describe the atmosphere of an Honors classroom as intense and exciting, but also informal and friendly. They describe their teachers as serious, exacting, and expert, but also warm, humorous and caring.
What happens when I graduate?
Honors students who successfully complete their undergraduate study with a grade point average of 3.0 (in a 4.0 system) are given special recognition at commencement exercises. They wear the Honors hood with their academic robes and, if they qualify, are graduated cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude (with honor, with great honor, with highest honor), depending on their grade point average.
Are scholarships available?
Bemidji State University has an excellent record of helping students who need loans, grants, scholarships, or work-study funds to attend college. In fact, over 80 percent of the students attending Bemidji State University receive financial aid. Honors scholars automatically receive special consideration for scholarships, and many receive them.
Who can I contact for more information about the Honors
Program at Bemidji State University?
Contact the Director of the Honors Program, by email or phone 218-755-3984. You may also write to the Honors Program at the following address:
Honors Program
Bemidji State University
1500 Birchmont Drive NE
Hagg-Sauer 357
Bemidji, MN 56601-2699