Winter Elliott, Director

The Brenau Honors Program offers students tangible benefits:

• classes emphasizing critical thinking skills,
• interdisciplinary learning opportunities
• individual attention from professors and mentors
• travel experiences
• a career-oriented capstone project

 The Honors Program at Brenau University consists of 18 hours, all of which are closely tied to The Brenau mission and prepare Honors students to live “extraordinary lives.” Four courses, or 12 hours, of this sequence consist of Liberal Education courses - one course for each portal. These courses emphasize writing, critical thinking, and academic enrichment. Students are expected to take one of these courses each semester of their first two years. Students who participate in study abroad may also take an Honors Research and Travel course as an independent study for credit within the Honors Program. During the third year, students will take a junior-level interdisciplinary research seminar (3 hours) which will emphasize important critical thinking and research skills. Finally, during their senior year, students will complete an Honors Capstone, taking a Senior Honors Capstone course (3 hours) or upgrading an existing capstone course within their own majors.

Advantages of participation in the Honors Program:

• Honors program courses, taught by outstanding faculty at Brenau University, emphasize development of critical thinking, writing, active reading, and speaking skills
• Opportunities are available to attend academic events and to travel as part of a 1-hour lab course in the junior year.
• The capstone project in the senior year provides career development and preparation
• Honors Program courses are designated on the transcript.

Students who complete the 18 hour, or 6 course, Honors Program requirements will receive a certificate of completion at the Honors Convocation and a designation of completion on the transcript.

Academically strong first-year students are automatically invited into the Program based on high school achievements. However, any interested student may apply to enter the program by contacting the Director. Interested students may also take individual courses without entering the program by requesting permission of the department.