As students navigate their way into the world of higher education, most strive to enter programs that will bring out their highest potential. Whether it be prioritized academics or programs specified to their desired career paths, the extra help established in universities can be lifechanging for students. At MSSU, one of these programs that strives for students’ success is the Honors Program.
Established as a place for students passionate about their education, the Honors program is a venture that encourages classes and activities that can benefit students not only in their college journey but also long-term within their careers. Dr. Michael Howarth, the leading director of the program, shares input on this.
“Students who take Honors courses refine their reading, writing, and speaking skills,” Howarth said. “They learn to listen to others’ opinions and ideas, as well as how to share their own…Students learn to be effective leaders, to think critically, and to understand that it’s not just important to have knowledge but to know when and how to use that knowledge.”
Howarth said that by being in honors, students can learn elements of leadership that translate in their career fields and aspects of their schooling. With this, the program also requires its students to participate in activities and projects that most outside of the program would not be given the opportunity to experience.
“Every Honors student is required to study abroad during their time at MSSU,” Howarth said. “In addition, each student creates an e-portfolio, a four-year process in which they reflect on their work and cogitate on the connections among their classes.” He added that through engaging in these works, students are enlightened with skills and insights that are inclusive of being an honors student. The Honors program also sets a limit within its class sizes, creating an academic environment that prioritizes one-on-one communication.
“Students going into Honors should expect the classes to be engaging, hard, and challenging,” Melody Reed, a current MSSU honors student, said. “However, because the classes are smaller, the professors are really invested.”
Students looking to enroll or currently enrolled at MSSU should consider the Honors program if they have an intentional goal of getting the most out of their education. With quiet study lounges located in Spiva Library, study abroad opportunities, prioritized enrollment, and engaging classes, the Honors program is a safe place for students to learn the ultimate power of knowledge. For more information, contact Howarth at [email protected], or visit the Honors Program web site at www.mssu.edu/academics/honors.
