MSU Honors College Viewbook (2021-2022)

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

HONORS COLLEGE

OPENING DOORS

The Honors College at Michigan State University is looking for the next generation of leaders who see possibility and crave opportunity.

Within the nation’s first land grant institution, the MSU Honors College offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility to high achieving students through expanded course offerings, direct access to research and education abroad opportunities, and additional support along the way. We are an inclusive and welcoming community for student scholars who come from around the country and world from many backgrounds and life experiences.

Honors students enjoy an exceptional college experience that is uniquely designed by each student and combines the connectedness of a small academic community with the benefits of attending one of the largest and most distinguished research universities in the US.

INVITED STUDENT PROFILE

• GPA or class rank that places students within the top 5% in their class • High number of rigorous AP, IB, or dual enrollment courses within the context of what your school provides • Community service involvement, research interests, and leadership activities also may be considered as a part of our holistic review

Over 4,000 Honors students enjoy unparalleled flexibility to create an exceptional MSU experience.

Standardized test scores are not required to be considered for an Honors College invitation.

Students invited to the Honors College who provide test scores typically have average scores of 1440 SAT or 32 ACT. Students decide whether or not to have test scores considered as part of the MSU application.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN When the MSU Honors College was founded over 60 years ago, our visionary founders had a unique approach for Honors education at Michigan State – to provide flexibility to high achieving students and support them through the challenges they choose.

Honors College students can pursue any of the university’s 240 academic programs and many pursue multiple interests during their time at MSU. Students can choose classes they are truly interested in with flexibility to take substitutions of their choice for MSU’s general education classes, and have the ability to waive most prerequisites.

HONORS COURSES/CURRICULUM/ADVISING

Honors College students complete 8 Honors Experiences, typically 1-2 courses each semester, including Honors courses, options and graduate classes, in order to graduate from the Honors College at MSU. What that looks like is up to our students: Will you enroll in a small Honors class? Maybe you will decide to take an Honors Option and pursue additional work in a regular course in which you are especially interested.

If you’re interested in getting involved in hands-on research, one of our Honors Research Seminars may be right for you.

And if you desire that extra challenge, Honors College students have the chance to enroll in graduate classes for up to 9 credits while still paying the undergraduate cost.

Honors students typcially take 1-2 honors experiences each semester

“The Honors College curriculum allowed me to freely explore my interests and succeed with a rigorous course load at MSU. My exploration into highlevel courses satisfied degree requirements but also pushed me in a fulfilling direction.

My work within Honors courses and Honors options - two components of the HC experience - have led to tremendous growth and important relationships.

Without them, my experience at Michigan State would be radically different.”

ISHAAN M., Fishers, Indiana Lyman Briggs and James Madison Colleges

3.8

average MSU GPA of an Honors College student*

*Spring 2021 graduating class

4.0

66% of MSU grads with a 4.0 were in the Honors College*

RESEARCH AND PA Each year, about 200 first-year Honors College students are appointed as Professorial Assistants (PAs). PAs are matched with a research mentor in an area of their interest and are paid by stipend to work 8-10 hours per week throughout their first and second years at MSU. Although most PAs work in areas closely related to their major, students may choose to work in any academic interest area.

Honors Research Seminars offer another opportunity for hands-on

work on cutting-edge research projects under the supervision of MSU faculty. Students who gain this early experience are well situated to find other research opportunities in the future.

Many Honors College students present their research results at MSU’s annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF), as well as in national meetings of academic and professional associations.

Honors College students have been published in major research publications like Nano Energy, Journal of Immunology, Packing Technology & Science, the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and Infection and Immunity.

“The Honors College community and their support have catalyzed my progress and made me a better researcher and student. When I came to MSU I knew I would be doing research but when and where wasn’t clear. The research journey was a hard one but with support from the Honors College, I was able to co-write and receive a $3.1 million Andrew W, Mellon Foundation Grant (on which I serve as the Undergraduate Project lead), present at both National and International conferences, and much more. I am privileged to be part of the HC community where there is no limit to opportunities and support!”

TUSHYA M., Manvel,Texas Biology and German

A WELCOMING COMMUNITY Our community is better and stronger because of the diverse learners in the Honors College. Inclusive Excellence describes the philosophy we hold dear – that a variety of perspectives is not only needed but essential to effectively work on our world’s most challenging issues.

You will find a list of some the ways the Honors College promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in our community by clicking here.

15%

13% First generation students

14%

increase in international HC students 5% total

Over the last 5 years...

increase in HC students 4,176 total

47%

increase in HC students of Color 22% of all HC students

“Involving myself in the Honors College community has been one of the best decisions I’ve made since coming to MSU. Living on an Honors floor and participating in multiple Honors College organizations has allowed me to meet so many likeminded people and has made MSU feel so much smaller for such a big university.” KATIE L., Rancho Palos Verdes, California

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PHILLIPS • YA ER KE YD

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DOWNTOWN EAST LANSING

Beaumont Tower

BRODY Spartan Statue

CHRIST GIL YLE

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NORTH MSU Library

Breslin Student Event Center

RIVER TRAIL

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APARTMENTS

L HAL ES M

HONORS HOUSING ON CAMPUS Make lasting connections with other Honors students from diverse backgrounds by opting to live on an Honors floor offered within each of MSU’s 5 distinct neighborhoods on campus. Students who live on the Honors floor form tight bonds and often organize intramural sports teams, community service, special events, and trips.

Did you know? Honors Housing is optional.

Students decide each year whether to live on an Honors floor at MSU.

GET INVOLVED Honors students are involved: leading MSU student government, competing as university Division 1 athletes, representing MSU on a national and global stage, and much more.

MSU offers more than 900 registered student organizations (RSOs) for students to participate in – or you can create your own!

In addition to affiliations with nearly every organization on campus, Honors College students are encouraged to be involved in activities and organizations sponsored by the Honors College.

First-generation Honors Association: offers a supportive community for students who are first in their families to go to college First Year Council: leadership and professional development for nominated first-year students Honors College Activities Board: plans social activities for the Honors community Honors College Dean’s Advisory Council: advises the HC Dean and administration on policy affecting Honors students Honors Students of Color Coalition: connects HC students of color in advocacy and community H-STAR (Honors STudents Actively Recruiting): helps to recruit and provide information for the next generation of high-achieving high school students International Scholars Advisory Board: plans initiatives to support international students and help to internationalize the HC community Mental Health Collaborative MOSAIC: fosters multiculturalism in the Honors College through programming and special events

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Honors College organizes and hosts a variety of community engaged learning activities. MSU and the East Lansing community offer many opportunities to get involved and give back.

HC IMPACT: 40 incoming HC members

serve in focus areas related to social inequity and inequality (such as, but not limited to, poverty, health, education, and environment) and complete service with various community organizations in the Greater Lansing area.

Honors Times Two: a student-run program

where members volunteer one hour a week to mentor one or two talented elementary schoolers on fun projects and activities related to shared academic interests.

Honors College Service Club: promotes the

Honors College ethic of service by providing opportunities for community engagement, fostering student leadership, and cultivating enriching relationships.

EDUCATION ABROAD

Education abroad is encouraged for Honors College students, who go abroad at a higher rate than other MSU students. The Honors College offers numerous funding opportunities for traveling students, and MSU offers an extensive array of options including 275 unique trips to over 60 countries. Students in the Honors College can also participate in the Euro Scholars Research Program as a Junior or Senior.

Honors college graduates are more likely to participate in: RESEARCH

66%

HC Students All MSU

36%

COMMUNITY SERVICE

67%

HC Students

57%

All MSU

PURSUE EDUCATION ABROAD AT LEAST ONCE HC Students All MSU

49%

37%

HC Data Summary 19-20

WHERE WILL YOU GO?

17%

of HC STUDENTS COMPLETED A

DUAL MAJOR OR DEGREE DURING THEIR MSU CAREER

31% OF HC GRADS PLACED AT

FORTUNE

500 COMPANIES

69%

OF HC GRADUATES PURSUING GRADUATE DEGREES AT TOP 100 RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES

70%

HAVE FULL OR PARTIAL FUNDING FOR MA OR PHD STUDIES

Admissions data as of Fall Semester 2020. Data presented in Spring 2021

Select Graduate and Professional Schools: Duke University Columbia University University of Notre Dame University of Chicago Cambridge University Princeton University Harvard University Stanford University Yale University

Select Internships and job placements: General Motors Ford Motor Company Deloitte PepsiCo Frito-Lay General Electric Beaumont Health Lockheed Martin Google Microsoft

“If it wasn’t for the Honors College, I certainly would not be on the path I am! The Honors College gave me every preparation I needed to compete for international scholarships.

The flexibility of the curriculum allowed me to take advanced classes and become involved in research and leadership roles on campus, and the rigorous classes gave me the academic knowledge and confidence to pursue a graduate education.”

JASMINE J., Detroit, Michigan Political Science Gates Cambridge Scholar

ACADEMIC MERIT AWARDS Alumni Distinguished Scholarship 15 awards for full cost of attendance for four years awarded through ADS competition in late January each year Honors College STATE Scholarship $5,000 annually for four years (select in-state students) Honors Distinction Scholarship $5,000 annually for out-of-state students Honors Excellence Scholarship $13,000 annually for select out-of-state students Honors College Professorial Assistantship $3,700 annually for two years (select incoming HC students) MSU National Merit Scholarship $1,000 annually MSU Special Merit Scholarship $2,000 to $4,000 annually (select in-state National Merit Finalists) Merit Recognition Scholarship $4,000 annually and room and board (select out-of-state National Merit Finalists)

For a complete list of High-achieving student scholarships and detailed criteria, click here.

NIFS Not only do our students earn scholarships to attend MSU, many receive national and international recognition by earning funding for graduate school. The National and International Fellowships and Scholarships (NIFS) Office helps students pursue major national and international awards by providing information and direct support throughout the competitive application process. The NIFS office provides support to eligible students from across the university (not only Honors College students) for over 20 competitive awards.

49 Goldwater Scholars 17 Truman Scholars 20 Marshall Scholars

12 Udall Scholars 20 Rhodes Scholars

5 Gates Cambridge Scholars

JOIN US! AUG.

MSU application opens

1

MSU Admission

Apply to MSU in early Fall

6-8

WEEKS LATER

MAY

1

Pay Advanced Enrollment Deposit DUE MAY 1

Accept HC invitation on student portal DUE MAY 1

Honors College Invitation

AFTER

MAY 1

New Student Orientation

Housing Room Selection

Apply to MSU to be automatically considered for an Honors College invitation – there is no separate application process. Exceptional students are typically invited within 8 weeks from the date of their MSU acceptance. We recommend applying early for maximum Honors College invitation and scholarship consideration.

Please visit our High School Admissions page for more information!

VISIT THE HONORS COLLEGE

We welcome you to come to visit us on our beautiful campus!

Honors College Admissions staff encourage prospective students and their families to plan an personalized campus visit at any point during your college search.

Complete the Honors College Visit Form to schedule your visit at a date and time that works best for you, or consider attending one of our information sessions or other recruitment events throughout your college search.

Thank you for taking time to explore the extraordinary opportunities we offer in the Honors College at Michigan State University (MSU). Personal attention, academic flexibility, and unparalleled access to world-class faculty doing leading-edge research are the signature characteristics of the MSU Honors College experience.

For more than 60 years, the MSU Honors College has supported the highest academic aspirations of our most creative and motivated students. We hope you will consider joining our vibrant community of scholars.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to our admissions team to schedule on-campus meetings with our faculty, staff, and students.

Best wishes with your college search! I hope to see you at MSU. CHRISTOPHER P. LONG

Dean, Honors College Dean, College of Arts & Letters

KEEP IN TOUCH!

MSU Honors College 468 E. Circle Drive Eustace-Cole Hall, Room 105 Michigan State University Phone: (517) 355-2326 E-Mail: honors@msu.edu Website: honorscollege.msu.edu

MSUHonorsCollege HonorsCollegeMSU msuhc @msuhc