Honors Program Booklet 2025

OL I V E T NA Z A R E N E U N I V E R SI T Y

HONORS PROGRAM

O LIVET HONOR S PR OGR AM

PHILOSOPHY

M I S SI O N The honors program at Olivet Nazarene University exists to equip academically-gifted students for lives of service as Christian scholars and leaders in their chosen disciplines.

We believe that fostering thoughtful Christian scholars is essential today.

Our world needs young academic leaders who serve God through the life of the mind.

In the honors program at Olivet Nazarene University, students join a cohort of incoming freshmen and progress through a course sequence designed to cultivate both spirit and intellect.

Students develop the tools they need to become Christian scholars and servant leaders, mentored by professors who are experts in their fields and passionate about God’s creative action in the world.

PROGRAM FEATURES Learning in community

Honors students satisfy four of their general education requirements through participation in a sequence of seminar courses their freshmen and sophomore year. From “Faith and Film” to “Sacred Space,” these interdisciplinary courses are each taught by a team of two faculty scholars and foster discussion, dialogue, and exploration in a climate of Christian fellowship. In honors, students are challenged to learn and grow in community.

Student research is published in ELAIA: The Honors Journal of Olivet Nazarene University. More than a publication credit, this represents the fruition of a scholarly journey and a chance to share work with the wider academic community.

Serving through research

From missionary hospitals in Papua New Guinea to insect population surveys in the Olivet nature preserve, the honors program equips and supports each student in the completion of a fully funded, twoyear, faculty-mentored research project. Research seminars junior and senior year, along with presentation opportunities on and off campus, give students a chance to hone their curiosity and passion. Whether designing their own study or coming alongside a faculty scholar, honors students contribute to the search for knowledge and pursuit of creative human endeavor for God’s glory.

CHECK IT OUT ARROW-RIGHT-LONG Available in print and online, the journal features work from the disciplines of the sciences, music, athletics, psychology, astronomy, engineering and more.

H E A R IT FR O M THE

STUDENTS The honors program fosters and facilitates a higher level of scholarship and project complexity than is generally achievable in a single-semester research setting. My capstone research not only strengthened my laboratory, communication, and critical thinking skills, but has also unlocked a newfound passion for research.”

ERIN OLSON Class of 2020

Erin worked alongside Dr. Dan Sharda to investigate means of protecting intestinal health using a cell culture model of intestinal inflammation.

APPLICATION PROCESS 1. APPLY

Submit an application and be admitted to Olivet Nazarene University

2. QUALIFY

Verify a composite ACT score of 28 or an equivalent SAT score, or rank in the top 10% of class (100 minimum students) or have a 3.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale

In the honors program I’ve been given a chance to grow and interact alongside talented and passionate peers. I’ve been challenged to examine my thinking and develop my skills as a scholar. The professors in this program ask students to grapple with big-picture issues in society and problems of philosophy and apply them to our own interests.

DAVID RUSH Class of 2024

ABBY FLOOD Class of 2023

David's honors research with Dr. Andrew Hoag focused on the unique capabilities of video games as narrative vehicles and resulted in the creation and play-testing of an original video game.

The Olivet honors program has given me a place to dive deep into hard questions—to be challenged both academically and spiritually. Walking into an honors classroom is simultaneously exhilarating and reassuring. I know I will be challenged but I also know it will be within the comfort of professors who care about me and classmates who know me. The honors program has enriched my Olivet experience in countless ways and prepared me for a life of scholarship, no matter my context.

Abby’s honors research, under the mentorship of Dr. Leon Blanchette, involved the creation of specialized children's ministry curriculum on faith in diverse communities."

3 . W R ITE

Submit a completed honors program application form along with required essay online by January 30

4. INTERVIEW

Complete an honors program interview with ONU faculty

OLIVET.EDU/HONOR S

For questions regarding the Honors Program contact

STEPHEN CASE, PH.D. Program Director scase@olivet.edu (815) 928-5681

For questions regarding the application process contact

LUKE FRANKLIN

Executive Director of Admissions lfrankl1@olivet.edu (815) 928-5478