Message from the Dean

Welcome to the Honors College. There are numerous opportunities and advantages for students in selecting Valdosta State University. The Honors College is a program built on innovation and creative engagement, and is oriented in preparing students for a 21st century world. With qualities such as critical reflection, engagement, and global awareness as implicit parts of the Honors curriculum, Honors graduates are well prepared with the necessary skills to excel.

The Honors College is housed in the former home of Dr. Bailey, VSU's seventh president. It is the hub of activity for the Honors Student Association and a great place to relax, study, or socialize. We also have a designated Honors residence in Reade Hall. Honors students have an opportunity to become a part of many activities, undergraduate research opportunities, and learning experiences. In addition to engaging initiatives, social benefits such as the camaraderie between you and your fellow Honors students are an important aspect of the Honors tradition.

The faculty also takes an active role in student life not only as instructors but as advisors and mentors as well. As Honors students bring the desire to learn and grow, the Honors faculty volunteer to work closely with them, fostering an academic relationship based on excellence and scholarship. Most importantly, Honors students serve as the model for the student body and community. I am happy to welcome you and look forward to working with you as part of the Honors College here at VSU.  

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our website. It lists the requirements, benefits, and activities of the Honors College, their schedule of events, scholarships, and many more. We invite all prospective students to fill out an application and join the College. Please come and see us in person in the Honors House. The faculty, staff, and students of the VSU Honors College look forward to meeting you and working with you. Thank you for visiting our website!

Sincerely,
Michael P. Savoie
mpsavoie@valdosta.edu

Introduction

The Honors College offers interdisciplinary seminars, a special track of core curriculum courses, Honors sections in various majors, and opportunities for independent research that lead to a Certificate in University Honors. The curriculum of the College is designed to provide for the stimulation and challenge of academically motivated students so that they achieve their full academic potential, while at the same time providing recognition for such students' endeavors. The Honors College encourages connections between disciplines, interdisciplinary programs, innovative and unusual approaches to subject matter, strong undergraduate research and/or creative focus, and a reliance upon experiential learning and a global perspective that are fully integrated into the course content. The courses and seminars are designed to give all students in the Honors College a shared intellectual experience in order to develop a community of learners and to encourage a spirit of collegiality in the pursuit of knowledge, a spirit that is essential for intellectual growth and personal fulfillment.

Offerings Include

  1. Limited-enrollment classes in anthropology, art, biology, chemistry, economics, health, history, literature and languages, mathematics, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology. All of these courses satisfy core curriculum requirements, depending on the student's major.

  2. Special honor seminars with an interdisciplinary focus. These explore a wide range of interesting, controversial, and timely issues. These seminars can satisfy core credit in area B of the core.

  3. Honors Research Methods course (or a similar approved course, depending on the major) which satisfies a requirement in the major or college.

  4. Honors sections in various majors.

  5. A capstone experience including, but not limited to an Honors Thesis, Independent Study, Internship, or Study Abroad.

  6. Fora, a series of discussions and lectures led by faculty, visiting scholars, and distinguished members of the community.

The Honors College also sponsors the Honors Student Association, open to all students members of the College. The Honors College is affiliated with the National Collegiate Honors Council, the Southern Regional Honors Council, and the Georgia Collegiate Honors Council. These affiliations afford wide opportunity for travel to academic conventions and conferences.


For more detailed information about the Honors College, please consult our Mission Statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

View the most Frequently Asked Questions of the Honors College.