Academics

We often associate citizenship with rights and responsibilities like voting and paying taxes or a legal status granted by the government. Similarly, we view selfhood as our core being, our essence, and who we imagine ourselves to be.

Honors 251 delves into the complexities of “citizen” and “self” to understand individuals' roles in society and democracy. The course takes a public humanities approach, emphasizing self-directed, experiential, and integrative learning. Alongside developing research, writing, and deliberation skills, students will learn how to contribute as citizen professionals within a socially responsible framework.

Students will engage in lectures, discussions, civic engagement projects, and small group activities focused on civic learning and democratic engagement.

Course experiences may include:

• Interviewing a citizen professional in your field
• Discussing pressing social issues in small groups
• Completing a service-learning project

For recommendations or inquiries, contact the MHC Team.

MHC colloquia classes offer a distinctive academic experience, combining the depth of specialized study with the breadth of interdisciplinary exploration. These courses are designed to engage intellectually curious students in intensive discussions, research, and critical analysis of complex topics. Unlike traditional lecture-based classes, honors colloquia emphasize interactive learning, encouraging students to actively participate in debates, collaborative projects, and experiential learning opportunities.

Learn More

Although Honors Credit isn't assured, studying abroad with a WKU-approved program for a semester or longer allows you to apply for Honors credit for specific courses.

How much credit can I earn while studying abroad?

• If you study abroad for a semester, you can earn three credit hours for honors credit.
• If you are studying abroad in a non-English speaking institution and have high enough proficiency in the local language to be able to take content courses (journalism, business, literature, etc.) in the local language, you can select six credit hours for honors credit per semester.
  • Note: Beginning and Intermediate language instruction do not qualify.
• If you study at Harlaxton College and enroll in the honors section of British Studies, you are eligible for six hours of honors credit. Three of those hours will be associated HIST 324, but you may select the second course to bring in for honors.

Please discuss which course(s) you want to count as Honors credit with the Honors College Academic Advisor well in advance of departing for your program.

What are minimum requirements for abroad credit to count?

• Once WKU has received and articulated transcripts from coursework abroad, the next step is the complete the Study Abroad Credit Form (below). Students are encouraged to complete the form within a semester of the study abroad experience.

• Only courses with grades of “A” or “B” are eligible to be considered for honors credit.

• Students who participate in multiple study abroad programs are eligible to earn up to 12 hours of honors credits.

• Applications are reviewed by the Assistant Director of Academics. Appeals should be directed to the Honors Development Board at honors.advising@wku.edu.

Study Abroad Credit Application

To be eligible for academic credit through MHC, internships must be constructed to produce specific outcomes related directly to an academic field. For each three-credit internship course, MHC scholars must complete a minimum of 150 hours within the organization. 

MHC has two internship courses: HON 275 for the first experience, and HON 375 for a subsequent experience. The second semester of internship credit may be earned from either the same internship that continues into a subsequent semester or an entirely different opportunity.

 

How do I enroll in an honors internship course?

To enroll in an honors internship course (HON 275 or HON 375), students submit the MHC Internship Application (below). Before the internship can be accepted, the worksite supervisor must confirm the following, via their company email:

1. confirmation that you have been accepted to participate in this internship,
2. all duties associated with the internship,
3. the number of total hours you will serve in the internship,
4. the amount of hours per week you will serve for the internship,
5. the start and completion dates of the internship,
6. names and contact information of relevant supervisors, and
7. compensation (if any) for duties performed.

This confirmation should be submitted by the supervisor to the following email address: hc.intern-practicum@wku.edu.

What is the deadline to submit the MHC Internship Application?

The application and the supervisor’s confirmation MHC Internship Application must be submitted at least one week before the first day of the term in which the internship course will be taken. However, scholars are encouraged to submit the application as early as possible in order to ensure the internship experience qualifies. Upon approval, applicants will be enrolled in the appropriate course.

Honors Internship Application

 

Honors Independent Research allows students to engage in research, creative activities, or in-depth study of a specialized topic with a faculty sponsor. This course should provide an academic experience beyond traditional coursework.

• Course Levels: Lower-level (HON 203) or upper-level (HON 303), depending on the student's needs and research sophistication.
• Credit Hours: 1 to 3, based on the project's complexity.

How to Create and Enroll in an Honors Independent Research Class

1. Determine Academic Needs:
   • Ensure structured independent research fits your academic goals.
   • Discuss potential benefits with a faculty member in your area of interest.
2. Develop Project:
   • With your Faculty Director, outline the topic, project goals, evaluation methods, and other syllabus details.
   • Complete the Honors Independent Research Application.
3. Consult Adviser:
   • Meet with the Honors College Academic Adviser to discuss how the research hours fit into your curriculum.
   • Decide on the number of credit hours (1, 2, or 3) based on project complexity and time commitment.

Application Deadline

• Start Process: Contact the Honors College's Academics Director during the priority registration period for the next semester.
• Submit Application: One week before the last day to enroll in courses for the semester. Deadlines are available on the Honors College website and will be emailed to students.

Independent Study Application

Honors Augmentations Contracts (HACs) are designed to allow MHC scholars to earn honors credit in non-honors upper-division courses.  Working closely with a course’s instructor, the student develops and engages in a creative and rigorous “honors experience” to enhance the learning outcomes.

Augmentation Info & Application

The Capstone Experience/Thesis (CE/T) project is an independent research or creative project that combines a scholar’s academic, intellectual, and professional goals. While the nature and form of the CE/T is flexible, the topic should relate to a scholar’s major and/or minor discipline(s). The CE/T offers students the opportunity to collaborate with faculty mentors while engaging in original research/work, contributing to their discipline, and exploring career options.

CE/T Forms & Resources

Honors Self-Designed Studies (HSDS) permit MHC scholars to design unique majors or minors that more precisely meet their specific professional goals and/or interdisciplinary interests than existing WKU programs. There are four options that allow you to create the major or minor that best meets your educational and career goals.

Honors Travel Abroad Grant