About the College

Mission

Mission

The Bowling Green State University Honors College supports the BGSU mission by fostering a community of scholars.  Through an emphasis on personal and intellectual development, members are challenged to identify their values and broaden their worldview.

Honors College Objectives

• The Honors curriculum promotes collaborative work, creativity, and interdisciplinary studies that culminate in an Honors capstone project and original scholarship. (Medallion)
• Honors College members enjoy a lifelong commitment to create public good through engaged citizenship.
• Honors College students work with faculty and staff mentors who encourage their involvement within the Honors College as they prepare to become leaders in their professions and communities. 
• Honors College students can expect to participate in leadership and professional development opportunities which lead to self-authorship.*
• Honors College members sharpen their critical thinking skills, allowing them to attain comfort with ambiguity, inspire innovation, and explore personal values in order to cultivate a culture of inclusion, respect, and curiosity.  

*Self-authorship is “the capacity to internally define a coherent belief system and identity that coordinates engagement in mutual relations with the larger world” (Baxter Magolda in Baxter Magolda & King, 2004, p. xxii).

Benefits of Honors College

• Small classes — The enrollment limit for our classes is 25 students, which means that you have more opportunities to interact with your peers and the faculty both within and beyond the classroom.
• Expanded critical thinking skills — All Honors students are required to take HNRS 2010 – Intro to Critical Thinking their first semester and HNRS 2020 – Critical Thinking about Great Ideas their second semester. Both of these courses meet general education requirements for all majors at BGSU. Many Honors students have told us that these courses are among their most important experiences at BGSU because they help them frame the rest of the education and the ways in which they see the world. Also, employers often cite critical thinking as a desirable skill when they search for future employees.
• Superior Faculty — Our instructors are selected from among the best teachers on campus. All are committed to your academic achievement within the classroom and care about your intellectual and personal growth.
• Enhanced opportunities for research and learning — Honors students are engaged with many faculty members, on a one-on-one basis, with research in their chosen academic fields. By participating in basic or applied research and working closely with faculty in their areas of expertise, Honors students enhance their education at BGSU and distinguish themselves from other graduates on the job market post-graduation.
• Option to join the Honors Learning Community (HLC) - The HLC is a residential learning commuity located in Founders Hall where you are surrounded by faculty, staff, and other students who understand and support academic excellence. You'll enjoy a respectful atmosphere, dynamic and easy acesss to Honors College facutly, advisors and staff. Space is limited and often fills early. 
• Priority registration — Honors students register on the first day of the University class one year ahead of them. For example, sophomore Honors students register the day before all other juniors on campus.