Honors Program

Mission Statement

The Honors Program at Jacksonville State University provides academically gifted students with an enriched educational experience in a diverse range of courses that foster independent, critical thinking and effective communication. The Honors Program helps students fulfill their potential in their chosen fields while preparing them to meet the challenges and responsibilities of becoming citizens with global perspectives.

About the Honors Program

The Honors Program is designed to engage students' intellectual curiosity and develop their skills to think and study independently, creating connections between students and their communities. The main component of the program is the offering of classes that focus on these educational aspects, helping students who are intellectually curious and self-motivated find ways to expand their ideas and perspectives on the world and their place in it. Honors Program members have first priority to enroll in honors classes. Applying to and becoming a member of the Honors Program includes additional benefits: small classes, special advisement, career planning, study away/study abroad and service opportunities. Upon completion of the program, Honors Program members will receive special recognition at graduation.

Dean of Honors and Special Programs, Dr. Lori Owens, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the Honors Program at JSU.

Honors Program Goals and Objectives

The Honors Board, dedicated to offering challenging and innovative academic opportunities, supervises the Honors Program and has established the following goals and objectives for the program:

  • To foster critical thinking and intellectual curiosity
  • To promote the open exchange of ideas
  • To value the strength that comes with inclusiveness
  • To encourage innovative and interdisciplinary classroom instruction
  • To embrace service and social responsibility
  • To prepare students to be leaders in their chosen fields