Honors Program

The Honors Program at Middle Georgia State University is designed to provide an elevated college experience for academically motivated students. Honors classes at MGA provide an opportunity for high-achieving MGA students to pursue their academic greatness.

Honors Tracts

• Associate’s Honors Program Graduate: An associate's degree student who completes four Honors Program courses in four different disciplines with a grade of B or better and has an overall GPA of at least 3.5 is designated an Honors Program Graduate.
• Baccalaureate Honors Program Graduate: A bachelor's degree student who completes eight Honors Program courses in four different disciplines with a grade of B or better and has an overall GPA of at least 3.5 is designated an Honors Program Graduate.
• Honors Discipline Graduate: A bachelor's degree student who completes four upper-level Honors Program courses in his or her major with a grade of B or better and has an overall GPA of at least 3.5 is designated an Honors Discipline Graduate.
• Honors Pathway Certificate: Dual-enrolled students who complete at least four honors classes in two or more subject areas with a grade of A or B in each and fulfill an outside enrichment requirement are awarded the Honors Pathway Certificate.

All Honors Program Graduates are recognized at Honors Convocation (spring semester) and Graduation. The designation "Honors Program Graduate" or “Honors Discipline Graduate” will be placed on the permanent academic record.

Students must submit their application to graduate as an Honors Program graduate to the Honors Program Director: Honors Program Graduation Application.

Honors Courses

Honors courses fulfill core curriculum requirements and are designed to be more innovative, enjoyable, and rewarding since students of similar abilities are grouped together in small, discussion-based classes. While students in general introductory classes are expected to gain a certain body of knowledge and display that knowledge on tests and in essays, students in Honors courses are asked to apply what they have learned in ways that are creative and that relate to their own interests and goals.

Such perks as field trips and guest lecturers provide added bonuses. In addition to their inherent value, all Honors classes are recorded with Honors designation on student transcripts, a distinction that draws favorable attention from prospective employers and graduate schools.

Currently we offer the following core curriculum courses as Honors courses:

• ENGL 1101 (Fall Semester)
• ENGL 1102 (Spring Semester)
• ENGL 2131
• ENGL 2132
• HIST 2111
• HIST 2112
• POLS 1101
• PSYC 1101
• SOCI 1101
• English Composition I
• English Composition II
• American Literature I
• American Literature II
• U.S. History to 1865
• U.S. History since 1865
• American Government
• Introduction to Psychology
• Introduction to Sociology

Honors Course Designations

Students may earn Honors credit for a non-Honors course by completing special projects of sufficient creativity, depth, or scope to warrant an Honors designation. Courses for which these projects are satisfactorily completed are designated as Honors classes on the student's transcript. All Honors course designation projects must be approved in advance by the Honors Program Director.

Designations can fall under three possible project types, each with different rubrics and requirements: Research, Service / Experiential, and Creative. Regardless of project type, the project must be in addition to the assignments of the regular/non-Honors section of the course.

Students must meet with their course instructor to discuss appropriate projects for an Honors Designation before submitting a project proposal for approval by the Honors Director. Honors project proposals should be agreed upon by the course instructor and student and then approved by the Honors Director by the fourth week of the fall and spring semesters.

Admission Requirements

Who can enroll in the Honors Program?

New students who have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and/or an 1100 minimum combined SAT, with a verbal score of at least 580; an ACT composite score of 24 or higher also qualifies a student.

Currently enrolled students who have earned a GPA of 3.5 after completing 15 credit hours.

Students with a high school GPA or college GPA (after at least 15 credit hours completed) between 3.0 and 3.5. who do not meet the above requirements may apply to be admitted to the Honors Program. Since writing and reading comprehension skills are necessary across courses and majors, applying students with As in English courses will be considered for the Honors Program.

Honors Pathway Certificate

The Honors Pathway Certificate at MGA offers a collegiate honors experience to driven high school students through dual enrolling in Honors courses. Students can take Honors courses tailored to their interests and engage in smaller classes taught by MGA’s expert professors.

Honors Pathway students who complete at least 4 Honors classes in 2 or more subject areas with a grade of A or B in each and fulfill an outside enrichment requirement are awarded the Honors Pathway Certificate, a distinction noted on their transcript.

Any student with a 3.5 high school GPA is automatically admitted and eligible to register for Honors courses. Students who do not qualify may still apply. The Honors Pathway is available on the Macon, Cochran, Warner Robins, and Dublin campuses and online.

Honors Living Learning Communities

Honors Living Learning Community (LLC) provides exciting academic and social opportunities for residential freshmen in Cochran and Macon. Through the LLC, you'll have the chance to live and learn with a diverse group of students who share your passion for excellence, all within a supportive environment where you can connect with faculty, participate in fun activities, and build a strong sense of belonging.

Our Honors Program goes beyond traditional classroom experiences, offering enriching events, research opportunities, educational trips, and service projects. Students in the Honors Living Learning Community should meet eligibility requirements for the Honors Program. 

Honors Student Association

Made up of students accepted into the Honors Program at Middle Georgia State University, the Honors Student Association sponsors various social and cultural activities during the year. It promotes a sense of unity and group identity among the Honors students. The organization regularly engages in activities that involve community service and extracurricular educational enrichment.

Contact Information

Dr. Heather Ness-Maddox
Director of the Honors Program
Middle Georgia State University