Honors Program
North Georgia's Honors Program provides selected students the opportunity to obtain an education designed to foster maximum intellectual growth while, at the same time, encouraging the development of the whole person. Honors Program students take courses designed to expand such capabilities as writing, speaking, quantitative reasoning, ethical reasoning, critical and creative thinking, and the ability to engage technology. The program emphasizes independent learning, teamwork, initiative, responsibility, and respect for all persons.
Honors courses are typically discussion-based, with a maximum of 16 students, and are designed to encourage independent learning. They provide opportunities for students to better develop an appreciation of the interrelatedness of knowledge. Honors classes take place in classrooms that facilitate interaction among students and professors. Course sections are currently offered in government, psychology, history, sociology, biology, mathematics, composition, philosophy, literature, language, economics, and research methods. Students may also apply to receive honors credit for upper level courses within their major.
Upon admission to the Honors Program, students are eligible for priority registration and enrollment in Honors courses. Honors students also receive a peer mentor and 24 hour access to the Honors lab and common room. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular events including trips to the Shakespeare Tavern, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, sporting events, caving, white water rafting, and academic conferences, among other events. The Honors Program requires 10 hours of community service per semester and is involved with various service events, including hosting blood drives, visiting the local animal shelter, sponsoring a Relay for Life team, and tutoring local public school students. Honors students are also expected to maintain a 3.1 minimum grade point average and be active in campus life.
Eligible students must complete an application form (which includes an essay) and provide two letters of recommendation. Students who are involved with extracurricular activities and community service are especially encouraged to apply to the Honors Program. Transfers or students who are currently enrolled at NGCSU may apply for admission provided they complete the following requirements:
(a) At least a 3.4 cumulative college GPA;
(b) A completed application with two letters of recommendation from college professors.