The Honors Academy

The Missouri S&T Honors Academy offers students the opportunity to be a part of a community of outstanding scholars who are seeking an enhanced educational experience.

At Missouri S&T, Honors Academy students are recognized for their academic excellence and are provided with individualized attention and opportunities to establish leadership development skills, interact with faculty members, and participate in special projects including undergraduate research, service learning, and other beneficial experiences.

For more information, please contact Undergraduate Education at 573-341-7276 or by email at msthonorsacademy@mst.edu.

Qualifications

Incoming Freshmen:

  • ACT score is 29 or higher/SAT is 1340 or above.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.75.

Test Optional Students

  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.75.
  • Review of written essays submitted with application to Missouri S&T.

Incoming Transfer Students:

  • A minimum GPA of 3.5.
  • A minimum of 12 graded, college-level credits.

Current S&T Students:

  • They have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
  • A minimum of 24 S&T graded, college-level credits.

New Student Honors Seminar

To participate in Honors Academy, students participate in New Student Honors Seminar their first year at Missouri S&T. New Student Seminar meets monthly throughout the fall and spring semester. Students have the opportunity to hear from speakers across the campus. The Office of Undergraduate Education will enroll the student in the no cost, no credit Honors Seminar. (Transfer students may join New Student Honors Seminar during either the fall or spring semester).

Honors Academy Requirements for Students Enrolled Prior to Fall 2024

Following their first year, Honors Academy students to remain in the program must meet the following criteria:

  • Maintain a 3.5 Cumulative GPA.
  • Complete at least one honors course for 3 credit hours per academic year after their first year.
  • Complete 12 honor credit hours before graduation with one course or 3 credit hours outside of the major field of study.
  • Complete a senior project or thesis and disseminate the findings before graduation.

The "Honors" course designation is based on extra work conducted in regular Missouri S&T courses wherein the instructor agrees to approve and oversee the effort.  No more than three credit hours may be individual study courses.

Honors Distinctions

Honors Academy students who graduate with a 3.5 GPA or better and have at least 12 credit hours of "Honors" course credits and present their thesis findings will earn the distinction of "Honors Academy Fellow" at graduation. This distinction will be noted on their diploma, transcript, and commencement program. 

Honors Academy Requirements for Students Entering Fall 2024 and Beyond 

Following their first year, Honors Academy students to remain in the program must meet the following criteria:

Academic Curiosity

Curiosity, exposure to diverse ideas, and being well rounded is a fundamental aspect of an honors scholar experience.  Students will be required to complete course credit outside their major within two pathways. Scholars will only have to complete one pathway. 

Pathway 1

  • Complete 8 credit hours outside major.
  • Honors Project: Students must undertake a research or creative project, culminating in a presentation to the campus community. Projects can integrate the student’s major or interdisciplinary interests, including co-op experiences.

Pathway 2 

  • Enrich your studies with a minor, double major, certificate, or accelerated 4+1 program. 

Immersion Experience

Scholars are expected to engage in a 50-hour immersion experience relevant to their interests and goals, such as service learning, study abroad, undergraduate research, internships, or campus employment.

Experiences must be registered and documented through an appropriate university department. 

Leadership

Participation in leadership or mentorship roles on campus for at least 15 hours. Roles might include executive positions in student organizations or as a student mentor or coach.

Leadership experience must be registered and documented through an appropriate university department. 

Cumulative GPA

Scholars must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Honors Distinctions

Scholars who have completed the following are eligible to graduate as an Honors Academy Fellow. This distinction will be noted on their diploma, transcript, and commencement program.

  • Completed one of the Academic Curiosity Pathways.

  • Completed 50 hours of an immersion experience.

  • Completed 15 hours of leadership experience.

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0.