Honors Program: A Tradition of ExcellenceFor the last three decades, the Honors Program has offered students a special, challenging cross-disciplinary curriculum for high caliber students. The Honors Program embodies the best of undergraduate education at UNK. The Honors graduate will understand the importance of theory, praxis, and service.
After all, the University of Nebraska at Kearney is committed to becoming one of the nation’s premier undergraduate institutions. The faculty and administration strongly value the concept that a “democratic society needs an educated citizenry of lifelong learners who are aware, collectively, of the accomplishments of diverse civilizations and cultures, the historical context of current affairs, and the ways in which our society seeks to discern and serve a common, unifying public interest”. The faculty and administration believe that individual citizens, if they are to lead satisfying and productive lives in society, need to develop not only career skills but also such personal and intellectual qualities as integrity, respect for others, initiative, diligence, and capacities for clear thinking, writing, and speaking. The Honors Program is the cornerstone for a distinctive undergraduate experience.
For the first time in its history, in 2010 UNK was ranked as a “Top 10 Public Regional University” in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report in its annual “Best Colleges” edition. This recognition is due in part to UNK’s long standing commitment to the Honors Program and an overall quality undergraduate experience. While growth is important, quality remains the key concern to the Honors Program. Honors program admission requirements for the upcoming year have increased from an ACT Composite score of 26 to an ACT Composite score of 27 and be ranked in the top 25% of the Senior class. Requirements for the prestigious Omaha World-Herald/ Kearney Hub Scholarship have increased from an ACT Composite score of 28 to an ACT Composite score of 30 and be ranked in the top 10% of the Senior class.
Please consider being a part of the Honors community. Honors students will have the opportunity to enroll in cutting-edge courses; participate in funded undergraduate research; volunteer in meaningful service to others; and travel abroad and domestically. In addition, first year students will have the opportunity to live in honors housing. The sense of community will reaffirm the importance of common purpose in the pursuit of excellence.
Please note that applications for the Omaha World-Herald/Kearney Hub Scholarship must be postmarked or electronically submitted by November 15, 2011. Applications for the Honors Program must be postmarked or submitted electronically on or before February 1, 2012. Late applicants and interested returning students can apply after completion of 15 hours of UNK coursework provided the applicant has a 3.5 grade point average and has completed an application. Thank you for your interest in the Honors Program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
For further information please contact Dr. Peter Longo 308.865.8702; honors@unk.edu.