Program Mission
The Kentucky Wesleyan College Honors Program mission is to offer a rigorous curriculum that exceeds the standards of a class to enhance research, writing and creative skills with academic excellence, leadership roles and service learning to create lifelong learners.
Program Description
The Kentucky Wesleyan College Honors Program is designed for high-achieving students who want to challenge themselves and grow as scholars, leaders, and citizens. Incoming freshmen with a 3.25 GPA and 25 ACT or higher are automatically invited to join this selective academic community.
Honors students complete 15 credit hours of Honors courses, which fulfill General Education or Core requirements while adding an engaging, discussion-based, and rigorous dimension to their studies. Each course emphasizes critical thinking, communication, research, and creative problem-solving, helping students connect learning across diverse disciplines.
Students begin their journey in the KW101 Honors Learning Community, forming strong bonds with peers and faculty mentors who inspire academic excellence and personal growth. Recognition comes early through the Bridging Ceremony at the end of freshman year and culminates in the Honors Program designation on the graduate’s transcript and diploma, signaling to employers and graduate schools a record of exceptional achievement, integrity, and engagement.
As they advance, Honors students complete a senior capstone thesis presented at Scholars Day, demonstrating their ability to conduct independent research and share their insights with the Wesleyan community. The program also encourages participation in service learning, leadership development, and study abroad, all of which are central to a well-rounded, Christ-centered liberal arts education.
At Kentucky Wesleyan, the Honors Program is about more than advanced coursework. It is an invitation to pursue deeper learning, meaningful connection, and confident preparation for the future.
Bulletin and Transcript Description
For designation on the final transcript and diploma, Honors Program students will complete 15 hours of Honors courses, sustain a 3.25+ GPA and present a Senior Capstone Thesis. Honors courses are designated with an HON on the transcript.
Requirements
- Incoming Freshmen – Auto-admit enrollment of 3.25+ GPA and 25+ ACT.
- Sophomores – 3.25+ GPA, submit an application, and offer a Letter of Recommendation from faculty member/advisor for the Honors Program Committee’s review.
- Incoming HON freshmen will enroll in KW101.X-HON community and does not count toward the 15 hours.
- Complete 15 hours, with 6 hours outside major’s discipline, of HON courses.
- Senior Capstone thesis presentation (Scholars Day).
Honor Components may be, but are not limited to:
- Extra pages in a paper or an extra paper.
- Added extra reading or citing of more sources.
- Attending an event/workshop.
- Extra hours in community service.
- Special research or creative research.
- More complex projects.
