Honors Program

As an academically talented student, you learn at a different pace. You hold unique interests. You see things differently and ask different questions. Find fulfillment and success in your academic pursuits through Olivet’s Honors Program.

Our Mission

The Honors Program at Olivet Nazarene University exists to equip academically-gifted students for lives of service as Christian scholars and leaders in their chosen disciplines.

Program Highlights

  • Cohort program model that fosters a community of scholarship as students and faculty progress together
    through a sequence of four honors courses

  • Freshmen and sophomore-level interdisciplinary classes taught by a dedicated team of faculty experts

  • Junior and senior research seminars focusing on research methodology specific to student’s discipline

  • Culmination in the completion of a fully-funded, faculty-mentored, two-year research capstone project

  • Coursework in the program satisfies four university general education requirements

  • Enrichment activities including an overnight retreat for incoming freshmen and a capstone sophomore Chicago trip at conclusion of coursework

  • Community service and cultural event opportunities unique to program

  • Honors designation on transcript and recognition at graduation

  • Potential for publication in university honors research journal

  • High success rate in placing graduates in fully-funded graduate school programs 

Testimonial
Elaia: The Honors Journal of Olivet Nazarene University

Available in print and online, the journal features work from the disciplines of the sciences, music, athletics, psychology, astronomy, engineering and more.

From the moment Olivet Honors Program students set foot on campus, they join a community of scholars. Together, in Christian fellowship, they study, learn and grow. In their junior and senior years, students work on a capstone scholarship project with faculty mentors. The results of these projects, presented here, are often life-changing.

Read the third volume here!

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Apply and be admitted to Olivet Nazarene University

  • Verify a composite ACT score of 28 or an equivalent SAT score, or rank in the top 10% of class (100 minimum students), or have a 3.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Submit the completed application form and the required essay by January 31, 2021.
  • Participate in a virtual interview with two faculty members in mid-late February. 
  • Students can submit their essay to the Honors Program by attaching it as a Supplemental Item on their Honors application or by emailing it as an attachment to Honors@olivet.edu, with the subject line: Honors Program Essay. The attached file should be either a PDF or Word document, named with applicant's last name followed by "Honors Essay." Please be sure the applicant's name appears at the top of the essay itself also.

To learn more about the Honors Program, contact Dr. Stephen Lowe, program director, via email or call 815-928-5457.