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.

Program Highlights

  • Cohort program model that fosters a community of scholarship as students and faculty progress together through a sequence of four Honors Program 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 capstone research project
  • Coursework in the program satisfies four university general education requirements
  • Enrichment activities including a capstone sophomore Chicago trip at conclusion of coursework
  • 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

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.

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Learn why Olivet’s dedication to faith and integrity have earned its rank as Illinois's number one Christian university.

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We offer several different ways for you to visit our beautiful campus! Whether you visit in person or online, choose a personalized visit or energetic event day, we want to show you all that Olivet has to offer.

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It all starts here! We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. All completed applications receive equal consideration.

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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 in this journal, 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, 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 29, 2023.
  • Submit the required essay to the Honors Program. Please refer to the essay prompt link for complete instructions.
  • Participate in a virtual or on-site interview with two faculty members on either February 18 or 25, 2023. 

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

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