Be Bold. Be Brave. Be a Patriot.
When you’re an Honors College student at Mason, you'll harness your determination to discover your own path and achieve remarkable results through hands-on, stimulating learning environments. As an Honors student, you'll be offered an engaging alternative to the Mason Core that prepares you to act as an involved and impactful global citizen. You'll connect with your advisor and develop lasting relationships with top faculty who will propel your research and learning experiences forward. The immersive Learning Community provides a supportive social atmosphere for all Honors students.
Ask Difficult Questions. Solve Complex Problems.
As a Mason Honors student, you'll be offered a challenge-based curriculum where you learn by working collaboratively to answer today’s most critical questions and solve modern, pressing problems. You'll consider evidence and multiple perspectives that broaden your understanding and challenge your assumptions. The condensed Honors College curriculum allows you the space and time to pursue additional majors, minors, research, internships, and your individual interests.
Opportunities available:
Extended research | Semester internships | Study-abroad programs
Eligibility and Important Dates
Applying to the Honors College
Honors College applications are reviewed holistically, and while academic motivation and preparation are essential, all students with curiosity and drive are encouraged to apply. Admission to the Honors College is competitive and is based on the strength of the overall applicant pool each year.
All Honors College applicants must complete a supplemental essay, located within the general application to the university. Letters of recommendation are strongly encouraged. Notification of Honors College acceptance will be included at the time of admission.
Deadline Information
Submit your application by November 1 for full consideration for admission to the Honors College and the University Scholars Program. All students who apply by November 1, Mason’s Early Action Deadline, will also be considered for merit scholarships.
Applications submitted by February 1, Mason’s Regular Decision Deadline, will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
University Scholars Program
Selected from among the most outstanding students invited to the Honors College, University Scholars are awarded the highest academic distinction Mason offers, including a scholarship award covering the full cost of tuition over four years. In addition to the scholarship, the University Scholars Program offers scholars a cohort experience, enhanced mentoring, and enriched cocurricular programming.
Research
Research Right Now
Mason is one of only 131 schools in the country to hold the coveted Tier 1 Research University status given by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Our faculty and students engage in research of consequence in their respective fields. During your first semester of your freshman year as an Honors student, you’ll complete a guided individual research project, which prepares you to apply successfully for grants, academic conferences, and research programs at Mason and elsewhere.
Follow Our Distinguished Faculty
Mason’s faculty includes Nobel laureates, Fulbright Scholars, and Pulitzer Prize winners who are eager to guide the next generation of leaders as they pursue their passions. Faculty involve their students in important work solving medical mysteries, international crime, reducing airline accidents, decreasing community obesity rates, and more.
Mason Faculty Members Lead Important Research with
- The Center for Adaptive Systems of Brain-Body Interactions
- The Criminal Investigations and Network Analysis Center
- The Institute for a Sustainable Earth
- The Institute for Biohealth Innovation
- The Institute for Digital InnovAtion
- The Quantum Materials Center
Credits:
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