The Honors Program at Delta State University offers enriched educational and cultural experiences for talented, academically dedicated students within an environment that encourages discovery and creativity. Students accepted into the program become Honors Fellows and enjoy benefits such as smaller class sizes, priority for early registration each semester, and recognition at university commencement ceremonies. Additionally, Honors Fellows have access to opportunities for co- and extra-curricular activities, including but not limited to cross-cultural experiences, civic engagement, and lectures. The honors program also provides extra mentoring and advising opportunities for students. Honors Fellows may apply for a scholarship of $500 per semester.
A key feature of the Honors curriculum is the Accelerated Honors General Education Curriculum, which allows honors students to reduce their general education requirements from 38 to 30 credit hours, as long as they meet specific conditions and receive approval from their advisor and department chair.
”As a non-traditional transfer student in nursing, I didn’t have time for a lot of extra classes or a separate thesis. What I like about Delta State’s honors program is that it’s flexible—it supported my major instead of adding to my stress.
Keirra Birch, Honors Program StudentClass of 2026
Why the Honors Program?
A college honors program challenges students through advanced coursework and fosters close relationships with faculty mentors, creating an environment that encourages academic and personal growth. In addition to a richer, more personal experience as a student, Honors Fellows have several other benefits while in the program. These advantages are designed to support your academic success and enhance your overall college journey.
- Eligible for a scholarship of up to $500 per semester
- Early registration for classes
- Cultural experiences and trips
- More one-on-one faculty instruction
- Identification of honors program graduates at commencement
How to Get into the Honors Program
Eligibility and Application to the Program
High school students, international students, current DSU students, and transfers from other institutions are welcome to apply to join the program. Admission policies and program requirements vary depending on when you apply to the program as outlined below. Additionally, all students must meet the eligibility requirements for admission to the university.
Eligibility Requirements for students with LESS than 30 credit hours:
- ACT Composite of 24 higher (SAT Composite of 1160 or higher)
- High School GPA of 3.5 or higher
Eligibility Requirements for students with 30 credit hours or more:
- College GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Must have at least 3 semesters remaining in your college program
- May submit ACT or SAT scores for consideration
Applying to the Honors Program is Easy
Applying to the Honors Program is a quick and straightforward process designed with students in mind. Applications are accepted year-round and can be submitted easily via email. With only 25 spots available each year, we encourage interested students to apply as soon as possible.
- Online application
- High School transcripts for those with less than 30 college credits
- Unofficial college transcripts if requested
- Select from the options below:
- Two references, their professional titles, and their phone numbers
- An on-campus personal interview or presentation
Once your online application is received, further instructions will be provided on setting up an interview or presentation. If an applicant elects for the on-campus interview, please coordinate with the director of the honors program via e-mail once the online application has been acknowledged.
Spotlight: Digital Literacy for Delta Youth
Jakori Johnson, a computer information systems major, partnered with C2K Ministries to teach basic computer skills to elementary students in the Mississippi Delta. His project helped bridge the digital divide by introducing children to essential technology tools like keyboards, websites, and software navigation.
Check Out Our Courses
The Honors Program offers a dynamic and challenging curriculum designed to sharpen your critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Through thought-provoking courses and collaborative learning experiences, you’ll gain the ability to ask meaningful questions, engage in deeper investigation, and explore a broad range of topics that prepare you for leadership, scholarship, and service.
HON 290. Honors Interdisciplinary Seminar
Provides exposure to the wide range of academic programs, research subjects, and careers available to undergraduates. Guests are drawn from a wide variety of careers to provide opportunities for intellectual and professional exploration and discussion.
HON 299. Introductory Honors Enhancement Course
A supplemental introductory honors experience that partners concurrently with a 100- or 200-level course, ideally within the student’s major. It adds an intellectual dimension to the course, emphasizing self-direction, curiosity, and engagement with faculty. Students use this course to report on their enhanced progress and formalize a course contract with a faculty member of their choice.
HON 399. Advanced Honors Enhancement Course
A supplemental advanced honors experience that partners concurrently with a 300- or 400-level course, ideally within the student’s major. It adds an intellectual dimension to the course, emphasizing self-direction, curiosity, and engagement with faculty. Students use this course to report on their enhanced progress and formalize a course contract with a faculty member of their choice.
HON 492. Honors Special Topics
Topics to be announced, but have ranged from independent study coursework to travel abroad opportunities.
HON 499. Honors Forum
This course offers guided preparation and a creative component for students completing their capstone projects for their majors or other final projects within the last year of their degree program. It culminates in at least one public presentation of their capstone, their final project, or an associated intellectual interest. The course also includes discussions on career opportunities and the role of leadership and service in the lives of honors graduates.
Meet the Honors Program Director
Don Allan Mitchell is a Professor of English and has worked at Delta State for two decades. A former department chair, he has served Delta State in a variety of roles and is known on campus for his ability to find solutions to student challenges. In 2022, he was named Mississippi Humanities Council Teacher of the Year at Delta State.
