Honors College Frequently Asked Questions
The Honors College at Minnesota State Moorhead offers a flexible, personalized experience designed to help students explore their interests, develop their skills, and prepare for their future. Find answers to common questions about admission, scholarships, certificates, and what it means to be an Honors scholar.
About the Honors College
The Honors College at Minnesota State Moorhead is a reimagined honors experience. It offers high-achieving students across all majors individualized academic pathways, stackable certificates, and a one-time professional development stipend, up to $3,000. Students design their own experience without adding tuition costs or time to their degree.
Traditional honors programs typically add extra coursework or longer papers on top of standard classes. The Moorhead Honors College is built differently. Students earn stackable certificates across disciplines, pursue mentored research and experiential learning, and design a path that reflects their own goals. The focus is on depth and direction, not additional requirements.
Yes. Any student admitted to Minnesota State Moorhead with a 3.5 or higher high school GPA can apply to the Honors College, regardless of their major. Honors scholars come from every academic discipline on campus.
Benefits & Opportunities
Each year, 100 competitive scholarships are awarded through an interview process. The total annual investment is $1 million across tuition scholarships, housing awards, and professional development stipends. Honors scholars also receive exclusive consideration for Presidential and Provost Scholarships, the highest-value awards on campus.
Every Honors College scholar can receive up to $3,000 in a one-time professional development stipend to use toward experiences that support their academic and career goals. This includes equipment and supplies for research, conference presentation opportunities, study abroad, materials for creative projects, and similar opportunities.
Honors scholars can earn stackable certificates across disciplines by completing focused coursework that builds toward a recognized credential. Certificates are nine credits each and are designed to complement any major without adding time to graduation. Students who earn two or more certificates receive honors distinction upon graduation.
Experience & Community
Weld Hall is MSUM's most historic building, which recently underwent a $23 million renovation. It serves as the dedicated home base for the Honors College, offering scholars a lounge, classroom, theater, and shared gathering space designed for collaboration and community.
Admissions & Participation
Start by applying to Minnesota State Moorhead. Once admitted, students whose academic record qualifies them for Honors will receive information about the Honors College and scholarship interview opportunities.
Current students can apply to be part of Honors College by submitting a letter of interest to the Honors College Director.
No. The Honors College adds no tuition, fees, or extra time to a student's degree. Scholars receive a one-time $3,000 professional development stipend and exclusive scholarship consideration as part of the program.
The Honors College leadership team includes a dean, director, and faculty fellow. Questions can be directed to them through the contact information.