Unleash Your Potential. Lead the Pack.
Are you driven to achieve academically while also seeking meaningful social connections? If so, the Northern State University (NSU) Honors Program is your perfect fit. Here, you’ll find a community of scholars who are curious, ambitious, and ready to make an impact.
Why Join the NSU Honors Program? The Honors Program at NSU offers academically talented and highly motivated students the opportunity to stand out, grow, and thrive. With a blend of high-impact academics, transformative learning, and vibrant social experiences, you’ll have the support and resources you need to reach your full potential.
Our Honors students don’t just succeed in the classroom—they lead recognized student organizations, conduct undergraduate research, and make a real difference on campus and beyond. Here’s how we make it happen:
Engaging Academic Experiences and Supportive Community
Your learning goes beyond traditional lectures. You’ll take small, discussion-driven classes taught by exceptional faculty. Outside the classroom, you’ll be part of a tight-knit community of peers and mentors who support your personal, academic, and professional growth. From Honors-specific housing to exclusive events, you’ll have a home where you belong.
Benefits of Being an NSU Honors Student
- Personalized Guidance: Receive one-on-one academic and career advising from Dr. Hannah Walters, the Honors Program Director.
- Honors Housing: Live and learn with other Honors students in the dedicated Honors learning community at Great Plains East residence hall.
- Exclusive Study Spaces: Enjoy access to the private Honors Lounge in the Student Center—perfect for studying, collaborating, or taking a much-needed break.
- Research & Presentation Opportunities: Conduct and present undergraduate research at regional and national Honors conferences, giving you the chance to travel and showcase your work!
- Scholarship Application Support: Prepare for prestigious, nationally competitive scholarships like the Fulbright, Truman, Goldwater, and Gilmore with personalized guidance from the Honors Program Director to make your application as competitive as possible.
- Guaranteed Law School Admission: Secure your path to a legal career through the Honors Law Opportunity Program, which guarantees admission for five NSU Honors students to the USD Knudson School of Law each year.
- Social Events & Leadership: Attend and help organize Honors social events, from movie nights to service projects.
Who’s Eligible? If you meet one of the following academic criteria, you’re automatically admitted to the NSU Honors Program with a completed application:
- ACT score of 28 or higher
- GPA of 3.7 or higher
First-year and transfer students who have an ACT between 24 and 27 or who rank in or near the top 25% of their high school graduating class are invited to apply to the NSU Honors Program. Northern State University students who are currently enrolled and have completed 30 credit hours with a 3.5 GPA are also invited to apply to the Honors Program.
If you meet these qualifications, you’re already one step closer to joining this elite community of scholars. If your ACT scores or GPA fall just shy of the listed criteria, don’t be discouraged—we still encourage you to apply! We consider all applications that demonstrate potential and a commitment to academic excellence.
How to Apply
Take the first step toward your future. Apply to the NSU Honors Program today and unlock a world of opportunity.
Apply to the NSU Honors Program
Ready to Learn More?
The Honors Program is designed to fit with every major at NSU. No matter your field of study, you’ll find a pathway to success through Honors. Curious about how Honors fits into your academic journey? Contact Honors Program Director Dr. Hannah Walters.
Contact Us
Graduating in honoribus
- 18 credit hours in Honors courses, including:
- 3 credits in two Honors seminars
- 9-12 credits in Honors general education courses
- 0-3 credits in Honors contracted classes
- 3 credits for an Honors thesis or project
- Completion of an Honors thesis or project at an A or B level (as determined by the Honors thesis advisor)
- 3.5 overall GPA
Achieve Your Potential
Honors Newsletter
NSU Honors News
ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University’s Nkemdilim Chibuko recently achieved a milestone, winning first place in the arts and humanities category at the National Collegiate Ho