Resources for Earning Honors Credit

Honors students may choose from a variety of ways to earn Honors credit, many of which emphasize exploring topics or deepening knowledge and expertise related to their majors. Some options require the submission of a proposal form appropriate for the type of course or experience - your Honors advisor can help you navigate these processes.

Contract forms are due within the first month of the semester in which the project is being completed. See below calendar for specific deadline(s).

Research assistance, teaching assistance, and applied learning forms should be submitted at least three days before drop/add is over for the semester in which the HLE will be completed.

 

Honors Learning Experiences (HLEs)

  • Honors Contract

    Students may collaborate directly with an instructor to turn any course into an Honors Learning Experience.
    Students can customize a project to further their understanding of the Foundations of Honors Learning.

    At the beginning of the semester, you will submit an Honors Contract proposal. If approved, you will also submit a signed faculty permission form to formalize your Contract.
    At the end of the semester, you will be asked to upload your completed Honors Contract. You will also be responsible for obtaining faculty verification of successful completion.

    Honors Contracts are submitted via D2L. See the KSU Journey Honors College D2L page for more information.

    Please see tables below for contract submission details.

    • Students learn while they gain experience related to their majors by focusing on one of the Foundations of Honors Learning through a special project during an internship experience.
    • The Internship Proposal Form is due by one month from the first day of class.
    • You must also register for a co-op/internship course within your major department. Applications without a co-op/internship course within your major will not be approved.
    • Keep a reflective journal throughout the semester.
    • At the end of the semester, you'll submit a report including your reflective journal;
      • a description of your experience;
      • other products (for example, a sample of your work, screenshots, coding, art, photos) that might help you describe the work you did, incorporated into your Word or PDF document;
      • a discussion of whether you achieved the goals you set in your proposal, including goal(s) related to developing one of the Honors Foundations.

    Honors Internship Contracts are submitted via D2L. See the KSU Journey Honors College D2L page for more information.

    Please see tables below for contract submission details.

    • Topics vary by semester and may include Book Clubs or other special options.
    • View upcoming Discovery options under the COURSES tab in the navigation menu.
    • You can also view these courses in Owl Express (HON 2400). 
    • To earn an HLE through an Applied Learning E xperience, you'll need to fill out the proposal form below before the end of drop/add AND sign up for HON 2800 (0 hours).
    • You should spend 48 hours during a semester to earn an Applied Learning Experience HLE.
    • An applied learning experience is a less formal way than an internship to acquire hands-on experience related to your major. Some common types of applied learning include volunteering, shadowing a professional, and tutoring (in each case, the experience should be related to your major in a substantial way).
    • Keep a reflective journal throughout the semester.
    • At the end of the semester, you'll submit a report of 5-10 pages including
      • your reflective journal;
      • a description of your experience;
      • other products (for example, a sample of your work, screenshots, coding, art, photos) that might help you describe the work you did, incorporated into your Word or PDF document;
      • a discussion of whether you achieved the goals you set in your proposal, including goal(s) related to developing one of the Honors Foundations.

    Please see Applied Learning Experience submission information in the tables below.

    • Students serve as a research assistant in supervised inquiry in all disciplines. They hone investigative and critical thinking skills under the guidance of a faculty member.
    • You may sign up for this course for 0-3 hours, depending on whether you can use the hours as elective credits.
    • You should meet the professor's expectations for amount of time you spend on the research.
    • As a general guideline, spend at least 2-3 hours a week for each credit hour you earn.
    • At the end of the semester, you will submit a 3–5 page (double-spaced) reflection report describing your research topic, the implications of this research, and your overall experience. What were your goals, and did you accomplish them? How did you grow during this experience, and what did you learn through this process that can be applied to how you approach other coursework? How did your work align with any of the three Honors Identities (Lifelong Learners, Collaborative Leaders, and Civic-Minded Scholars)?

    Please see Honors Research Assistant submission information in the tables below.

    You will receive instruction for completing your end-of-semester reflection directly from the HON 3002 instructor.

    • Students develop teaching and leadership skills and document evidence of their Honors learning while working as a Teaching Assistant with one of their professors. You may sign up for this course for 0-3 hours.
    • You should meet the professor's expectations for amount of time you spend on the class. As a general guideline, you should be in class for every class meeting and spend at least 2-3 hours a week for each credit hour you earn.
    • At the end of the semester you will submit a 3–5 page (double-spaced) reflection report describing the course(s) for which you were a Teaching Assistant, how you engaged with students and faculty, and your overall experience. How did you grow during this experience, and what did you learn through this process that can be applied to how you approach other coursework or your future career? How did you work align with  one or more of the three honors identities (Lifelong Learners, Collaborative Leaders, and Civic Minded Scholars)? 

     

    Please see Honors Teaching Assistant submission information in the tables below.

    *At the end of the semester, we will reach out to your supervisor by email to verify the completion of this experience. 

    • Students develop a special course of study that is directed by a faculty member. They learn project management skills while activating deep learning in an area of study.
    • Directed Studies can be taken as HON 4400 or under your major's prefix (e.g., BIOL 4400, HIST 4400, DANC 4400).

    Directed Study Instructions

  • Please contact Dr. Nicholas Ellwanger at nellwang@kennesaw.edufor a copy of the Fall 2023 Honors Capstone Proposal Syllabus.

    You will submit a signature form showing your capstone faculty supervisor's and department/school liaison's approval at two points:

    Initial Checkpoint:

    Use this to submit a timeline for your work and related information.

    Midterm Checkpoint:

    Use this to submit an update on your work and related information.

    Final Checkpoint:

    Use this to submit your final draft and related information. 

  • Please contact Dr. Nicholas Ellwanger at nellwang@kennesaw.edu for a copy of the Fall 2022 Honors Capstone Completion Syllabus.

    You will submit information and a signature form showing your capstone faculty supervisor's and department/school liaison's approval at two points:

    Initial Checkpoint:

    Use this to submit a timeline for your work and related information.

    Midterm Checkpoint:

    Use this to submit an update on your Capstone and related information.

    Final Checkpoint:

    Use this to submit your Capstone project.

    Support is available for presentation of Honors projects at professional conferences.

    Once the form is completed with the appropriate signatures, please to submit.

    If you're an Honors student planning to graduate this semester, we'd love to hear your future plans. Please fill out the .

  • Submit your honors questions, comments, or concerns to the .

 

HLE Leadership Opportunities

Honors students may earn an HLE by engaging in an Honors leadership group. Learn more about each opportunity below:

  • KSU Journey Honors College Student Ambassadors are a volunteer group of students who support the program’s development and stewardship efforts, and who educate, excite, and engage with potential students, alumni, donors, and community members to ensure the program’s continued success. Honors Ambassadors are expected to complete 15 hours of service for the semester to receive credit for the Honors Learning Experience. These hours may be completed in a variety of ways such as assisting with Honors events, Honors Open Houses, meeting with potential donors, etc. Each of these events and opportunities takes place on various dates and times. 

    • Honors Ambassadors earn an HLE each semester of their participation
    • Gain volunteer experience and build your resume 
    • Be the first to learn about scholarships, summer internships, and study abroad opportunities 
    • Develop valuable team building and professional skills 
    • Connect with faculty, staff, alumni, and the community 
    • Contribute to the success of KSU Journey Honors College
    2025-2026 Application closed

    Applications will re-open in Spring 2026 for the 2026-2027 academic year. 

  • Honors Peer Mentors work directly with students enrolled in sections of HON 1100: An Introduction to Honors Education. Peer Mentors are trained to encourage student engagement in learning experiences as well as social opportunities. They help to create connections for students in the course in which they serve.

    Honors Peer Mentors are supervised by an honors faculty member, with help from the Advanced Peer Mentors, and they collaborate with HON 1100 instructors. Mentors help students grasp the Honors Foundations (the infusion of the foundations of honors learning with the various Honors Learning Experiences) and the overall expectations of the honors program.

    Roles:

    • Establish authentic and meaningful connections with students new to KSU Journey Honors College.
      Contribute to creating a welcoming environment that helps new honors students feel a sense of belonging within the Honors Community.
      Lead discussions and activities within the HON 1100 class in collaboration with seminar instructors.

    Responsibilities and Requirements:

    ** Course requirements will be outlined in class

    • Attend 1 introductory/orientation meeting in the Spring semester
    • Attend the summer retreat training (1 day) prior to the Fall semester
    • Assist with the Honors Welcome Event
    • Attend Honors events with students in their section and plan at least 1 facilitated activity for their own students to attend outside of class (more than 1 is highly encouraged!)
    • Regularly communicate with students between class meetings and serve as a campus resource
    • Create an independent leadership presentation for your class
    • Attend two one-on-one meetings with Advanced Peer Mentors during Midterms and Finals
    • Attend and engage in mandatory weekly Peer Mentor Team leadership class (non-credit bearing)
    • Attend every session of the HON 1100 class to which they are assigned
    • Assist the Honors College with events and other programs, as requested.

    To be considered for the position, applicants must:

    • Must be available to attend at least one section of the HON 1100 seminar (TBA)
    • Have completed HON 1100 with a B or better
    • Be a currently enrolled Honors Scholar in good standing with KSU Journey Honors College
    • Have between 4 to 7 hours a week to dedicate to the position (based on # of classes assigned and how many you are available for)

    Benefits:

    • Acquire leadership experience for your resume
    • Network with the students, faculty, and staff of KSU Journey Honors College
    • Receive a salary for your work ($8.50/hour for 4 hours per week)
    • Receive a $250 scholarship and Honors Learning Experience credit for the semester
    2025-2026 Application Closed

    Applications will re-open in Spring 2026 for the 2026-2027 academic year.

  • The Honors Advisory Leadership Council is searching for new members for the Spring 2025 semester. Students who participate receive an Honors Learning Experience with the potential to extend participation in future semesters.

    Mission: 

    The mission of the KSU Journey Honors College Honors Advisory Leadership Council is to promote the contribution of Honors students and gather insight on the needs of students to foster a better connection with faculty, staff, and administration.

    Qualifications:  

    The applicant must demonstrate a significant leadership contribution to student life, student volunteerism, and/ or the KSU community through involvement in at least two of the following areas for a minimum of one semester, with an exception granted for freshman applicants.

    • Volunteer student representation
    • Committee involvement
    • Student organization leadership
    • Residence hall leadership
    • Athletic leadership
    • Student Orientation leadership
    • Event planning and implementation
    • Leadership and/or involvement in an initiative that had university-wide impact
    • Other form of leadership not listed

    Only ONE of your selected leadership involvements may be part of a paid position (not including scholarships). To use one paid position as part of this application, you must explain how your leadership role exceeded the expectation of the job for which you were paid. 

    Eligibility:

    The applicant must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

    • Full-time undergraduate degree-seeking student in KSU Journey Honors College
    • Cumulative GPA of at least a 3.6 on a 4.0 scale
    • Must not have been found in violation of any University policy within the past year
    • Be up to date on required HLEs for the applicant’s designation
    • Has not served beyond two years on the Honors Advisory Leadership Council
    • Must be able to attend all scheduled HALC meetings
    2025-2026 Application Closed

    Applications will re-open in Spring 2026 for the 2026-2027 academic year.

 

Additional Opportunities

  • For more information on research opportunities, visit the Office of Undergraduate Research
  • Interested in helping others learn while deepening your own learning and building a stronger connection with faculty? Consider becoming an SI Leader! For more information on becoming an SI Leader, visit Academic Affairs
  • Listed below are two opportunities through the Bagwell Center for the Study of Markets and Economic Opportunity.

    Program One: The Market for Ideas Reading Groups

    These groups provide a forum for students to engage with key texts in economics and related disciplines with a cohort of their peers under the guidance of a Bagwell Center affiliated faculty member. Students who are accepted will earn a $200 stipend for each group completed (up to three groups). 

     Program Two: Undergraduate Research Fellowship

    This fellowship is open to undergraduate students from any discipline or program across KSU’s campuses. Students who are accepted will have an opportunity to conduct original research over the course of the academic year and earn a $1,200 stipend for doing so. 

     

    For more information on these programs, visit the Coles College of Business.

     

 
 
 
 

HLE Deadlines by Semester

HONORS LEARNING EXPERIENCE (HLE) HLE PROPOSAL DUE DATE FINAL PRODUCT (CONTRACT PROJECT/REPORT/REFLECTION) DUE DATE SUBMISSION LOCATION
Honors Contracts
Due by Thursday, June 12th by 11:59pm Due by Tuesday, July 22nd by 11:59pm Honors D2L Page
Internships/Co-Ops with an Honors Learning Contract
Due by Thursday, June 12th by 11:59pm Due by Tuesday, July 22nd by 11:59pm Honors D2L Page
Honors Applied Learning

Due by Thursday, May 29th by 11:59pm  

Due by Tuesday, July 22nd by 11:59pm TBD
Honors Research Assistant Experience

Due by Thursday, May 29th by 11:59pm 

 

 

Due by Tuesday, July 22nd by 11:59pm TBD
Honors Teaching Assistant Experience

Due by Thursday, May 29th by 11:59pm 

Due by Tuesday, July 22nd by 11:59pm

TBD

 

 
 

 


Honors Learning Experience (HLE) HLE PROPOSAL DUE DATE FINAL PRODUCT (CONTRACT PROJECT/REPORT/REFLECTION) DUE DATE SUBMISSION LOCATION
Honors Contracts TBD TBD Honors D2L Page
Internships/Co-Ops with an Honors Learning Contract TBD TBD Honors D2L Page
Honors Applied Learning

Due by Tuesday, August 19th by 11:59pm 

TBD TBD
Honors Research Assistant Experience

Due by Tuesday, August 19th by 11:59pm 

TBD TBD
Honors Teaching Assistant Experience

Due by Tuesday, August 19th by 11:59pm 

TBD TBD
Honors Learning Experience (HLE) HLE PROPOSAL DUE DATE FINAL PRODUCT (CONTRACT PROJECT/REPORT/REFLECTION) DUE DATE SUBMISSION LOCATION
Honors Contracts TBD TBD Honors D2L Page
Internships/Co-Ops with an Honors Learning Contract TBD TBD Honors D2L Page
Honors Applied Learning

TBD 

Submissions haven’t opened yet. check back soon!

 

TBD TBD
Honors Research Assistant Experience

TBD

Submissions haven’t opened yet. check back soon!
TBD TBD
Honors Teaching Assistant Experience

TBD

Submissions haven’t opened yet. check back soon!
TBD TBD