NORTHWESTERN STATEUNIVERSITY
The Honors College of Louisiana
Welcome to the Louisiana Scholars’ College
A message from the Director
The Louisiana Scholars’ College was established in 1987 to provide the best possible preparation for thoughtful and responsible citizenship, for fulfilling lives, and for successful post-collegiate careers. The LSC offers an innovative, personalized curriculum in a supportive community of accomplished faculty and motivated students that will teach you the skills and knowledge needed to position yourself in an ever-changing economic landscape and to find the careers and opportunities that suit you, including those you create for yourself.
As the Honors College of Louisiana, the LSC admits a small cohort of highly motivated, high-achieving students each year. Our students experience the benefits of a small, liberal arts college environment within a larger university, including a low student-to-faculty ratio; student-centered, seminar-style classes; directed research opportunities; and substantial scholarships, all at the cost of a state institution.
At the core of the Scholars’ College experience is a close-knit community of expert professors, active alumni, and engaged students who are committed to your success as a member of the Scholars’ family. Come join us for a campus visit, and let us show you who you can be at LSC!
Keith Dromm, Ph.D. Director, Louisiana Scholars’ College
ADMISSION CRITERIA
The Scholars’ College seeks highly motivated students who can work independently and who are willing to explore new ideas.
There are no minimum requirements for admission to the Louisiana Scholars’ College, but an ACT composite score of at least a 22 (SAT 1100) and a GPA of 3.1 are recommended. The Scholars Admissions Committee performs a holistic review of the student’s entire application packet. This packet includes, in addition to their NSU application, the following items:
u Resume of High School Activities, Achievements, and/or Honors
u Writing Sample (3-5-page High School English, History, or Science Paper)
u One Recommendation Letter from a Teacher or Guidance Counselor
However, students who have an ACT composite score of 25 (or SAT 1200)* and an unweighted GPA of 3.3** are entitled to automatic admission. They do not have to submit an application packet; their application to NSU is sufficient.
The Scholars’ Admission packet should be submitted to: scholars@nsula.edu
*With no subscores below 20 (ACT) or 500 (SAT).
** Out of a 4.0 scale in Regents’ or comparable curriculum
CAMPUS TOURS
The Office of University Recruiting would love to show you around our beautiful campus and help you learn about the Scholars’ College and Northwestern State. When you schedule a tour in advance, we can arrange to have you visit a class and talk with our outstanding students, faculty, and staff.
Reserve your tour today. Call 318-357-4503 or visit www.nsu.la/tours.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Northwestern State University awards academic scholarships at a 20 composite on the ACT and 3.00 GPA.
The LSC scholarship is the most prestigious award offered by Northwestern State University. The criteria are as follows:
u 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
u 28 or higher on the ACT or 1310 or higher on SAT. (ACT Superscore accepted.)
u At least a 3.0 GPA each semester
u Full-time enrollment status in the Scholars’ College
OUT-OF-STATE FEE WAIVERS
Non-Louisiana residents may apply for an outof-state fee waiver. Most students meeting the admissions standards for the Louisiana Scholars’ College are eligible for a fee waiver.
PREVIEW DAYS
Open house held each spring and fall for all students interested in an honors education.
To register, visit: www.NSU.LA/PreviewNSU
ARE YOU A SCHOLAR?
Personalized, for today and tomorrow
For students like YOU who want, deserve, and are capable of more!
“Scholars showed me that I am capable of doing greater things than I ever thought I could. The connections I built and the challenges I overcame reinforced my love for science and strengthened my abilities to pursue it.”
Devin Forestier -- BA, BS, MS – Class of 2019
Small courses, close-knit community
“Scholars’ not only challenged my academic ability, but also my beliefs and outlook on the world. I gained independence, friendships, strength, and an analytical mindset. It was the challenge I never knew I needed, and I believe it has prepared me for every obstacle that any professional school has to offer.”
Jamien
Sampson – MSBS – Class of 2020
CURRICULUM
The Common Curriculum is a comprehensive and integrated course of study undertaken by all students in the Scholars’ College. Replacing the traditional University core, it complements students’ major fields of study by sharpening their critical thinking, writing, and research skills, while also providing a broad and deep foundation of knowledge.
At the heart of the curriculum is Texts and Traditions, a four-semester sequence of courses that explores influential texts—often referred to as “great books”—alongside other cultural artifacts such as artworks, music, and films, from throughout history and around the world. Instruction is a mix of lectures and seminar discussions of these works.
All Scholars also complete a senior thesis, a substantial research and writing project initiated in the spring of junior year and completed during the final semester. Hardbound copies of each thesis are permanently archived in both the University library and the Scholars’ thesis library.
Our individualized, interdisciplinary Major in Liberal Arts tailored to your interests, has concentrations in:
Business, Technology, and Society
(business administration, computer information systems, and engineering technology)
Classics
(Ancient Greek, Latin, ancient culture, and ancient philosophy)
Fine and Performing Arts (art, music, and theatre)
Foreign Languages
(French, Ancient Greek, Latin, and Spanish)
Humanities and Social Thought (history, literature, philosophy, and social sciences)
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (pre-law, public policy, and public service)
Scientific Inquiry (life science, physical science, pre-medicine/pharmacy)
Since 1987, students from Scholars’ went on to professional school obtaining…
250+ master’s degrees
150+ Doctorate degrees
Instead of—or in addition to—the Scholars’ Major in Liberal Arts, students can earn almost any major offered by NSU, including these and their respective concentrations:
Accounting
Addiction Studies
Biology
Business Administration
Child and Family Studies
Communication
Computer Information Systems
Criminal Justice
Dance
Electronics Engineering Technology
Elementary Education (Gr1-5)
English
Fine & Graphic Arts
Health & Exercise Science
History
Hospitality Mgt. & Tourism
Industrial Engineering Technology
Mathematics
Music
Music Education-Instrumental (GrK-12)
Music Education-Vocal (GrK-12)
Nursing
Physical Sciences
Production and Design
Psychology
Radiologic Sciences
Secondary Education & Teaching (Gr6-12)
Social Work
Sports & Recreation Management
Theatre
Unified Public Safety Admin.
“When I started grad school many classes were similar to the round table talk style of Scholars classes. I found myself far more prepared and comfortable than others for that style of class and much more confident in speaking up.”
Chandler Monk – BA, MS, PhD – Class of 2018
“[Scholars] prepared me for Vet school and built my resume into something noticeable by grad schools.”
Stephanie LaGrone – BA, DVM – Class of 2010
The Accelerated BA/MA – Just one part of the Scholars’ Advantage.
Earn a master’s degree in addition to your bachelor’s degree with only one extra year of study, as opposed to two if earned separately. The Louisiana Scholars’ College has partnered with the Graduate School to offer this unique accelerated program that prepares you for your future in less time.
With this program, you will be highly prepared for further graduate work and a variety of careers. We currently offer ABM programs leading to:
• Masters of Arts in Art
• Masters of Arts in English
• Masters of Sciences in Clinical Psychology
• Masters of Science in Homeland Security
• Masters of Science in Computer Information Systems
• Masters of Science in Health and Human Performance
Beyond the Classroom
Accepted students begin taking graduate courses during their senior year. Certain graduate courses will count towards undergraduate requirements, allowing students to complete both degrees with fewer credits than when earned separately.
engagement
NSU ranging from Greek Life, esports, honor societies, spirit groups, Forum Council and more! With events happening everyday on campus, Northwestern State University is the perfect place to get involved.
WE EXPLORE OUR WORLD
The International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) allows students to apply to and enroll in one of several hundred academic programs in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Through the Exchange, students pay their regular tuition and fees and are able to use all of their financial aid and scholarships, while attending the university of their choice abroad! Scholars’ students have used ISEP to study in Japan, South Africa, Spain, France, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, and England.
The National Student Exchange Program (NSE) allows students to experience “domestic” study abroad: students apply to one of the universities across the United States that participates in NSE and study there for a semester or a year. This program is a great way to experience a different part of the country, take courses that may not be offered at one’s home university, or explore a school that is of interest for graduate school. Scholars’ students have used NSE to study at colleges and universities in Maine, Alaska, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Mexico, New York, and Ohio.
Internships are a great way to enhance your Scholars’ education and begin exploring your career options. Students in the Scholars’ College have interned with the Louisiana Biomedical Research Network, with Senators Landrieu and Vitter in Washington, D.C., the Santa Fe Opera, the Louisiana Center for Women and Government, Texas! (the Summer Musical Drama in Palo Duro Canyon), the Lafayette Mental Health Center, the Feminist Majority foundation, the American Dance Festival, the LSU Health Science Center in Shreveport, MD Anderson in Houston, State Farm, USAA, and FDIC.
IMPORTANT DATES
OCT 31 u Early Bird Scholarship Deadline
DEC 1 u Priority Scholarship Deadline
JAN 7 u Housing Application Available
MAR 1 u 2nd Scholarship Deadline
MAY 1 u Financial Aid Deadline
