The Louisiana Scholars’ College
The Honors College of Louisiana
Why choose SCHOLARS’ COLLEGE? The Louisiana Scholars’ College prepares students for academic challenges and intellectual growth in a world of opportunity. The college is comprised of a community of students who are academically talented, highly motivated, and enjoy lively discussions, creative expression, and intellectual challenge. Students are taught and mentored by a world-class faculty and, upon graduation, are prepared for graduate study or working in a professional environment. I invite you to explore the many opportunities of Louisiana’s state-designated honors college. President Chris Maggio Northwestern State University
Built for students like you who want, deserve, and are capable of more, the Louisiana Scholars’ College offers an innovative, personalized curriculum in a supportive community of accomplished faculty and gifted students that will prepare you for a variety of careers and opportunities, including those that do not yet exist. As the Honors College of Louisiana, LSC admits only a small group of highly motivated, high-achieving students each year. Our students experience the benefits of a 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. Thomas Reynolds, Ph.D. Interim Director, Louisiana Scholars’ College ©2020 NSU Publications | revised 7-2020
Curriculum The Louisiana Scholars’ College has a unique curriculum, individualized and exceptional. We have a distinct approach to our Core Curriculum that ensures our students develop the depth and breadth of knowledge that propels them forward on their paths to achieving their goals. Our individualized, interdisciplinary major in Liberal Arts, tailored to your interests, has concentrations in: • Classics (Greek, Latin, ancient culture, and ancient philosophy) • Fine and Performing Arts (art, music, and theatre) • Foreign Languages (French, Greek, Latin, Russian, 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, premedicine/ pharmacy)
The following courses provide the Core Curriculum for the Scholars’ College: » Texts and Traditions I-IV » Democratic Vistas » » » » » » »
Critical Reading/Critical Writing Mathematics Orientation Sciences Science Seminar Foreign Language Liberal Arts in Practice
“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 Graduate Student – Class of 2020
“Writing my senior thesis
introduced me to public health and led to my pursuit of a higher degree in the field. Whether I’m writing reports, analyzing data, or interacting with the public, I continue to use my Louisiana Scholars’ College education every day.
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LSC Ecology students work to assist in developing natural habitats on campus.
Matthew Spence, MPH Epidemiologist and Health Educator Class of 2015
LSC student Tre Kolb prepares for lab
We also offer joint majors in collaboration with other departments: College of Arts and Sciences Biology with concentrations in • Biomedical • Clinical Laboratory Science • Forensic Science • Natural Science • Veterinary Technology Communication with concentrations in • Broadcast and Digital Media Production • Multimedia Journalism • Strategic Communication Criminal Justice English with concentrations in • Film Studies • Folklife-Southern Culture • Literature • Professional Writing Fine and Graphic Arts with concentrations in • Craft • Graphic Communications • Studio Art History
Music with concentrations in • Performance • Sacred Music Theater with concentrations in • Dance Performance • Design/Technology • Musical Theater Performance • Performance/Directing Unified Public Safety Administration with concentrations in • Emergency Management Admin. • Fire and Emergency Medical Services Admin. • Law Enforcement Admin.
College of Business and Technology Accounting
Business Administration with concentrations in • Finance • International Business • Management • Marketing
Computer Information Systems with concentrations in • Application Development • Networking and Systems Management • Web Development Electronic Engineering Technology with concentrations in • Biomedical • Electronics Hospitality Management and Tourism with concentrations in • Culinary Arts • Hospitality Services • Travel & Tourism Industrial Engineering Technology
College of Nursing and School of Allied Health
Gallaspy Family College of Education & Human Development Elementary Education
Health and Exercise Science Music Education-Instrumental Music Education-Vocal Psychology with optional concentration in • Organizational Behavior Secondary Education and Teaching with concentrations in • Biology Education • Business Education • English Education • Mathematics Education • Social Studies Education Social Work
Honors Certificate in Nursing
Current and prospective students participating in a lecture led by Dr. Betsy Cochran.
This public document was published at a total cost of $4,777.78. 300 copies of this public document were published in this second printing at a cost of $360. The total cost of all printings of this document, including reprints is $5,137.78. This document was published by Northwestern State University, Office of University Recruiting to recruit prospective students for Louisiana Scholars’ College. This material was printed in accordance with standards for printing by state agencies established pursuant to R.S. 43.31. Printing of this material was purchased in accordance with the provisions of Title 43 of the Louisiana Revised Statues.
Beyond the Classroom
Scholars’ & Organizations
Scholars’ & Athletics
Scholars’ & Music
Scholars’ students participate in Student Government, fraternities, sororities, honor societies, and the hundreds of other student groups on campus.
Scholars’ students compete on the women’s soccer team, the football team, men’s basketball, volleyball, Demon Dodgeball, and the crew team.
Scholars’ students perform in the choirs, band, orchestra, and multiple ensembles.
The Louisiana Scholars’ College prepared me for not only my career but for life after college. I was able to get a well-rounded education by having a liberal arts base with a focus on my specific joint major of Hospitality, Management, and Tourism. As a Scholars’ student at Northwestern State, I was able to not only get a world-class education but fully immerse myself into the NSU Demon family and be involved in numerous extracurriculars. Leighann Westfall Assistant Director of Admission Events Class of 2017
Study Abroad & Internships LSC graduate Taylor Poleman explored Germany as she studied abroad.
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 among other countries.
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., and Ohio.
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As a business major, I wondered how connected I would be with my liberal arts education going into my career. From feeling more than confident in my writing and critical thinking skills, to being able to reference the works and philosophies of Plato at the drop of a hat, I venture to say I utilize my degree daily. I become more grateful every day for my time at LSC, and anyone would be lucky to reap the benefits of such a diverse education. Taylor Poleman – Class of 2019
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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.
LSC Graduate Nick Bailey enjoyed his internship at the Louisiana Health Science Center investigating the impact of diabeties.
History of the Louisiana Scholars’ College The Louisiana Scholars’ College was founded in 1987 as the state’s only designated honors’ college to offer an alternative to the narrowly specialized training that most American undergraduates receive. It was established by the Louisiana Board of Regents for Higher Education to address the growing public recognition that a liberal arts degree constitutes the best possible preparation for intelligent and responsible citizenship, for fulfilling lives, and for successful professional careers. It serves as Louisiana’s selective admission college of the liberal arts.
Northwestern State is the perfect-sized university located in the perfect college town of Natchitoches, Louisiana. The community of approximately 20,000 was established in 1714 and is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. With one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in the state, the quaint and unique town has much to offer including shopping, dining, and attractions plus historic fort sites, museums, cultural events, and festivals. While Natchitoches has a community atmosphere, it is close to larger cities: Shreveport and Alexandria are only an hour away; Dallas, New Orleans, Jackson, and Little Rock can be reached by interstate in approximately four hours.
Northwestern State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialists, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-6794500 for questions about the accreditation of Northwestern State University. Northwestern State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, and veteran or retirement status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies (i.e., Title IX): Employees/Potential Employees – Veronica M. Biscoe, EEO Officer (318-357-6359) and Students – Frances Conine, Dean of Students (318-357-5286). For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns, contact the Disability Support Director at 318-357-4460. Additionally, Northwestern complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act. Information about NSU’s campus security and crime statistics can be found at http://universitypolice.nsula. edu/annual-security-report/. Full disclosure statement: http:// universityplanning.nsula.edu/notice-of-non-discrimination.
Faculty
The Louisiana Scholars’ College has thirteen full-time faculty. They teach in fields that span the liberal arts curriculum, including foreign and classical languages, literature, philosophy, history, mathematics, and the sciences. They are all tenured within the Scholars’ College, which means that they are dedicated to teaching the high-achieving, intellectually curious students that demand an honors-caliber education for their undergraduate experience. While their primary focus is on teaching, they are also dedicated researchers, so they are involved in the discovery of knowledge as well as its dissemination. Dr. Curt Phifer
Professor of Biology
“After teaching at four institutions of higher education in three states, including Duke University, before joining the LSC faculty, I can honestly say that LSC students are, as a group, the most talented and motivated students I have had the pleasure to teach.”
Dr. Lisa Wolffe
Professor of Romance Languages
“As a member of the original Scholars’ faculty, I’ve been privileged to watch and help the College grow into a vibrant place of learning, an educational treasure for the people of Louisiana. It remains true to itself and continues to provide an excellent education to those who seek it.”
Dr. Keith Dromm
Professor of Philosophy
“I envy our students for all of the opportunities they have, such as the chance to study away at a school in the United States or another country.”
Value
of the Louisiana Scholars’ College
The Louisiana Scholars’ College is an affordable high-quality educational experience. It has the benefits of a small, private, liberal-arts institution but with the resources and lower costs of a state university. It is truly the best of both worlds.
Scholarships
Northwestern State University and the Louisiana Scholars’ College award a variety of scholarship packages each academic year. Scholarships are awarded to degree-seeking students who are enrolled, or who intend to enroll, at LSC/ NSU. Scholarships are placed in two categories: academic/ leadership scholarships and performance scholarships. Academic/leadership scholarships are based on a combination of standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), high school grade point average, rank in class, and participation in extracurricular activities. Performance scholarships are available through the individual departments or organizations (e.g. Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band, Spirit Groups, ROTC, Music, Theater, etc.)
Important Dates Early Bird Scholarship Deadline: Oct. 31
Priority Scholarship Deadline: Dec. 1 Housing Application Available: Jan. 13 2nd Scholarship Deadline: Mar. 1 Financial Aid Deadline: May 1
Louisiana Scholars’ College Scholarship
This four-year scholarship is the most prestigious award offered by Northwestern State University. The criteria are as follows: •
3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
•
28 or higher on the ACT or 1310 or higher on SAT.
•
At least a 3.0 GPA each semester
•
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.
Financial Aid Costs
The most up-to-date information on tuition and fees can be found at registrar.nsula.edu/tuition-fees. These figures are based on full-time attendance. Room and board costs are based on your selection of housing and meal plans.
Financial Aid
To determine eligibility for state, federal or University financial assistance, the student must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form can be obtained on the internet at fafsa.ed.gov or from any high school or college. For any further questions, please feel free to contact the Financial Aid office at (800) 823-3008.
LSC students in Alpha Epsilon Delta visit Belize for a mission trip.
Admission Criteria The Scholars’ College seeks highly motivated students who can work independently and who are willing to explore new ideas. The admission criteria are as follows: • Complete 19 units of the Regents’ high school core curriculum or comparable curriculum We recommend the following GPA and test scores as minimums: • 3.3 or better unweighted average on a 4.0 scale in high school course work in the Regents’ curriculum or comparable curriculum • ACT composite of 27 or SAT composite of 1260 With • ACT subscores of at least 25 or SAT subscores of 480 Students who do not meet these recommendations will be considered for admission on an individual basis.
Contact Information To receive more information, contact the Louisiana Scholars’ College Recruiter: LSC Recruiting Mr. Forrest Middlebrook, Jr. Office: 318-357-4578 Cell: 318-663-0134 Fax: 318-357-5567 middlebrookf@nsula.edu Campus Tours To schedule a campus tour, click on Future Students at nsula.edu. Tours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Louisiana Scholars’ College Application Checklist: NSU Application for Admission and Scholarships* - apply online Official Transcript (out-of-state) / Unofficial Transcript (in-state) • NSU automatically downloads public school transcripts • Private school transcripts must be emailed or faxed** ACT and/or SAT Scores (Guidance Counselor can email or fax) Scholars’ College Application Documents** • Resume • Writing Sample (3-5 page English, History, or Science Paper) • Recommendation Letter from a Teacher or Guidance Counselor *There is no separate scholarship application. **Send all documents to Mr. Forrest Middlebrook, Jr., (Scholars’ Recruiter) at middlebrookf@nsula.edu or 318-357-5567 (fax) “Students forge professional and personal bonds with both faculty and other students that will last a lifetime. The College also provides an excellent liberal arts foundation for many who are looking to go on to graduate school. A similar experience at a prestigious university would cost so much more. This is the family you choose.” — Dr. John Dunn | Assistant Professor of Fine Arts | Northwestern State University
My educational experience at the Scholars’ College was a quintessential component of my undergraduate development. The faculty and my fellow classmates created an environment that challenged us to find new avenues to solving everyday problems. I am grateful for my experience at the Scholars’ College and am a better man today because of it. Otha “Tre” Nelson, III Class of 2018 Project Consultant and Liaison Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Scholars’ Day We have two open houses: • Fall Scholars’ Day Saturday, November 14, 2020 • Spring Scholars’ Day Saturday, March 13, 2021 Explore life at Scholars’ with other students who share your interest in an honors education while you attend classes, explore our majors, meet our faculty, attend a parent and student panel, and tour the campus. To register, contact Mr. Forrest Middlebrook or visit: nsula.edu/scholars/scholars-day/
The Louisiana Scholars’ College The Honors College of Louisiana
See for Yourself
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 318-357-4578 or visit recruiting.nsula.edu.
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