Honors Program

Home / Honors Program

An Elevated Academic Experience

The Honors Program at Mountain Empire Community College is designed for motivated, high-achieving students who want to get more out of their college experience. Honors students gain access to faculty mentorship, leadership opportunities, academic travel experiences, and advanced academic projects that strengthen transfer applications and future career opportunities.

Through enhanced coursework, meaningful service, and close collaboration with faculty mentors, honors students graduate with distinction and a competitive edge when transferring to four-year universities or pursuing scholarships.

Why Join the Honors Program?

Honors Contracts
Enhance selected courses through faculty-designed honors agreements that allow you to explore topics in greater depth and develop stronger academic skills.

Faculty Mentorship
Work closely with a faculty mentor who supports your academic journey, helps guide your research interests, and prepares you for transfer opportunities.

Capstone Project
Complete a year-long research or creative project and present at the Honors Symposium.

Academic Travel Opportunities
Eligible students may participate in academic travel experiences that expand learning beyond the classroom and connect coursework to real-world experiences.

Admissions & Application

Applications are open to motivated students who want to challenge themselves academically and stand out when transferring to a four-year university.

Eligibility

  • Minimum 3.25 GPA

  • Demonstrated academic motivation

  • Leadership or service involvement

Application Requirements

  • Short written response

  • One letter of recommendation

  • Transcript (if required)

Deadline: June 1

Apply to the Honors Program

Honors students pursue academic excellence through advanced coursework, independent research, and meaningful intellectual engagement.

Students develop leadership skills through campus involvement, collaboration, and initiative both inside and outside the classroom.

Honors students contribute to their communities through meaningful service experiences that reflect the college’s commitment to civic engagement.

Integrity, responsibility, and respect guide the honors experience and help students grow both academically and personally.

Graduation with Honors Program Distinction

  • 3.25 cumulative GPA

  • Four approved honors contracts

  • Year-long faculty-mentored capstone

  • Honors Symposium presentation

  • 40 service hours

  • Digital portfolio submission

Transcript and diploma recognition pending State Board approval.

Contact

Dr. Derek Bryant
Honors Program Director
dbryant@mecc.edu
(276) 523-9044