University Honors Global Scholars Program

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The University Honors Global Scholars Program (UHGSP) invites talented and motivated students from each of the colleges to pursue academic excellence through a transformative global experience. Administered by the Honors Global Scholars Council and the Director of University Honors Global Scholars, the program offers an enriched, interdisciplinary curriculum, meaningful connections with faculty and peers, leadership development, guidance for pursuing competitive scholarships and fellowships, and opportunities for immersive national and international travel, research, and cultural exploration. Admission to the UHGSP is by invitation only and offered primarily at the time of acceptance to Troy University. Selection is based on a thorough evaluation of the university application. Students must maintain a 3.50 cumulative GPA to graduate as a University Honors Global Scholar.

The Honors Global Scholar Council consists of a faculty representative from each of Troy University’s colleges that represent the academic pathways to the program. To align with the National Collegiate Honors Council’s guidelines, which state that for institutions offering college- or department-level honors pathways, centralized oversight is essential to prevent redundancies, parallel programs, and confusion about the definition of an honors experience, all college-level Global Scholars pathways will operate under the guidance of the University Honors Global Scholars Program (UHGSP). This structure ensures alignment with UHGSP’s mission, learning outcomes, and distinctive pedagogies, fostering a cohesive and high-quality honors experience across Troy University.

The curriculum is structured to allow each student, where appropriate, to connect with the program through a variety of options, both curricular and co-curricular. Curricular requirements for the UHGSP will be met through a variety of modalities, including standalone honors global seminars and colloquia, departmental honors courses that have global engagement, and classes that conclude with a thesis or capstone experience.

For more information and guidance, please contact the Director of University Honors Global Scholars, Dr. Priya Menon via email at honors@troy.edu.

University Honors Global Scholars Program Requirements

Honors Global Scholars Coursework

All students in the program are required to complete 12 credits of UHGS courses, which include: HON 1101 , HON 2201 , HON 3380 , and HON 4498 . Students inducted into the program will take HON 1101 in the Spring of their Freshman year. This class replaces TROY 1101, which all Freshman students must take in the Fall semester. Students will take HON 2201 in their Sophomore year in preparation for HON 3380 to be taken in the Junior year. Students will complete their CORE requirement by taking HON 4498 in their Senior year.

Experiential Learning Requirements

The UHGSP sets itself apart from the traditional university experience with its focus on experiential learning through immersive travel and extracurricular engagement. These essential components encourage students to cultivate vital skills in areas such as Global Proficiency, Leadership, Community Engagement and Service, and Professional Development. By emphasizing these experiences, the program equips honors global scholars with the tools they need to thrive in the job market and excel in their future careers.

Immersive Travel

The program will provide cohort-based travel experiences locally and internationally. All students must take HON 3380 Global Travel Study: Short Term Research Abroad (STRA) . All UHGS students are encouraged to complete at least ONE addtional travel opportunity besides HON 3380 .

Extracurricular Engagement

All students, regardless of when they are admitted, must complete at least one activity in each of the following four categories

Global Proficiency

Additional Study Abroad
Internship with a global company
Presentation/experience demonstrating a clear understanding of global challenges and cultural diversity (approved by advisor)
Earn a minor in a World Language/Intercultural competency
Participation in Model UN
Other relevant experiences that may qualify (approved by advisor)

Leadership Development

Serve on an Honors Board/Committee on campus or as student mentor in the field of study
Selected as an officer in a university organization
Selected for a state, regional, or national leadership position
Other relevant experiences that may qualify (approved by advisor)

Professional Development

Journal of 3+ years of mentor advice and guidance (see guidelines)
Complete an approved course in etiquette or social interaction
Earn a minor in Leadership
Submit an application for a merit award
Job shadowing with a relevant Professional (approved by advisor)
Other relevant experiences that may qualify (approved by advisor)

Community Engagement and Service

Minor in Civic and Community Engagement
60+ Volunteer Hours pre-approved by Director
Participation in a major campus service learning project with research and follow-up briefing (e.g., Poverty and Hunger Outreach Initiative, Sustainability Initiatives, Healthy Futures Outreach Initiatives, Community Action and Outreach Initiatives)
Other relevant experiences that may qualify (approved by advisor)

Honors General Studies Courses

When offered, it is recommended that students take Honors sections of General Studies courses to enrich their academic experience.

ART 1134 - Honors Visual Arts 3 Credit Hour(s)
BUS 1121 - Honors the Global Challenge 3 Credit Hour(s)
COM 2243 - Honors Fundamentals of Speech 3 Credit Hour(s)
ECO 2253 - Honors Principles of Macroeconomics 3 Credit Hour(s)
ECO 2254 - Honors Principles of Microeconomics 3 Credit Hour(s)
ENG 1103 - Composition and Modern English I for Global Scholars 3 Credit Hour(s)
ENG 1104 - Composition and Modern English II for Global Scholars 3 Credit Hour(s)
ENG 2207 - Honors World Literature before 1660 3 Credit Hour(s)
ENG 2208 - Honors World Literature after 1660 3 Credit Hour(s)
HIS 1103 - Honors Western Civilization I 3 Credit Hour(s)
HIS 1104 - Honors Western Civilization II 3 Credit Hour(s)
HIS 1113 - Honors U.S. to 1877 3 Credit Hour(s)
HIS 1114 - Honors U.S. since 1877 3 Credit Hour(s)
HIS 1124 - Honors World History I to 1500 3 Credit Hour(s)
HIS 1125 - Honors World History II to 1500 3 Credit Hour(s)
KHP 2240 - Personal and Community Health 3 Credit Hour(s)
POL 2240 - Honors American National Government 3 Credit Hour(s)

Notes:

Honors credit in mathematics will be granted for MTH 1125 - Calculus I and higher.