Honors Experience | Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) Honors Experience The Honors Experience at LSUA offers a distinctive opportunity for qualified students to gain valuable experience that will help them set, pursue, and achieve long-term goals. Substantial scholarship funds are available to support students as they chart their paths to success. For additional information about the Honors Experience, please connect with us! Email Us Download Application (opens in a new window) About the Program Unlike most honors programs at other universities, the LSUA Honors Experience focuses on special opportunities beyond the classroom that are usually exclusive to students in graduate school or in highly specialized programs of study. Rather than increasing the workload or introducing additional rigor, the honors provides additional dimensions of learning through hands-on experiences and mentorship. Ideal candidates for employment or graduate school are those who not only have strong academic records but also engage in activities that develop critical thinking, collaborative work, and visionary leadership. Eligibility Eligible students include incoming first-time, full-time freshmen who are pursuing a degree and attending classes on campus (not 100% online). Full-time students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Students from all bachelor’s or associate’s programs at LSUA are considered for admission. Application Deadline June 30th, prior to the start of the Fall semester of Freshman year. Benefits The LSUA Honors Experience is an opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with others, and open doors to new possibilities. No Extra Coursework The Honors Experience does not require additional classes or more challenging coursework. Instead, classes are more discussion-based, conceptual, and engaging. Many students even find that their grades improve because the approach makes learning more enjoyable and rewarding. Leadership Development Take on roles as teaching assistants, peer mentors, or student organization leaders. Many students also represent LSUA in the community, building confidence and leadership skills that carry into future careers. Community & Service Make a positive impact through service projects and campus involvement. You’ll contribute to social causes, volunteer with local organizations, and help shape campus life, while earning credit for meaningful engagement. Friendship & Belonging Join a close-knit community of motivated students from across majors. Through game nights, cookouts, cultural outings, and social events, you’ll form lasting friendships and connections. Travel & Exploration Expand your horizons by traveling with fellow honors students to national conferences. You may also have opportunities to participate in seminars or research experiences in other states or countries. Research & Scholarship Work closely with professors on research projects, present at LSUA’s Scholar Day, and even showcase your work at professional conferences. These experiences set you apart for graduate school and career opportunities. Curriculum The Honors Experience is designed to fit seamlessly into your degree plan with no additional classes required. All honors students are expected to complete 10 hours of service per semester , volunteering to support individuals, groups, or organizations on or off campus. Bachelor’s Degrees Students must complete 15 credit hours of Honors coursework , with at least 6 hours at the 3000–4000 level. By the end of sophomore year, 6 hours must be completed; by the end of junior year, 9 hours. Students can fulfill these requirements through various options such as contract honors courses, the honors section of LSUA 1001, teaching assistantships, or approved High-Impact Practice Seminars (HIPS). Associate Degrees Students must complete 9 credit hours of Honors coursework . Of these, 3 hours come from a general education course or LSUA 1001, while the remaining 6 hours must be at the 2000 level or higher. Experiential Learning At the core of the Honors Experience are opportunities to earn credit through leadership, citizenship, teaching, and research. These experiences may occur on campus or in the community, providing students with meaningful, hands-on engagement beyond the classroom. Special Seminars Honors seminars are innovative, discussion-based courses that count toward either general education or elective requirements. They’re designed to be creative, interactive, and fun, moving away from traditional tests and papers. Research Contracts Every Honors student completes at least one research project (3 credit hours) within an existing course. Working closely with a professor, students design a project, conduct research, and present findings at LSUA Scholar Day or a similar event. Many also have the chance to travel with faculty to present at professional conferences. The Honors Experience Send us your questions! We will be happy to provide additional information about our the Honors Experience. honorsexperience@lsua.edu Amanda DuBois, PhD Associate Professor of Biology - Director of Honors Experience & Honors Programs adubois@lsua.edu ABOUT About LSUA History & Traditions Career Success Campus News Publications Campus Map Find People LSUA Foundation Job Opportunities About LSUA Louisiana State University of Alexandria is a publicly supported institution offering undergraduate education and serving the citizens of Central Louisiana. 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