Honors Program: A pathway to excellence

The Honors Program is open to all students whose desire to learn is not bounded by traditional disciplines and classrooms.


The Honors Program at the University of Montana Western is founded on three principles:

• openess,
• experiential learning,
• interdisciplinary study.

• are reading and writing intensive,
• incorporate service-learning,
• offer the opportunity for independent research and /or creative endeavors,
• offer opportunity for study abroad,
• are open to students from all disciplines and substitute for general education courses.

Honors First Year Experience

In the Honors First Year Experience, students engage in the study of two disciplines linked over two consecutive blocks. The subject matter in these courses is interrelated and both courses substitute for general education courses The purpose of Honors First Year Experience is to foster extended collaboration among a small cohort of students engaged in the study of ideas that transcend specific disciplines. Honors classes are open to students from all disciplines and substitute for general education courses.

Honors Courses

Honors classes are interdisciplinary, integrating a variety of approaches to the subject at hand, and emphasize the experiential teaching and learning that is so important to our collective mission. Honors students are self-motivated and eager to learn. The admissions standards stress curiosity and commitment over previous academic accomplishment, and this results in dynamic groups engaged in collective learning. Honors classes are reading and writing intensive and offer opportunities to conduct independent research. Students are challenged to perform at the highest levels, and experience great satisfaction in meeting those challenges. Honors classes are open to students from all disciplines and substitute for general education courses.

Honors Courses Abroad

Honors classes are interdisciplinary, led by two professors from different disciplines who take a cohort of Honors students abroad for a truly interdisciplinary learning experience. Honors classes are open to students from all disciplines and substitute for general education courses.

Honors Forum

Honors Forum is a one credit stringer where Honors students will have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary discussions, organize and attend campus and community events, and get involved in the regional and national Honors conferences. Honors Forum is open to students from all disciplines and will substitute for elective credits in most degrees.

Honors Student Association

A student-run organization that gives Honors students the opportunity to be more actively engaged in the Honors Program. Honors students will have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary discussions, organize and attend campus and community events, and get involved in the regional and national Honors conferences. The Honors Student Association is open to students from all disciplines.