How to apply to the honors program:
- Write a 1-2 page essay about a book you've read that has had some sort of impact on you.
- Submit a video for consideration **
** Your essay is needed at the time of registration.
The Austin E. Knowlton Honors Program is an exclusive academic opportunity for high-achieving students.
Students admitted into the honors program have the opportunity to explore the basis of peculiar beliefs, facilitate change using a variety of perspectives, investigate how cultural differences shape worldviews and solve problems in new and unique ways.
If you are an intellectually curious, highly motivated student, the Austin E. Knowlton Honors Program is a great way to start your college career. You will take part in seriously fun and invigorating discussions, read thought-provoking texts, and advance your reading and writing skills in ways that will impact any major you choose.
Have questions about the program? Email Kassidy Belcher and Rob Williams at honors@augustana.edu.
Why should you consider the honors program?
- Fulfills graduation requirements like the First-Year Inquiry course (FYI) that is required of all first-year students.
- Aids with development of communication and critical thinking skills.
- Offers an exceptional foundation for an undergraduate education, graduate school programs, and future careers.
- Involves a special sense of community with like-minded students.
- Provides a transformative experience dedicated to helping you change the world.
What do current and former students have to say?
"My writing skills grew exponentially during my time in the honors program. The professors truly cared about my personal and academic growth!"
"Honors got me into shape for college, thanks to Dr. Sarah McDowell. Not only did I get good at doing research and writing papers, but I got a full, in-depth course about huge topics like how to live my life. I heavily recommend the experience!"
"The honors program exposed me to higher levels of thinking that most freshman or undergraduate students may get to experience. As a first-year student, I got to read high-level theories from Foucault in the queer theories class for FYH. Through this experience, I gained a broader perspective of how human sexuality and gender affect everyone."
"As part of Augustana's First-Year Honors Program, I did research, made connections, and went on field trips to get hands-on experience with the material we had covered in class. Through the program, I met great mentors and made so many memories!"
About Austin E. Knowlton
A lifelong resident of Ohio, Austin E. “Dutch” Knowlton was a successful businessman, avid sportsman and philanthropist. He established the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation. One of the primary purposes of the foundation is to advance higher education. Augustana College is one institution to benefit from the generosity of this philanthropist.