Why join the Honors Program?
Designed for those who are curious, motivated, and eager to integrate faith and intellect, the Honors program offers a transformative journey of learning and leadership. The program draws students from across Montreat’s majors, creating an interdisciplinary community that participates in small, discussion-based classes that invite students to think deeply about how Christian faith informs ethics, creativity, and the pursuit of truth. Honors students work closely with dedicated faculty mentors who guide them in academic and personal growth. Through independent study, research projects, and presentation opportunities, students develop advanced skills that prepare them for graduate study or professional leadership.
Career Opportunities
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Physician
- Business Executive (CEO)
Degree Highlights
Integration of Faith and Scholarship
Explore the relationship between faith, reason, and vocation.
Discussion-Based Classes
Develop your voice in an environment of intellectual curiosity and respect.
Personalized Mentorship
Receive one-on-one guidance.
Christian Community
Be part of a supportive cohort that studies and worships together.
Choose Your Path
Choose from two tracks (Scholars Track – 22 hours or Fellows Track – 18 hours), which replace general education courses.
*Please note: Course credit brought to Montreat from AP, dual credit, or community college may not be substituted for honors courses. The rationale for this policy is that honors course credit requirements are relatively low and that our curriculum is designed to interlocking for the purposes outlined above. We also believe that our Christian liberal arts college honors courses are rigorous and will continue to develop even the most college-prepared student.
Spiritual and Intellectual Development
- Cultivate humility in both individuals and our community.
- Deepen our love for the Creator.
- Cultivate a properly ordered love for His creation, including humans, creatures, and the world around us.
Academic Excellence and Engagement
- Emphasize a conversational pedagogy.
- Build students’ confidence in critical thinking, writing, and oral expression.
- Dive deeper into complex topics.
- Foster a community grounded in humility, charity, and empathy.
- Offer unique opportunities for students to interact with visiting speakers.
- Create a rich interdisciplinary learning environment where science and arts students engage together.
Fast Facts
0
Required credit hours
0
Honors Scholars Credits
0
Honors Fellow Credits
0
Designated honors professors
Scholarships
As part of our commitment to intellectual inquiry, Montreat College awards specific scholarships to new students in the Honors Program. Honors Scholarships are awarded in addition to other earned merit scholarships. Scholars Day participation is required for Honors Scholarship consideration.
Honors Scholarships
Community
Living in honors housing is encouraged but not required. Roughly half of honors students live in McGregor Hall our co-ed Living Learning Community. These houses were established to provide honors students with a strong sense of belonging at Montreat College.
Honors Housing
Montreat’s Living-Learning community in Montreat’s Honors Program complements your academic pursuits and helps you flourish as a whole person. Students living in these houses enjoy:
- Monthly home-cooked family-style meals
- Access to the private honors program library
- Bi-monthly book studies with Montreat professors
- Services days in the Montreat mountain cove
- Community spaces for entertainment, study, cooking, gardening, stillness, and conversation!
Housing:
Study Abroad
At Montreat College, learning extends beyond the classroom, giving students meaningful opportunities to engage with the world, grow in their academic disciplines, and deepen their calling. Where will your journey take you?
Oxford, England
Engage in upper-level literary research focused on C.S. Lewis. Visit key sites such as the Kilns (Lewis’s home) and conduct research at the renowned Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in the world.
Peru
Conduct field research in the Amazon on dart frogs, rainforest conifers, and crocodilian diets. Other students have assisted in veterinary clinics, providing care for pets, including monkeys, owned by local indigenous communities.
Student Testimonial
“Montreat College has been a huge blessing in my life. The Lord has provided so many opportunities for growth, development, and learning. From honors classes to special friendships to late study nights, I have felt God’s hand on my life.” – Abby B. (’26), English Literature and Psychology
Start your success story at Montreat.
Why Montreat?
Whether you’re finishing high school or transferring from another institution, where you go to college is a big decision, and we believe that Montreat College is the perfect place for you to grow, learn, and thrive. Our vibrant campus at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our dedicated faculty, rigorous academic programs, and our talented student body create a unique and inspiring environment where you can develop a clear sense of identity and affirm your sense of purpose to honor God and serve others.
Student and Alumni
Stories
Meet Western North Carolina
Thrive Center
The Thrive Center supports you in your academic career by helping you improve your study skills, manage your time, learn strategies to complete class projects. You can meet with peer tutors at the Writing Center or the Math Center.
It also supports you beyond your academic career with resources for finding your calling, researching careers, finding internships, building your resume, applying to graduate school, and finding a job.
It also supports you beyond your academic career with resources for finding your calling, researching careers, finding internships, building your resume, applying to graduate school, and finding a job.
Start your success story at Montreat.
Featured
Faculty
"Montreat College's mission to provide students a Christ-centered education embodies the Great Commission at the heart of my calling as an educator."
Dr. Zachary Rhone
Visiting Speakers
2024 Spring Honors Lecture
Dr. Jinah Yoo Knapp, Timothy Lutheran Church (St. Louis, MO)
2023 Fall Honors Lecture
Dr. Meghan Sullivan, Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study
2023 Spring Honors Lecture
Dr. Nathan King, Whitworth University
2022 Fall Honors Lecture
Dr. J. Daryl Charles, John Jay Institute