Alumni Advantage Program
Lenoir-Rhyne University alumni who complete their bachelor’s degree or another graduate degree at an earlier time at Lenoir-Rhyne and who meet the following criteria are eligible for a 10% tuition discount on all graduate courses taken toward satisfying graduate degree requirements at Lenoir-Rhyne in specified programs. These discounts are applicable only toward courses that are taken after completion of one’s undergraduate degree and only on graduate hours that are taken toward completion of the particular degree requirements. The university reserves the right not to offer discounted credits in particular programs and certain programs do not offer the Alumni Advantage program. This applies to both undergraduate and graduate alumni.
Undergraduate Alumni
The discount rate will be 10% on approved Lenoir-Rhyne graduate hours taken toward degree completion if the student 1) successfully completes all requirements for and graduates with an undergraduate degree from Lenoir-Rhyne, and 2) the student meets program admission requirements and is accepted into one of the university’s qualifying graduate programs as a degree-seeking student.
Accelerated Master’s Degree Program
Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Accelerated Master’s Degree Program is designed to assist current LR undergraduate students toward additional completion of a graduate degree. Through dual enrollment in their senior year, qualified LR undergraduates may begin their graduate courses while still completing their undergraduate degrees. Provided they meet the academic criteria for admission and are accepted into the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program, LR students may enroll in up to 12 credit hours of graduate-level work as part of their senior year and use those courses to meet undergraduate graduation requirements and/or begin coursework in their graduate studies at LR. The number of hours that may be taken will vary by graduate program but may not exceed 12 credit hours. Note that not all graduate programs may participate in the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program - see participation list below.
Students in the program will have their academic performance reviewed after each semester to ensure satisfactory academic progress. Upon successful completion of their undergraduate degree and provided the minimum academic performance criteria is met for each course within the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program, students will receive formal admission into their selected graduate program of study.
In taking graduate courses during their final semester(s) as an undergraduate, students participating in the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program are able to save the costs of these credits at the graduate level. Additionally, students successfully completing their undergraduate degree at Lenoir-Rhyne and who also meet the required criteria will be eligible for the “Alumni Advantage” program, which provides a tuition discount on all remaining graduate courses taken toward satisfying graduate degree completion at Lenoir-Rhyne in approved specified programs. (See Alumni Advantage Section for more information and minimum requirements.)
Students will be admitted to the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program in either the fall or spring semester only; however, once admitted to an approved program, students may enroll in courses available in any term. Summer courses will be charged at the standard rate per credit hour and are not subject to any university discount program.
Special Note: Students participating in an approved Accelerated Master’s Degree Program must satisfy the minimum required hours for the respective graduate program.
Accelerated Master’s Degree Program Designations and Participation
Elective Option
Students accepted to an Elective Option program are on track to successfully complete their undergraduate degree requirements and have space available in their academic schedules to accommodate the necessary demands of graduate-level courses. Courses completed as a part of an Elective Option program are factored as general electives toward their undergraduate curriculum and will factor in the student’s cumulative GPA. Once a student officially matriculates into a graduate program, courses taken as part of an Accelerated Master’s Degree Program will appear as transfer credit on the student’s graduate transcript and will not be factored in the graduate program GPA.
Students seeking to have credit earned through an Elective Option program fulfill an undergraduate degree requirement must submit a course substitution form for approval by the dean of their undergraduate program prior to enrolling in the course. Once approved, the form will be processed and filed by the Office of the Registrar. Students who will have earned at least 90 credit hours by the end of their semester of application are eligible to apply for an Elective Option program. Applications must be completed by the deadline indicated below for consideration; late applicants will not be considered until the following fall or spring semester.
Graduate Programs Participating in an Elective Option Program:
| Business Administration (MBA) |
Human Services (MA) |
| Counseling - Clinical Mental Health (MA) |
Leadership (MA) |
| Counseling - School (MA) |
Public Health (MPH) |
| Creative Writing (MFA) |
Teaching (MA) |
| Exercise Science (MS) |
|
Elective Option Program Information
Accelerated Master’s Degree Elective Option Program Information
Major Option
Major Option programs differ from Elective Option programs in that these are unique transition programs which allow students to earn credit toward both their undergraduate major curriculum and their specific graduate program.
Courses completed as part of a Major Option program will serve as course substitutes towards their undergraduate curriculum, and grades earned in these courses will be factored in both the major and cumulative GPAs. Once a student officially matriculates into a graduate program, courses taken as part of an Accelerated Master’s Degree Program will appear as transfer credit on the student’s graduate transcript and will not be factored into the graduate program GPA. Since these programs are pre-approved by the university, a separate course substitution form is not necessary.
Students who will have earned at least 90 credit hours (a minimum of 64 credits earned at Lenoir-Rhyne) by the end of their semester of application are eligible to apply for a Major Option program. Applications must be completed by the deadline indicated below for consideration - late applicants will not be considered.
Graduate Programs Participating in Major Option Programs:
| Accounting to MBA |
Human & Community Service to MA Human Services |
| Public Health (BS) to MPH |
International Business to MBA |
| English to MFA-Creative Writing |
Management to MBA |
| Entrepreneurship to MBA |
Marketing to MBA |
| Finance to MBA |
Psychology to MA Counseling (both programs) |
| Human & Community Service to MA Counseling (both programs) |
Religious Studies to Master of Divinity (MDiv) |
*Qualified students seeking entry to the Master of Arts: Students interested in secondary education teaching may participate in one of the following approved Major Option programs. Note that entry requirements may vary by program and are at the discretion of the School of Education. Please see the School of Education section of the catalog for more detailed information.
- English to MAT*
- Exercise Science (Health & PE) to MAT*
- History to MAT*
- Mathematics to MAT*
- Music to MAT*
- Natural Sciences to MAT*
- Spanish to MAT*
Major Option Program Information
Accelerated Master’s Degree Major Option Program Information
General Admission Requirements to the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program
A candidate for admission to the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program at Lenoir-Rhyne University must:
- Be a Lenoir-Rhyne student in good standing on all accounts (i.e., academic, judicial, financial) who will have earned at least 90 credit hours by the end of the semester in which they are applying to the program.
- Intend to graduate with an undergraduate degree from Lenoir-Rhyne and file (or have filed) an official Application for Graduation with the Registrar’s Office.
- Possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on all Lenoir-Rhyne work to date, an overall 3.0 on all college-level work at Lenoir-Rhyne or elsewhere and (if relevant) a 3.0 in undergraduate work in the discipline in which they seek graduate admissions.
It is important to note that some programs participating in the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program may require additional admission requirements. These are listed with the Accelerated Master’s Degree curriculum information below.
All undergraduate transfer requirements still apply.
A student may apply for the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program in either the fall or spring term if the three criteria above are met. Complete applications include, at minimum, the following materials and should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admission:
- Completed application form for the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program.
- Transcripts of all undergraduate credits to date (if the university does not already possess any transcripts, it is the student’s responsibility to submit these additional documents).
- On occasion, the university may request additional materials prior to determining admission into the program.
Note that the standard enrollment deposit for graduate admissions will be waived for students admitted to the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program.
Please see the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program website for more information and application deadlines: https://www.lr.edu/financial-aid-costs/college-affordability/accelerated-masters-degrees
Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements - Accelerated Master’s Degree Program
Students accepted in the Accelerated Master’s Degree program may take graduate-level courses in their approved undergraduate program as outlined above. Continuation in the program requires successful completion of these courses each term. Students are expected to earn at least a B-/2.7 in all graduate-level (500 level or above) classes. The registrar will assess the grades of all Accelerated Master’s Degree students at the end of each semester. Failure to meet this requirement in any graduate class constitutes automatic grounds for dismissal from the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program at the end of the particular semester.
Students may appeal dismissal through BEAR Central; however, reversal of dismissal by appeal will be rare. Dismissal from the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program does not necessarily determine a student’s academic status of academic notice, academic warning, or academic suspension, nor does it preclude the possibility of successful application for admission into a Lenoir-Rhyne graduate program at a later time by traditional admissions procedures. If a student dismissed from the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program achieves admission later through the traditional process, any credits completed during the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program will be assessed by the graduate program in a manner similar to assessment of transfer hours.
Each graduate program may establish different standards for satisfying the probationary admissions period. Similarly, each program will furnish the courses that may be taken during one’s senior year as well as the maximum number of hours available to be completed in the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program.
Graduate coursework completed during the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program with a grade of B-/2.7 or better will be transferred to meet specific program requirements in the graduate program. However, these credit hours will not be calculated in the ongoing determination of the student’s cumulative grade point average after full admission in the graduate program.
Broyhill Institute for Leadership
The Broyhill Institute for Leadership was created by an endowment from the Broyhill Family Foundation in Lenoir, NC, to develop and foster the skills necessary for students and graduates of Lenoir-Rhyne University to become vital, intuitive and ethical business and professional leaders in an emerging economic climate. To accomplish this purpose, the institute engages in a variety of activities directed at both the university and the community, including:
- Promoting an understanding of the workings and relevance of the American free enterprise economic system.
- Educating students in ethical business practices.
- Fostering innovation and encouraging students to question conventionality.
- Training effective business managers with an emphasis on interpersonal relationships.
- Providing students opportunities and authentic experiences in business, organizational and professional leadership roles.
- Enhancing the interactions among the College of Business and Economics, the Lenoir-Rhyne community and the members of the local, regional, national and international business communities.
- Facilitating community service projects to teach the connection between leadership and community involvement.
The institute provides program support for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) student organization at Lenoir-Rhyne.
Further information on the program for the Broyhill Institute for Leadership may be obtained from the director at 828-328-7933.
Engaged Scholars Program
The Engaged Scholars Program lives on in the Fritz Honors College (see below). The Engaged Scholars program promoted undergraduate students’ participation in forms of academic development, active learning and leadership development that extend beyond the traditional classroom. An Engaged Scholar is recognized for achieving specified levels of attainment over a series of specific learning activities–some curricular and some co-curricular– that substantially involved them in serious experiential learning designed to promote greater self-ownership and personal understanding of their learning.
As members of the Engaged Scholars Program, students completed a series of curricular and co-curricular experiences with specified levels of attainment accompanied by reflective assessments of their activities. These experiences were drawn from the following categories:
- Independent research with presentation or publication
- Independent creative project with performance, presentation or publication
- Service learning
- Internship
- Study abroad
- Off-campus community learning and/or research
- Peer tutoring
- Co-curricular activity
- Co-curricular leadership
- Leadership development
- Career preparation
In addition to successfully completing the activities, the program required ongoing reflection and seminar experiences to enable students to develop habits of lifelong learning outside the classroom and to assume significant responsibility for meeting their educational goals. As of October 2023, Engaged Scholars are members of the Fritz Honors College. For more information, please get in touch with Dr. Michael Stiff, Dean of the Fritz Honors College: Michael.Stiff@lr.edu or 828-328-7077.
Clemmer-Long Center for Vocation and Purpose
The Clemmer-Long Center for Vocation and Purpose (CLC) supports students and the greater LR community in creating lives of meaning and purpose. Established in 2018 through LR’s Quality Enhancement Plan and endowed in 2023 by LR alumni, Rev. Palmer and Cynthia Long Clemmer, the CLC provides a physical gathering space of welcome in the center of LR’s Hickory campus (Rhyne 158) and hosts programs throughout the academic year to foster vocational exploration and discernment.
Anchored in the Lutheran theological perspective that each person is gifted and called in unique ways, LR strives to foster in individuals a sense of purpose supported by their values, driven by their passions, and aligned with the needs of the world. As such, the Clemmer-Long Center for Vocation and Purpose facilitates opportunities for LR community members to develop as “whole persons” while discovering and embracing their unique talents. The CLC promotes the lifelong process of discerning and employing one’s talents and gifts in service to the world.
To support students in this process, the CLC works within both academic and co-curricular settings to help students connect their various learning experiences with their life goals and purpose.
Please direct questions to the center’s director, Mrs. Debbie Tonnesen, at Debbie.Tonnesen@lr.edu or 828.328.7855. The CLC’s web page can be found at: Clemmer-Long Center for Vocation and Purpose | Lenoir-Rhyne University
Institute for Faith and Learning
The Lenoir-Rhyne Institute for Faith and Learning was created in 2011 as an outgrowth of the strategic plan of Lenoir-Rhyne and the findings of the Lenoir-Rhyne Task Force for the Future. Aimed to inspire and enlighten people of all faith traditions, we feature speakers and host events each term with the goal of learning how to use scholarship and careful deliberation to face a range of complex and important matters facing the world today.
Furthermore, the Institute endeavors to provide programming that will contribute to and enrich “a culture of the intellect” by bringing in a wide variety of speakers including artists, musicians, clergy, activists, and theologians to appeal to those communities both in and outside of the campus of Lenoir Rhyne. Further information about the Institute may be obtained by contacting the director, Dr. Tripp York via email: Tripp.York@lr.edu
The Fritz Honors College
The Fritz Honors College was founded at Lenoir-Rhyne in October, 2023, as a stand-alone honors college serving incoming first-year students and transfer students, and as a new home for continuing LR students already members of one of the then three existing LR honors programs: the Engaged Scholars (see above), the Honors Academy (see below), and the Lineberger Fellows (see below). Starting in fall 2024, all incoming LR students interested in pursuing honors education are directed to apply to join the Fritz Honors College. New incoming students are no longer being admitted to the Engaged Scholars, the Honors Academy, or the Lineberger Fellows. Continuing LR students may still pursue Program Honors, i.e. honors in their major.
The Fritz Honors College is a collaborative and inclusive community of motivated and high-potential learners and doers pursuing intellectual, personal and professional development at the highest possible levels.
The Fritz Honors College provides many opportunities, including:
- Interdisciplinary honors courses
- A vibrant intellectual and social community
- Honors College housing (optional)
- Opportunities for research, scholarship and creative activity
- Close collaboration with fellow students and faculty
- Opportunities for civic engagement, service and leadership
- Social events and professional development activities
- Individualized mentoring and advising
- Recognition of academic excellence and meaningful community engagement as Distinguished Scholar Award recipient
- Unconditional support - during a student’s time at LR and after graduation.
We encourage all highly motivated, high-potential, and high-achieving students with interests in any major or field of human inquiry–both high-school seniors and transfer students–to express their interest in joining the Fritz Honors College. For information and guidance, please email or call Dr. Michael Stiff, Dean of the Fritz Honors College, at Michael.Stiff@lr.edu (828-328-7077), or reach out to our Office of Admissions.
Honors College Curriculum
The Fritz Honors College offers its students rich and flexible curricular opportunities on their way to an Honors degree.
For Students with Fewer than 40 College Credits
Students bringing fewer than 40 college credit hours to LR will complete 25-26 hours of honors courses and experiences. All students complete the Core Honors Courses and choose a pathway.
Core Honors Courses (16 hours)
FYE 100 H - Honors First-year Experience Hours: 3
HON 102 - Honors Introduction to Rhetoric Hours: 4
HON 202 - Honors Introduction to Creating Knowledge Hours: 3
HON 310 - Honors Global Challenges, Upper Hours: 3
At least three semesters of HON 391 - Honors Great Books Hours: 1
Honors Thesis Pathway (9-10 hours)
Students who enter the Fritz Honors College with fewer than 40 college credits and choose the honors thesis pathway will complete:
- At least one Special Topics course listed below which often also fulfill General Education requirements Hours: 3-4
- HON 210 Honors Global Challenge Lower Division
- HON 220 Special Topics - Fine Arts
- HON 230 Special Topics - Social Sciences
- HON 240 Special Topics - Natural Sciences
- HON 250 Special Topics - Humanities
- HON 270 Special Topics - Mathematics
- HON 383 Special Topics
- Thesis courses - can be in HON or in the major discipline (i.e., ART, BIO, PSY, HES) Hours: 6
Non-Thesis Pathway (9-10 hours)
Students who enter the Fritz Honors College with fewer than 40 college credits and choose the non-thesis pathway will complete:
- At least three Special Topics course listed below which may also help students meet General Education requirements Hours: 9-10
- HON 210 Honors Global Challenge Lower Division
- HON 220 Special Topics - Fine Arts
- HON 230 Special Topics - Social Sciences
- HON 240 Special Topics - Natural Sciences
- HON 250 Special Topics - Humanities
- HON 270 Special Topics - Mathematics
- HON 383 Special Topics
Please Note: Credit-bearing experiential learning opportunities, such as selected internships, practicums, research, study-abroad experiences, service-learning, may, with permission of the Fritz Honors College dean, be used to fulfill HON Special Topics course requirements.
For Students with More than 40 College Credit Hours
Students who enter the Fritz Honors College bringing more than 40 college credit hours to LR will complete 16-17 hours of honors courses and experiences. All students complete the Core Honors Courses and choose a pathway.
Core Honors Courses (10 hours)
HON 102 - Honors Introduction to Rhetoric Hours: 4
HON 202 - Honors Introduction to Creating Knowledge Hours: 3
At least three semesters of HON 391 - Honors Great Books Hours: 1
Honors Thesis Pathway (6 hours)
Thesis courses - can be in HON or in the major discipline (i.e., ART, BIO, PSY, HES) Hours: 6
Non-Thesis Pathway (6-7 hours)
Students who enter the Fritz Honors College with fewer than 40 college credits and choose the non-thesis pathway will complete:
- At least two Special Topics course listed below which may also help students meet General Education requirements Hours: 6-7
- HON 210 Honors Global Challenge Lower Division
- HON 220 Special Topics - Fine Arts
- HON 230 Special Topics - Social Sciences
- HON 240 Special Topics - Natural Sciences
- HON 250 Special Topics - Humanities
- HON 270 Special Topics - Mathematics
- HON 383 Special Topics
Please Note: Credit-bearing experiential learning opportunities, such as selected internships, practicums, research, study-abroad experiences, and service-learning, may, with permission of the Fritz Honors College dean, be used to fulfill HON Special Topics course requirements.
All questions should be directed to Dr. Michael Stiff, Dean of the Fritz Honors College: Michael.Stiff@lr.edu or 828-328-7077.
The Lenoir-Rhyne Honors Academy Program lives on in both the Fritz Honors College (see above) and in the Program Honors pathways (‘Honors in the Major’) offered by every major program at Lenoir-Rhyne University, described below. The Honors Academy fostered the personal growth and development of highly motivated students through exceptional individual attention. Program students worked with their intellectual peers in an enhanced learning environment. The challenging ethos of the program prepared students for success in their post-graduate experiences: graduate school, professional school and career. The Honors Program developed skills in independent research and collaboration, and it cultivated responsible citizenship through leadership opportunities on campus and the larger community.
Two separate approaches to honors education were available within the Honors Academy. The Honors Academy Program was open to students at the beginning of their first year, and to transfer students and to current Lenoir-Rhyne University students under the criteria listed below. A student’s status in the program was renewed on a yearly basis. Program Honors were available to selected students in all academic programs in their junior and/or senior year. For more information, please get in touch with Dr. Michael Stiff, Dean of the Fritz Honors College: Michael.Stiff@lr.edu or 828-328-7077.
Admission to the Honors Academy Program was by invitation of the student’s academic program. Students were selected on the basis of scholastic excellence. Honors Academy Program students earned the honors designation by maintaining an overall grade point average of 3.25 and attaining at least a 3.5 overall GPA in order to graduate from the Honors Academy Program. In addition, they were required to meet the following requirements:
-
Successfully complete FYE 100 First Year Experience.
-
Successfully complete two honors sections of general education courses.
-
Successfully complete four Great Books courses (HON 391 , HON 491 or HON 492 ).
-
Complete 15 hours community service per year.
-
Take either HON 200 or HON 201 , usually in the second year.
-
Take HON 301 and maintain a portfolio, usually done in the third year.
-
Successfully complete Program Honors in (at least one) of their major field(s).
-
Be people of upstanding moral and ethical character.
Program Honors
The specific requirements of Program Honors vary according to the academic program, but all Program Honors programs conform to these policies and guidelines:
- Program Honors are directed by the academic college involved under the general guidance and coordination of the Dean of the Fritz Honors College.
- A student who completes Program Honors graduates with honors in that program and this achievement and distinction is acknowledged at commencement.
- Only the Undergraduate Program Committee shall have the authority to allow exceptions or to modify the guidelines pertaining to Program Honors. Appeals and/or waivers shall be made to the committee, in writing, and endorsed by the student’s academic college dean.
- Upon invitation of the faculty within a discipline, students may pursue and complete Program Honors within their specific program of study. At minimum, students invited into Program Honors must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and a major GPA of at least 3.2. Some Program Honors programs may have higher GPA requirements.
- Completing Program Honors involves close work with a faculty member involving research or similar in-depth engagement within the field of study, culminating in a thesis or significant research-based project appropriate to the field. Students must enroll in a major-specific 499 Senior Honors Thesis course in the semester in which the thesis or significant research-grounded product, whether applied or theoretical, is completed. Some programs also require additional coursework with an honors designation prior to enrollment in the 499 Senior Honors Thesis course, sometimes including a readings course, 498 Senior Honors Research, which may be taken the semester immediately prior to taking 499 Senior Honors Thesis.
- A permanent record of the student’s Program Honors work will be bound and maintained in the university library.
- In general, the final piece of work for Program Honors should include the following:
- Statement of the problem or question under investigation.
- Critical analysis of the scholarly or creative literature pertaining to the question in the field(s) of study.
- Materials and methods employed to explore the question under investigation.
- Analysis of findings or results.
- Concluding discussion of the implications of the findings and suggestions for further investigations.
- Public presentation defense of the work before a panel of faculty.
Completing Program Honors for graduation requires careful planning. Students will, in consultation with their primary honors advisor, select a committee of reviewers to guide their work. The committee shall include at least three members: two from the program or college in which the student’s major is housed, and one from outside the college. If helpful and appropriate, students may also invite a professional from the local community as a fourth member.
Program Honors Programs by Discipline
|
Major
|
Major GPA
|
Cum GPA
|
NOTES
|
|
Biology
|
3.2
|
3.0
|
Students majoring in Biology judged qualified by the faculty may, upon invitation, pursue honors work in Biology. To graduate “With Honors in Biology,” students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum major GPA of 3.2. They must complete BIO 390 and BIO 391 in the junior year and BIO 498 and BIO 499 in the senior year with a minimum grade of “B” in each course. In addition, they must present the research at a seminar before the Biology faculty. BIO 390 , BIO 391 , BIO 498 and BIO 499 may count for BIO 400 and 4 hours of biology electives for the B.S. degree.
|
|
Business
|
3.5
|
3.2
|
Students in the College of Business & Economics may elect to pursue honors work. To be eligible for honors, students must:
- complete ACC 230 or ACC 231 ; BUS 340 ; BUS 360 ; and CSC 175 or BUS 125 or have been invited to apply by the faculty of the College of Business & Economics;
- have successfully completed BUS 320 and BUS 344 as honors courses;
- have successfully completed BUS 499 , which includes a specific business written analysis report and an oral presentation to the faculty of the College of Business & Economics.
|
|
Chemistry
|
3.5
|
3.05
|
No chemistry grade lower than a B-/2.7 is allowed. Students must present their research in setting outside the chemistry department.
|
|
Communication
|
|
|
Students majoring in Communication Studies may apply to pursue program honors. To graduate with honors in Communication Studies, students must successfully complete COM 498 and COM 499 .
|
|
Computing
|
3.2
|
3.0
|
|
|
Economics
|
3.2
|
3.0
|
Students majoring in Economics and judged qualified by the Economics faculty may, upon invitation, elect to pursue honors work in Economics. To graduate ”With Honors in Economics,” a student must complete ECO 498 and ECO 499 . An oral presentation of the honors paper or a synopsis of the honors project is required. Normally the student in the honors program will have completed ECO 121 , ECO 122 , ECO 323 , ECO 324 and ECO 325 .
|
|
Education
|
3.2
|
3.0
|
|
|
English
|
|
|
Students majoring in English may apply to pursue program honors. To graduate with honors in English, students must successfully complete ENG 498 and ENG 499 .
|
|
Health, Exercise & Sport Science
|
3.5
|
3.25
|
Students majoring in Exercise Science or Public Health judged qualified by faculty, upon invitation, elect to pursue honors work in HESS (Health, Exercise, and Sport Science). To graduate “With Honors in HESS,” students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a minimum major GPA of 3.5. The student must complete HES 385 , HES 390 , and HES 499 , with a minimum grade of 3.0/B in each course. In addition, the student must present a thesis either before the faculty or at an appropriate professional conference.
|
|
History
|
3.5
|
3.2
|
Students may be invited by the full-time history faculty to undertake a senior honors thesis. Upon successful completion of the thesis, along with HIS 498 and HIS 499 a student will graduate “with honors in history.” The faculty may invite a student to undertake honors who has not met the GPA requirement and likewise may not invite every student who has done so. HIS 498 may count as a history elective and HIS 499 counts as three credits beyond the major requirements.
|
|
Human & Community Service
|
3.2
|
3.0
|
- HCS 498 - Senior Honors Research
- HCS 499 - Senior Honors Thesis
|
|
Music
|
|
|
Students majoring in Music may apply to pursue program honors. To graduate with honors in Music, students must successfully complete MUS 498 and MUS 499 .
|
|
Nursing
|
3.4
|
3.4
|
Students majoring in Nursing and judged qualified by the faculty may, upon invitation, pursue honors work in Nursing. Students must have an overall and nursing GPA of 3.4 or higher and complete NUR 435H and NUR 499 . Students must have above average clinical performance, community involvement and leadership potential as assessed by the School of Nursing.
|
|
Philosophy
|
3.2
|
3.0
|
Students majoring in philosophy and judged qualified by the philosophy faculty may, upon invitation, elect to pursue honors work in philosophy. To graduate with honors in philosophy, students must complete PHI 499 .
|
|
Physics
|
3.0
|
3.0
|
Students who participate in this developmental opportunity will complete 6 hours of honors coursework in addition to submitting an honors thesis via PHY 475 and PHY 476 . If you are interested in pursuing Engineering Physics Honors, but do not quite meet the GPA requirement, please reach out to the Engineering Physics Program Coordinator to begin a conversation about your options.
|
|
Political Science
|
3.2
|
3.0
|
Students majoring in political science and judged qualified by the political science faculty may, upon invitation, elect to pursue honors work in political science. To graduate with honors in political science, a student must complete POL 498 and POL 499 . In addition, they must also write and orally defend an honors thesis and be nominated for honors by the department.
|
|
Psychology
|
3.2
|
3.0
|
Students majoring in psychology may elect to pursue honors work in psychology. To graduate with honors in psychology, students must complete PSY 498 and PSY 499 including defense of a thesis. The honors courses may count as part of the 44 credits needed for the major.
|
|
Religious Studies
|
3.2
|
3.0
|
Students majoring in religious studies and who are judged qualified by the religion faculty may, upon consultation with faculty, elect to pursue honors work in religion. To graduate with honors, students must complete REL 499 .
|
|
Sociology
|
3.2
|
3.0
|
Students majoring in sociology may elect to pursue honors in sociology. To graduate with honors in sociology, students must complete SOC 498 and SOC 499 including defense of a thesis.
|
| Spanish |
3.2 |
3.0 |
Students must complete nine credits of honors courses in the major, including SPA 499. In addition, they must pass an oral examination and be approved by the faculty. The 499 course does not count toward the major requirements. |
|
Theatre
|
|
|
Students majoring in Theatre may apply to pursue program honors. To graduate with honors in Theatre, students must successfully complete THR 498 and THR 499 .
|
| Visual Art |
|
|
Students majoring in Visual Art may apply to pursue program honors. To graduate with honors in Visual Art, students must successfully complete ART 498 Honors Research and ART 499 Honors Thesis or Project. |
Lineberger Fellows
The Lineberger Fellows program lives on in the Fritz Honors College at Lenoir-Rhyne University. The program was designed to recognize, support and celebrate the many achievements of highly motivated and talented Lenoir-Rhyne University students. The program accomplished this by preparing Lineberger Fellows to become more competitive applicants for graduate schools, post-graduate fellowships, awards and exceptional employment opportunities. The Fellows participated in career development workshops focusing on self-awareness, internships, the graduate school selection and application process, resumé design and social media branding. Lineberger Fellows received financial support to enhance their Lenoir-Rhyne educational experience and engaged in national and international travel opportunities where possible.
Participation in the Lineberger Fellows Program was by invitation. Program expectations included: maintaining a competitive GPA (3.8+) and attending approximately eight mandatory meetings and several highly recommended meetings and events as announced at the beginning of each academic year. In addition, Fellows participated in a Fellows “common read” and in career development workshops and retreats announced at the beginning of each academic year.
The program was supported by the Lineberger Fellows program and was not affiliated with the Lenoir-Rhyne Lineberger Scholarship awarded by the university. As of October 2023, all Lineberger Fellows are members of the Fritz Honors College. Please get in touch with Dr.Michael Stiff, Dean of the Fritz Honors College, with questions: Michael.Stiff@lr.edu 828.328.7077.
Lutheran College Washington Semester
Lenoir-Rhyne University is a member of the Lutheran College Washington Consortium which “is an immersive and transformative study-away program designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to live and intern in the nation’s capital” (https://www.washingtonsemester.org/about). In this program, students spend the semester in Washington and are required to complete two seminars (four credits each for a total of eight credits) and a 25-32 hour internship component (total of eight credits). Students enroll at Lenoir-Rhyne and pay tuition and room and board at the rate charged by Lenoir-Rhyne. The program provides students with unique opportunities to explore, study and intern in Washington, D.C. and is available to a range of majors. Further information about this program may be obtained by contacting the director, Dr. Clinton Jenkins, via email: Clinton.Jenkins@lr.edu.
Multicultural Affairs
The Office of Multicultural Affairs at Lenoir-Rhyne University aspires to create a welcoming community that embraces people of different races, cultures, ages, genders, sexual orientations, religions, socioeconomic levels, political perspectives, abilities, opinions, values and experiences. Lenoir-Rhyne will strive to reflect these differences in its decisions, curriculum, programs and actions. We will also strive to create an environment that brings out the best in all people that leads to positive contributions to the Lenoir-Rhyne community. The university will seek to ensure that all have equal access to the education and resource opportunities available at the university.
The William and Robert Shuford Center for International Education
The mission of the Shuford Center for International Education (SCIE) is to stimulate, develop and support initiatives and programs, abroad and on-campus, that equip students with the cross-cultural skills and awareness of global issues they will need for gainful employment and service in the world. The SCIE promotes semester- and year-long study abroad programs; short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs; and a rich set of affordable summer opportunities as well. The SCIE also provides immigration services for Lenoir-Rhyne’s international degree-seeking and exchange students and provides for their acculturation and integration into life at Lenoir-Rhyne. The SCIE organizes a wide variety of on campus initiatives to promote intercultural learning and meaningful interaction between U.S. and international students including overseeing a residential learning community called the Global Village.
Lenoir-Rhyne University, through the William and Robert Shuford Center for International Education, is a member of NAFSA: Association of International Education; the Institute for International Education (IIE); Diversity Abroad; The Forum on Education Abroad; International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP); and the Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration (CONAHEC).
Study Abroad Programs
Lenoir-Rhyne University sponsors study abroad student exchange programs at more than 150 institutions in over 50 countries around the globe. Through Lenoir-Rhyne’s agreements with exchange partners, students are registered for classes at Lenoir-Rhyne and receive credit for the course work they complete while abroad. Students may use their Lenoir-Rhyne financial aid for any of these exchange programs. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be approved for study abroad.
Lenoir-Rhyne professors also lead short term study abroad programs during spring break or during May, June or July. The costs of these study programs vary from program-to-program.
Contact Brittany Marinelli, Director of the William and Robert Shuford Center for International Education at 828-328-7375 for more information on study abroad programs.
International Student Services
The William and Robert Shuford Center for International Education (SCIE) provides immigration services to F-1 and J-1 visa holding international students. The SCIE staff will assist with information about:
- Immigration regulations for J-1 students and scholars
- DS 2019s and J-1 visas
- Health insurance for J-1 visa holders
- Employment on campus for J-1 visa holders
- Academic matters for J-1 visa holders
- Cultural adjustment
- Academic Training for J-1 visa holders
Exchange visitors should contact Brittany Marinelli, Director of International Education at 828-328-7375 for more information.
- Immigration regulations for F-1 visa holding students
- I-20s for F-1 visas
- Health insurance for international athletes and all other F-1 visa holders
- Employment on and off campus for F-1 visa holders
- Academic matters
- Cultural adjustment
- Optional Practical Training
- Curricular Practical Training
Degree-seeking international students should contact Eric Brandon, Director of International and Special Projects at 828-328-7301 for more information.
Reese Institute for the Conservation of Natural Resources
The Thomas W. Reese Institute for the Conservation of Natural Resources was established through an endowment gift from Lenoir-Rhyne graduate Thomas W. Reese, a nationally recognized conservationist. It promotes leadership for service through a program that emphasizes regional environmental issues, economic development and the conservation and use of natural resources. The goal of the Institute is to become a nationally recognized conservation program that works closely with regional government, industry and community groups to clarify environmental problems and identify practical solutions. Students and community members will be able to participate in a variety of educational experiences, including field work and internships. For further information contact the director of Reese Institute at 828-328-7265.
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