Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College

The Cohen Honors College at Wichita State challenges ambitious students in any major to build a better future through rigorous classes, problem solving across disciplines, independent and collaborative research, and community service.

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Our innovative approach

A more meaningful college experience

As a Cohen Honors College student, you'll take some of the coolest courses on campus, design your own course of study and enjoy increased student-faculty interaction due to small class sizes. You'll be encouraged to go beyond the classroom with service learning or to apply for a research grant or a Cohen Enhancement Scholarship to support study abroad, National Student Exchange, an unpaid internship or conference travel.

As a graduate, you'll be well prepared for the rigors of graduate or professional school and leadership in your career and community.

Learn about opportunities beyond the classroom

Why join Honors?

See Cohen Honors degrees

The Honors difference

The main difference between Honors courses and regular courses isn't workload but the approach taken to the material. The typical Honors course takes a more participatory approach to learning — less lecture, more discussion. Statistics show that Honors students earn higher grades in their Honors courses than in their regular courses. Graduating with Honors.

Excellent benefits

Honors College students enjoy smaller class sizes, specialized advising, priority enrollment, 24/7 access to the Honors Student Lounge with computers, study space and free printing, and exclusive independent and collaborative research opportunities. You'll also be part of a local and international alumni network of over 1,000 WSU Honors graduates.

See more benefits

Honor students hanging out in the dorms.

Built-in support

Honors College students are invited to live in the Honors Living Learning Community (LLC) in WSU's beautiful Shocker Hall housing facility. The Honors LLC provides you with a built-in support system, involvement opportunities and enhanced sense of community with other like-minded high-achieving students.

Learn more about Honors LLC

Honors students holding thank you signs.

Exclusive scholarships

The Lenora McGregor Endowed Scholarship provides up to $26,000 for an incoming freshman honors student, while the Koch Scholars Program awards $30,000-$45,000 scholarships for up to 7 honors students.

Also, Cohen Enhancement Scholarships offer up to $4,000 for applied learning, study abroad, nonprofit internships, national conferences and undergraduate research.

Ready for the challenge?

Honors College admission requirements

Honors College Research

Honors College grad presents research at Harvard, Capitol Hill

Abdul-Mannaan Giles chose Wichita State because he felt the investment made in undergraduate students through research opportunities would allow him to grow.

The Honors College graduate completed two undergraduate research projects on Alzheimer's disease, and was selected to present at six national research conferences, including presentations at the Harvard University National Collegiate Research Conference and to members of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Undergraduate Student Research

VIDEO: Beating the odds

Learn how a scholarship from the Wichita State University Foundation helped 2021 Honors College graduate Courtney Price-Dukes overcome circumstances to make her educational dreams come true.

SOURCE: WSU Foundation