Louisiana’s Only Official Honors College in Liberal Arts & Sciences
What Sets Scholars’ College Apart
- Small, seminar-style classes, ensuring deep discussion, close faculty mentorship, and personalized academic support
- All faculty hold PhDs, guiding every student individually through cross-disciplinary inquiry and research-rich learning environments
- Substantial scholarships & out‑of‑state fee waivers available for admitted students, helping keep this elite education accessible
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE & CURRICULUM
Common Curriculum
Begin your journey with a shared core of courses that examine the most important ideas and written works from throughout the world and across time (Texts and Traditions I-IV), develop your quantitative and scientific reasoning skills in math and lab-based science classes, develop your writing skills (Critical Reading, Critical Writing) and learn another language (French, Spanish, Latin, or Ancient Greek)—all designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary expertise.
Major or Concentration Options:
- A Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (BALA) with concentrations like Classical Studies, Philosophy-Politics-Economics, Scientific Inquiry, or Humanities & Social Thought.
- Or a more traditional major (e.g., Biology, English, Business, Engineering) which you may be able to combine with the BALA in a dual major or double degree.
- Accelerated Master’s programs that allow you to earn a master’s degree in just one year.
Senior Thesis
Your experience at Scholars culminates in a senior thesis. You begin it in the spring of your junior year, but actually your entire career at Scholars has been preparing you to produce this original research or creative project.
You Don’t Have to Change Your Passion to Join the Scholars’ College
At Louisiana Scholars’ College, we believe academic excellence shouldn't come at the cost of your chosen career path. That’s why students from nearly any major at Northwestern State University can participate in the Scholars’ College experience.
How It Works
Students outside the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (BALA) program may pursue a traditional NSU major while completing the Scholars’ College core curriculum, earning an official Scholars’ designation on their transcript.
Why Join as a Non-BALA Major?
Benefit from smaller classes, personalized faculty mentoring, priority registration, and exclusive Scholars’ housing. Gain valuable experience through a thesis—opportunities rarely offered in traditional programs—and access dedicated scholarships and research funding.
Scholars in Every Field
From future doctors to designers, researchers to entrepreneurs, our Scholars represent every discipline—driven by curiosity, united by a passion for learning, and committed to leading.
Admissions Criteria
The Louisiana Scholars’ College is looking for motivated, intellectually curious students who want to develop their academic and creative talents.
There are no minimum requirements for admission to the Louisiana Scholars’ College, but an ACT composite score of at least a 22 (SAT 1100) and a GPA of 3.1 are recommended. The Scholars Admissions Committee performs a holistic review of the student’s entire application packet. This packet includes, in addition to their NSU application, the following items:
- Resume of High School Activities, Achievements, and/or Honors
- Writing Sample (3-5-page High School English, History, or Science Paper)
- One Recommendation Letter from a Teacher or Guidance Counselor
These materials should be submitted to scholars@nsula.edu
However, students who have an ACT composite score of 25 (no subscores below 20) and an unweighted GPA of 3.3 (out of 4.0 in Regents’ or comparable curriculum) are entitled to automatic admission. They do not have to submit an application packet; their application to NSU is sufficient. They just need to notify the Scholars’ College at scholars@nsula.edu of their wish to become a Scholar.
0%
of graduates from NSU
were employed, in continuing education, serving in the military, or volunteering within six months of graduation.
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dedicated faculty members
Ensuring intimate, high-quality instruction and mentorship for robust academic engagement.
