Honors Program
Challenge Yourself. Discover Your Purpose.
If you are interested in the Waynesburg University Honors Program, or if you have any questions, contact Dr. Marie Leichliter-Krause, the Program Director, at mleichli@waynesburg.edu.
Think deeply. Lead faithfully. Live purposefully.
The Waynesburg University Honors Program develops intellectually curious students into thoughtful Christian leaders through rigorous academic inquiry, meaningful service, faculty mentorship, and transformative experiences.
The Waynesburg University Honors Program is a personalized community of scholars, leaders, and innovators who challenge themselves to think deeply, pursue meaningful experiences, and prepare to make a lasting impact in their professions, communities, and the world.
The Waynesburg University Honors Program is designed to create a culture of intellectual engagement by providing enhanced learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Students currently earn Honors Academic Points and Honors Experiential Points through participation in courses, conferences, colloquia, service activities, and leadership experiences.
The program serves students from all majors and emphasizes the development of thoughtful Christian leaders through a liberal arts education.
How does the program work?
• Incoming students with a 3.5 GPA are encouraged to apply. Students who have completed their first semester with a 3.5 or higher are also encouraged to apply.
• The program is a flexible, points-based system that allows students in every major to participate fully.
• Honors students are required to earn at least 25 Honors Points over four years; Honors Academic Points can be earned in many ways, including taking Honors classes, attending and presenting papers at conferences, participating in experiential learning opportunities, leadership, service and community engagement, and professional development.
As an Honors Program member, you will have opportunities to:
• Customize your Honors journey. Choose from a wide range of academic, professional, and experiential opportunities that align with your interests, career goals, and passions.
• Go beyond the classroom. Conduct research, complete internships or field experiences, study abroad, present at conferences, and participate in transformative learning experiences that prepare you for your future.
• Tackle meaningful questions. Explore complex issues from multiple perspectives through engaging seminars, interdisciplinary learning, and conversations that challenge the way you think.
• Work alongside exceptional faculty. Build mentoring relationships with professors who will encourage your curiosity, support your ambitions, and help you reach your full potential.
• Become an innovator and problem solver. Develop the critical thinking, creativity, communication, and AI literacy skills needed to lead in a rapidly changing world.
• Learn with a community of curious students. Join classmates who share your passion for learning, meaningful conversations, leadership, and personal growth.
• Create a capstone experience that reflects your goals. Whether conducting laboratory research, completing archival research, designing a community project, developing a business idea, or gaining experience through a professional placement, your Honors experience culminates in work that is meaningful to you.
• Graduate with distinction. Leave Waynesburg with a portfolio of experiences that demonstrates intellectual curiosity, leadership, and preparation for graduate school, professional careers, ministry, or service.
What other benefits are there for participating in the program?
• Honors students participate in early registration. As an Honors student, you will register for your courses two days before the rest of your class.
• Students who successfully complete the program have this achievement recognized at Commencement, in their transcripts, and on their diplomas.
• Active participation in the program will teach Honors students how to remain intellectually engaged lifelong learners.