Five SMC students presented their reserach at the 2024 American Chemical Society meeting in New Orleans.

Honors Program

A Life of Distinction Begins Here

The Honors Program was designed to give high-achieving students the opportunity for advanced study in their chosen curriculum with one-on-one guidance from experienced faculty. Students who participate in the Honors Program prove that they have the aptitude and determination to perform above and beyond the call of duty and are highly attractive to employers and major universities.

The Honors Edge

Honors students have exclusive access to

  • Scholarship opportunities,
  • Transfer partnerships with honors programs at select universities,
  • Letters of recommendation from key SMC faculty,
  • Transcript designation,
  • Priority registration, and
  • On-campus and community service opportunities, including the annual Honors Program Service Project.

Advantages for Life

Participating in the Honors Program is a smart way to stand out in a competitive landscape. Transfer schools and future employers want to know what you’re capable of. The Honors Program at SMC is a way to demonstrate your ability to exceed expectations and to be held to a higher standard.

 

Student Spotlight

Daijah Strickland

An accounting major from Benton Harbor, Daijah Strickland presented her work on cancel culture at SMC's NoTED Talks. A member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, she's on track to graduate in May 2025.

Honors student Daijah Strickland presents her research on cancel culture.

Real World Research

All Honors students are given the opportunity to participate in original research with Honors faculty members. Recent Honors research projects have focused on

  • Analyzing the sounds generated through simple electrical signals,
  • Removing toxic heavy metals from water,
  • The physics of running,
  • Counteracting the loss of biodiversity and genetic diversity within animal habitats,
  • Fairytales and mythology in young adult literature,
  • Abolishing capital punishment, and
  • Animation and game art.
Students performing an experiment in a lab

Student Spotlight

Nick Weston

Nick Weston of Paw Paw ran cross country while also studying how to use fungi to remove lead from water. His research took him to the 2024 national meeting of the American Chemical Society in New Orleans where he presented in the undergraduate poster session. He graduated SMC in 2024 with an associate degree in biology and headed to Ferris State to complete his bachelor's degree in biochemistry and pursue a career in biomedical research.

Before presenting in New Orleans, Nick Weston, a semi-finalist for a Jack Kent cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship and cross country athlete, presented his research during SMC's NoTED Talks.

Taking the Next Steps

A chance to tackle challenging, relevant topics. An opportunity to stand out to transfer schools and future employers. It all begins here.

Apply to the Honors Program