Have your sights set on a selective college or university? Start with Washtenaw Community College’s new Honors in the Liberal Arts Program.
The program, which began this fall, provides an enhanced academic experience for highly motivated students in a small classroom setting at a fraction of the cost of other institutions.
The program’s courses are developed and taught by experienced members of WCC’s faculty, many of whom are published scholars with Ph.D.s from major colleges and universities.
The diverse coursework provides a wide array of educational experiences that include:
- American Literature
- Critical Thinking
- English Composition
- History of U.S. Foreign Policy
- Cultural Anthropology
- Social-Political Philosophy
Students also choose electives from over 70 of WCC’s other courses to meet their individual academic goals.
Zachary Moran is one of the first students to participate in the Honors program. He aspires to transfer to a four-year school, such as the University of Michigan or the University of Chicago, and to eventually attend medical school.
“I love the program and that it's made my transition into college so much more enriching and fun,” Moran said. “I also enjoy the material that we learn in class, as I feel that it provides a nice balance between being challenging and relevant. I know that the skills and mindsets that I develop while taking these courses will do nothing but benefit my future academic endeavors.”
Moran’s classmate in the Honors program, Laurel Baty, aspires to a career in politics or law. She had planned to attend a university after graduating high school, but was attracted to WCC’s Honors program. She is happy with her decision to attend WCC.
“Being a part of this program has been an absolutely amazing experience,” Baty said. "The courses are thought-provoking and challenging, which is exactly what I was hoping for."
Baty, who plans to earn a master’s degree, feels supported by her professors and also her fellow Honors students. “The students are constantly learning from each other and encouraging each other,” she said. "It’s great to be in a program with students who are all so curious, dedicated, and passionate about learning."
Another benefit of the program is the cost-savings. "I think it's a great option for students who seek the access to a quality education, without having to drown in student debt,” Moran said.
WCC tuition for 24 credits cost $2,232 for the 2014-15 academic year; public colleges and universities in Michigan can cost up to $21,896 for the same number of credits.
The Honors program has a competitive admission program with a limited number of students accepted each academic year. The program will accept applications for the 2015-2016 year starting Nov. 1, 2014.
Learn more about the program, including the additional honors application, here.