One of the oldest honors colleges to be located at a large public university, MSU Honors College was initially conceived to serve what was then described as "the very able student," offering a far higher level of academic flexibility than what was available to MSU students at that time. It was written into the college's legislation that, with respect to students at MSU Honors College, "all requirements for graduation, other than total number of hours, will be waived." Instead, the idea was that each student would work closely with a faculty adviser so that student and teacher together could tailor an academic program that would ideally suit the strengths of each individual student. Although this model has evolved over the years, the underlying philosophy continues to remain at the foundation of the college's honors program.
In addition to the standard honors program, there are a variety of additional academic opportunities available to MSU Honor College students, including its academic scholars program, the prestigious MSU debate team, and a gifted and talented education division, designed to provide opportunities for academically advanced high-school students who have the intention of attending MSU Honors College when they graduate. Each year, approximately 2,600 students attend MSU Honors College, with another 400 students enrolled in the academic scholars program.
In order to graduate from MSU Honors College, there are several requirements
each student must fulfill. These are more rigorous than those required from a nonhonors college, and include: the completion of at least eight honors-level courses; ensuring membership at the college is maintained in good standing at the time of graduation; and achieving a cumulative grade point average of no lower than 3.2. Only when all these requirements are met will a student be permitted to graduate wearing the traditional Honors College stole.
Students who wish to complete a second degree at MSU Honors College are required to complete an additional 30 credits over and above those already completed in pursuit of the first degree. Earning a second degree also requires that students complete two more honors-level courses in addition to the eight
required in pursuit of the first degree.