Horizon Scholars Academic Experience
Intellectual Curiosity
Join a connected learning community
The ideal Horizon Scholar is well-rounded, curious, determined and ambitious. Are
you looking for a challenging experience inside and outside the classroom above and
beyond your chosen major(s)? As part of the Horizon Scholars program, participants
will take part in unique curriculum and programming that will prepare them for the
future and beyond.
Committed to Your Growth
As a Horizon Scholar, you will be challenged to reach your full potential in these
unique ways:
- Broaden your horizons about the scope and complexity of the world and the human experience
- Develop a core set of values that stand the test of time, serving as your unwavering North Star
- Discover paths for yourself that you didn’t know existed
- “Dream big” about your own potential
- Develop critical and independent-thinking skills and practical intuition
- Challenge yourself to perform better than you think possible
- Instill self-confidence in your ability to compete and succeed
- Collaborate with other students sharing a common experience
Horizon Scholar CurriculumThe program is focused on educating and developing future leaders, and the curriculum is intended to challenge participants, inspire curiosity and develop well-rounded minds.
Common Curriculum
The common curriculum will emphasize:
- Effective writing and verbal communication skills for a variety of audiences and contexts
- Critical and independent thinking
- Information absorption and synthesis
- Intellectual curiosity and self-education
- Pattern recognition & problem-solving
- Relational skills
Micro-credentials
Micro-credentials available in key co-curricular areas include
- Career Readiness and Entrepreneurship offered by the Eastin Center - Required
- Leadership - Required
Students will choose two of the following:
- Personal Finance
- Public Speaking
- Research Experience
- Scholar Development
- Topical based relevant to the time, such as “Using AI in the Workplace”
Special Programming
Special programming will include
- Participation in one Horizon Scholars talk and discussion per semester for the first seven semesters
- Topics will include business, politics, academia, etc.
- Attend one artistic performance per year, including McKnight Center performances, OSU music or theater performances
- Will include pre or post-show experiences with artists as possible
On-Going Expectations
The Horizon Scholars program at Oklahoma State University offers a unique opportunity to foster academic excellence, leadership, and global engagement. As a Horizon Scholar, you will need to adhere to high standards for growth and contribute positively to our Cowboy community.
Horizon Scholars must:
- Maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA
- Actively participate in all courses and programming
- Join at least one campus organization and serve in a leadership capacity with a campus organization or living group as a junior or senior
- Participate in an approved study abroad program
- Pursue at least one summer internship opportunity
The Horizon Scholars program is one of the most prestigious opportunities available to incoming first-time freshmen!