Horizon Scholars Academic Experience
Intellectual Curiosity
Committed to Your Growth
- 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
The Humanities Curriculum
The Humanities components will take a creative and integrative approach and will emphasize:
- The role and importance of Western Civilization (norms, values, philosophy, history and politics)
- American exceptionalism and role in the world
- Ethical and moral frameworks and their applications in the real world
- The Great Books and their influence and importance in Western and global literature
The STEM Curriculum
The STEM components will emphasize:
- Understanding the principles of science and mathematics and their role in the evolution of society
- Ethical dilemmas presented by the evolution of science and technology in society
- Understanding the limits of scientific and mathematical certainty and the evolution of knowledge
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!