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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

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

The Horizon Scholars program is one of the most prestigious opportunities available to incoming first-time freshmen!

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