Why Honors?
Join a tight-knit community dedicated to academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.
A Community of Excellence and Opportunity
Joining the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College (SMBHC) at the University of Mississippi means becoming part of an extraordinary community where academic ambition and personal growth thrive. Honors students experience a unique environment—living in dedicated honors housing, having access to 24-hour study spaces, and engaging in enriching events that bring students and faculty together. From exclusive guest speakers to collaborative learning experiences, the Honors College fosters a vibrant network of peers and mentors who inspire each other every day.
Beyond the classroom, the Honors College provides unparalleled opportunities for growth. Students can embark on transformative study abroad experiences, secure fellowships for internships, or even design independent projects with the support of the Barksdale Award. With a dedicated staff committed to personalized guidance, SMBHC students find themselves well-equipped to pursue their passions, take on challenges, and make their mark on the world. Whether through dynamic learning or lasting friendships, life at the Honors College is an experience that will shape your future.
Live, Learn, and Grow
Life at the Honors College
The greatest benefits of the Honors College are the friendships that are formed and the community between the faculty, staff, and students. Honors students live on honors floors in the residence halls and enjoy 24-hour access to the Honors College building. Read through our Viewbook to find out more information about what it’s like being an SMBHC member.
Enriching Opportunities
SMBHC students have dined with notable leaders, authors, philosophers, artists, filmmakers, politicians and physicians. The Honors College hosts remarkable guests twice a year during the honors fall and spring convocations as well as welcomes dynamite humans throughout the year to various honors classes and special events.
Dedicated Staff
Assistance from the Honors College staff adds to the personal side of a public education. Whether it’s dealing with a course scheduling problem, or one of the deans advising them about a career option, the Honors College administration is here to help students succeed. The Honors College also has an information technology manager who is ready to help students with their computer problems.
Fellowships
Studying abroad is an important emphasis of the program. The Honors College offers fellowships to its students, for either a semester or year abroad. With the help of these fellowships, honors students have studied in places as varied as Namibia, China, Chile, and France.
The Honors College also offers fellowships to help students who have received internships, since many of these are unpaid. These fellowships can help offset the living expenses of working students in places like Washington, D.C. or New York City.
Even greater, the Honors College wants students to dream big and make us jealous. The Barksdale Award (monetary value of $5000) supports students willing to take risks with their time and efforts and who propose ambitious independent programs of study, research, or humanitarian effort. Learn more about the Barksdale Award.