Academic Challenge
The Batten Honors curriculum goes well beyond a standard course load. Interdisciplinary seminars, faculty-mentored research, and a culminating capstone project push scholars to think harder, question more, and produce work that matters.
Honors Seminars
The core curriculum is built around a series of interdisciplinary seminars covering compelling problems and key issues across fields. Every seminar develops intellectual inquiry, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration — skills that compound across all four years.
Honors Capstone
Scholars conclude the program with a capstone experience that integrates their academic, cultural, social, and service work into an individual or team project. All capstone projects are presented at the Ryan Research Symposium each spring.
Graduate Program Opportunities
The Batten Honors College is a four-year residential program, but high-achieving scholars on an accelerated path may apply to use their fourth year to begin a graduate program at the university. Eligible students may also take up to 9 credit hours of graduate coursework before completing their bachelor's degree.
Faculty Mentorship
Batten scholars work closely with faculty across disciplines — not just in the classroom. Small cohort sizes mean real access: faculty who know your name, your work, and your goals.
Experiential Learning
Learning doesn't stop at the classroom door. Every Batten scholar completes hands-on, real-world experiences — from required international study to service learning and independent research.
Global Residency Experience
Scholars travel the world and immerse themselves in communities to develop the perspective and skills of a global citizen. Working with the Office of Global Engagement and BHC faculty, students create individualized plans aligned with their academic journey and intellectual interests. Most scholars complete their global residency in their second or third year.
Explore Study Away →
Service Learning
Scholars use classroom learning to address real-world problems through structured service experiences locally, regionally, and abroad. Past projects have included environmental restoration work, food bank partnerships, and community development initiatives.
Immersive Educational Experiences
Beyond the global residency, scholars develop as independent learners through research, internships, scholarly conferences, and short-term travel opportunities. Supplemental funding and travel support are available through the Lighthouse and the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Scholar Support
Admission to the Batten Honors College comes with real resources — financial, residential, and community — designed to remove obstacles and let scholars focus on doing the best work of their academic lives.
Financial Support
Students admitted to the Batten Honors College are awarded either a full-tuition or a nearly three-quarters tuition scholarship — 20 scholarships of each amount, every year. Additional need-based financial aid is also available to qualifying students.
If you accept a seat in the Batten Honors College, any Virginia Wesleyan University merit-based scholarship previously awarded will be forfeited, and need-based aid from the FAFSA may be adjusted. Scholars may also be eligible for need-based aid to cover room, board, and remaining costs.
Apply for Financial Aid →
Living–Learning Community
Batten scholars live in Honors Village — five-person townhomes with single and double rooms, full kitchens, and common areas. The residential community strengthens engagement, builds meaningful social connections, and supports the personal and intellectual growth of every scholar. Tickets to off-campus cultural events are also provided at no cost.
Priority Registration
Scholars receive priority course registration, ensuring access to the classes they need — including high-demand honors seminars and specialized electives — without the scramble.
A Close-Knit Scholar Community
A selective cohort means you're surrounded by peers who push you. The Batten community is small enough to know everyone, ambitious enough to keep you on your toes, and connected enough to matter long after graduation.
Ready to apply?
The Batten Honors College accepts a limited number of scholars each year. Competition weekends fill quickly — review the deadlines and start your application today.