Overview

The Honors Self-Designed Studies at Western Kentucky University offers a unique academic pathway for students whose intellectual interests transcend traditional departmental boundaries. This flexible programme empowers undergraduates to construct a bespoke major or minor that aligns precisely with their specific career aspirations and academic passions.

Administered through the Mahurin Honors College, this initiative is designed for students who require a curriculum not currently available through standard university offerings. Participants work closely with faculty sponsors and academic advisors to ensure their self-directed path maintains the high academic standards expected of honours graduates.

To maintain the integrity of the degree, at least half of the credits within the chosen major must be at the upper-division level.

Why Honors Self-Designed Studies at Western Kentucky University?

Western Kentucky University provides a supportive environment for interdisciplinary innovation through the Mahurin Honors College. Students benefit from personalised mentorship, as every self-designed plan requires a dedicated faculty sponsor to oversee the academic validity and depth of the proposed curriculum.

The programme is distinguished by its focus on individualised learning outcomes and the requirement of a Capstone Experience/Thesis project. This allows students to demonstrate expertise in their chosen niche, combining resources from various departments across the institution to create a truly unique educational profile that stands out to employers.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 29030 per year
National fee: USD 27000 per year
Local fee: USD 12072 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Because this programme is entirely customised by the student, the specific curriculum varies. However, all proposals must adhere to a structured framework approved by the Assistant Director for Academics. Modules may include:

Honors Coursework
Upper-division Subject Specialisations
Honors Augmentation Contracts
Capstone Experience
Thesis Project
Colonnade Requirements

Careers with Honors Self-Designed Studies

Graduates of this programme are uniquely positioned for diverse professional landscapes because they have demonstrated the initiative to design their own education. The curriculum is specifically built to prepare students for the next stage of their academic, professional, and intellectual journeys in specialised fields.

By defining three main learning outcomes at the start of the programme, students ensure their studies are directly relevant to their intended industries. This tailored approach is particularly effective for those aiming for niche roles in design, interdisciplinary research, or advanced postgraduate study where a standard degree may not provide sufficient breadth.

Programme Structure

Four options allow you to create the major or minor that best meets your educational and career goals:

As a stand-alone major
As a first major, which can be combined with either a second major or a minor
As a second major
As a minor

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bowling Green, United States

Disciplines

Design View 841 other Bachelors in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A completed application (open WKU application for admission)
Minimum academic requirements: Freshmen: 2.5 GPA / Transfer:* 2.0 GPA
*Students with 24 or more earned hours of college credit
English proficiency requirements
$75 non-refundable application fee
Official Academic Records from schools attended with grades and any degrees/diplomas/certificates received. Should also include a literal English translation.
Financial Evidence of Support must be provided to obtain an I-20
Students transferring from within the US will need to fill out the Transfer-In Form

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29030 USD / year

≈ 29030 USD / year
Out-of-State

27000 USD / year

≈ 27000 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12072 USD / year

≈ 12072 USD / year

Living costs

Bowling Green

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Honors Self-Designed Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bowling Green

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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