
Davidson Honors College
Big Thinkers
The Davidson Honors College is a vibrant hub for talented, motivated learners from all over the state, nation and world. The Honors experience at the University of Montana is flexible, personalized and available to students in any major. Through an engaging interdisciplinary trajectory, highlighted by distinctive learning and leadership development opportunities, honors students are empowered to make real and lasting positive contributions to society.
66
primary majors represented
1st
honors college in Montana
100%
DHC students who participate in experiential learning
Programs
- Sample Option


Why Honors
The Davidson Honors College is an interdisciplinary community of scholars that will elevate, enrich and enliven your experience at the University of Montana. Students completing required Honors classes and experiences (including a capstone research or creative project) graduate as University Scholars – UM’s highest academic honor – and are well-positioned for future success.
The Davidson Honors College Experience
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Learning Opportunities
From small discussion-based classes, interdisciplinary coursework, internships, study abroad, field-based and service experiences, DHC students engage deeply in a world-class undergraduate education.
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Advising and Mentorship
Honors students at UM are embraced by the DHC’s holistic network of student support and receive specialized assistance from faculty mentors and professional staff in exploring and achieving their academic and professional aspirations.
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Beyond the Classroom
DHC students are leaders on campus and in the community, from student government to major-based organizations, athletics, activism and the arts. An active Honors Student Association, Living and Learning Community and Ambassador group, and Student Advisory Council provide further opportunities for involvement.

Career Development Program
The Career Development Program (CDP) provides career advising for students and increases post-college placement rates and overall job satisfaction of DHC graduates.
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QUEST
The QUEST Program is an exciting partnership with the City of Missoula for students to develop policy solutions to address some of the biggest questions.
LEARN MOREDHC SCHOLARSHIPS
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For Incoming Students
Apply for the DHC by the first Friday in December and be eligible for the Dean’s Leadership Scholarship, Provost’s Honors Scholarship and the Presidential Leadership Scholarship – UM’s highest merit-based academic award.
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For Continuing DHC Students
Students may apply for and earn scholarships while they pursue graduation as a University Scholar. Awards are made in both spring and fall semesters based on need and merit, and provide specialized support for internships, field experiences, study abroad and undergraduate research.
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Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships
Receive personalized support as you reach for the stars! UM has one of the country’s highest historical win-rates for nationally and internationally competitive scholarships, such as the Rhodes, Truman, Fulbright, Goldwater, Udall and others.

Climate Change Studies
The Climate Change Studies (CCS) program offers students a multidisciplinary understanding of the scientific and societal dimensions of climate change.
VISIT THE CLIMATE CHANGE STUDIES WEBSITE
Schwanke Honors Institute
The Schwanke Honors Institute provides high school students and incoming college freshman the opportunity to earn college credit and explore University life and academics at the Davidson Honors College.
VISIT THE SCHWANKE HONORS INSTITUTEStudents in the DHC Blaze New Trails
DHC students are represented in departments and programs across campus! Through a combination of rigorous coursework, exciting out-of-classroom opportunities, and undergraduate research and creative scholarship, our students innovate new and exciting directions to take their interests, blazing their way into graduate school and the job market.

Kaylee Osentowski
Kaylee graduated in spring 2020 with majors in theatre, dance and business management. In addition to pursuing her academic coursework on campus, Kaylee took full advantage of exciting internship opportunities during her time at the DHC. The pursuit of a unique combination of interests and excellent real-world experiences earned her a job at Walt Disney World, which she hopes to return to when the theme park reopens.

Devin Hunt
Devin is majoring in biology (human biology) and microbiology (microbial ecology) and minoring in biochemistry. Working alongside evolutionary biologists and microbiologists, Devin is a member of two productive research teams and has presented at the University of Montana’s celebration of undergraduate research. Devin’s work on a scientific literature review resulted in multiple first author publications. An enthusiastic recruiter for UM, Devin serves as an Ambassador for UM’s College of Humanities and Sciences and has been involved in numerous outreach efforts to encourage young people across the region to pursue science careers.

Jonathan Karlen
Jonathan is majoring in wildlife biology, minoring in climate change studies and pursuing a Master in Public Administration through a 4+1 program. He has served as president of UM’s Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society and is a member of the DHC’s Student Advisory Council and ASUM senate. Jonathan has interned with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Arizona Game and Fish, and the Clark Fork Watershed Education program. In 2020, Jonathan was named a Udall Scholar, the highest national award for students pursuing careers related to the environment.

Teigan Avery
Teigan graduated in spring 2020 with majors in economics and political science. She has been named to the Academic All-Big Sky Conference, a WGCA All-American Scholar and Grizzly Athlete of the Year and has been a leader on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Teigan engaged in the DHC’s QUEST program, exploring affordable housing options for Missoula, and did an internship with the Missoula Housing and Community Development Office. She is a DHC Ambassador and faculty-student liaison for the Economics Club and has organized a series of highly successful Red Cross blood drives on campus.




Kaylee Osentowski
Kaylee graduated in spring 2020 with majors in theatre, dance and business management. In addition to pursuing her academic coursework on campus, Kaylee took full advantage of exciting internship opportunities during her time at the DHC. The pursuit of a unique combination of interests and excellent real-world experiences earned her a job at Walt Disney World, which she hopes to return to when the theme park reopens.
Devin Hunt
Devin is majoring in biology (human biology) and microbiology (microbial ecology) and minoring in biochemistry. Working alongside evolutionary biologists and microbiologists, Devin is a member of two productive research teams and has presented at the University of Montana’s celebration of undergraduate research. Devin’s work on a scientific literature review resulted in multiple first author publications. An enthusiastic recruiter for UM, Devin serves as an Ambassador for UM’s College of Humanities and Sciences and has been involved in numerous outreach efforts to encourage young people across the region to pursue science careers.
Jonathan Karlen
Jonathan is majoring in wildlife biology, minoring in climate change studies and pursuing a Master in Public Administration through a 4+1 program. He has served as president of UM’s Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society and is a member of the DHC’s Student Advisory Council and ASUM senate. Jonathan has interned with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Arizona Game and Fish, and the Clark Fork Watershed Education program. In 2020, Jonathan was named a Udall Scholar, the highest national award for students pursuing careers related to the environment.
Teigan Avery
Teigan graduated in spring 2020 with majors in economics and political science. She has been named to the Academic All-Big Sky Conference, a WGCA All-American Scholar and Grizzly Athlete of the Year and has been a leader on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Teigan engaged in the DHC’s QUEST program, exploring affordable housing options for Missoula, and did an internship with the Missoula Housing and Community Development Office. She is a DHC Ambassador and faculty-student liaison for the Economics Club and has organized a series of highly successful Red Cross blood drives on campus.
