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.

Related
Related
Apply Now Schedule a Visit Request More Info

66

primary majors represented

1st

honors college in Montana

100%

DHC students who participate in experiential learning

Programs

  • Sample Option
Photo of students in a common area. Photo of students in a common area.

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

  • Photo of student at art easel.

    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.

  • Photo of student with faculty mentor.

    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.

  • Image of students collecting samples in river.

    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.

Photo of a student working in lab.

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.

LEARN MORE
Photo of an instructor and two students in a classroom.

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 MORE

DHC SCHOLARSHIPS

  • Photo of two students smiling at the camera.

    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.

  • Photo of student sitting at a table.

    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.

  • Photo of student in lab.

    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.

Photo of instructor and students sitting in circle outside.
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
Photo of instructor and students at Glacier National Park.
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 INSTITUTE
Photo of student
Kaylee Osentowski
Photo of student
Devin Hunt
Photo of student
Jonathan Karlen
Photo of student
Teigan Avery

Students 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.

Photo of student
search icon close

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.

Photo of student
search icon close

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.

Photo of student
search icon close

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.

Photo of student
search icon close

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.

Photo of student
Photo of student
Photo of student
Photo of student

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.