Buchanan Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions
When will I hear if I am offered the Buchanan Fellowship?
For students who apply by November 1, our goal is to let them know in December. For students who apply by December 1st, we will let them know in February or early March.
What are the benefits of the Honors College?
The Honors College provides a small, private college environment while still allowing students to take advantage of the opportunities available at a large university. Freshman- and sophomore-level classes are limited to 20 students, allowing faculty and students to have quality discussion and hands-on learning experiences. The Honors College is home to three publications (Areté, Collage, and Scientia et Humanitas) and two national honor societies (Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi), and offers Honors credit for Governor’s School, Advanced Placement, and IB.
If I apply, by when am I required to accept if chosen?
Students who receive an early Buchanan offer by applying by November 1st will need to make their decision by the December deadline listed in their offer. Other applicants will need to accept the Buchanan Fellowship by May 1 of their senior year of high school.
Is the Buchanan Fellowship available to only certain majors?
The Buchanan Fellowship and the Honors College welcome all majors.
Can I apply for the Buchanan Fellowship if I've taken a gap year(s)?
Yes! Students who have take time off after high school, known as a gap year or years, are welcome to apply.
What are the Buchanan Fellowship classes?
All Buchanan students will receive an Honors minor, which requires 18 hours of lower-division and 11 hours of upper-division Honors classes. These required classes will be taken with other Buchanan recipients:
- Fundamentals of Communication (COMM 2200)
- Themes in Literature (ENGL 2020)
- Foreign Literature in Translation (HUM 2610)
- Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL 1030)
- Foundations of Government (PS 1010)
- Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON 2410)
Upper-division Honors classes include the following:
- 3 hours upper-division Honors courses (3000- and 4000-level courses)
- 3-hour Honors interdisciplinary seminar
- 1-hour Honors Lecture Series (UH 3000)
- 1-hour thesis tutorial (UH 4900)
- 3 hours Honors independent research (UH 495)
Each class of Buchanan Fellows moves through the Honors College together as a cohort. This includes taking the above classes and having volunteer and service opportunities throughout their time at MTSU.
Does the Buchanan Fellowship pay for housing?
The Buchanan Fellowship does not include housing. Students accepting the fellowship may live where they choose. Students interested in living on campus should note that Lyon Hall is the Honors Living and Learning Community. This is not required but is a great option for Honors students looking to live on campus.
How will I know if you received my application?
You should receive a confirmation email from the application system.Students who receive an early Buchanan offer by applying by November 1st will need to make their decision by the December deadline listed in their offer. Other applicants will need to accept the Buchanan Fellowship by May 1 of their senior year of high school.
Can I have both the Buchanan and another MTSU Guaranteed Freshmen Scholarship like the Centennial, Trustee, or TrueBlue Scholarship?
Unfortunately, you can only have one four-year scholarship. The Buchanan Scholarship has the highest amount of any four-year scholarship as it pays 16 hours of tuition for Fall and Spring for four years. If the cost of tuition increases, then the scholarship increases to match that. Additionally, there is $500 per Fall and Spring semester placed into your account for books and up to $5000 available to study abroad.
