Nebraska Wesleyan Honors Academy

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Earn college credit as an Honors Academy student.Nebraska Wesleyan University's Honors Academy is an innovative program designed for gifted and highly motivated high school juniors and seniors who are passionate about learning and excited by the challenges of earning college credit by taking selected advanced-level courses taught by their high school teachers.

Course Offerings: The NWU Honors Academy offers support to high schools and teachers so they can offer courses in art, business, chemistry, communications, English, history, mathematics, modern languages, physics, psychology, cultural geography, and religion.

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Nebraska Wesleyan University is fully accredited through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Nebraska Wesleyan Honors Academy program is an accredited member of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).

NWU Honors Academy Benefits

There are many good reasons for enrolling in the NWU Honors Academy.

  • Your course credit will transfer to most colleges and universities that accept transfer credit from Nebraska Wesleyan.
  • You will receive a NWU student ID card so you can access all NWU facilities and activities available to traditional undergraduates, such as the library, student union, fine arts productions, and athletic events.
  • Your course grade will be based on your cumulative classroom effort demonstrated for all assignments throughout the course—without the pressure of having to take the one-time AP exam to demonstrate success.
  • You only will pay for half of the AP exam if you choose to take it. (Note: Taking the AP exam may be advantageous for students applying on a national level to a variety of colleges and universities.)
  • Should you choose to attend NWU, your credit earned through the NWU Honors Academy will fulfill your equivalent NWU course requirement, as well as apply toward your total number of NWU credits required for graduation, including major, minor or general education requirements.
  • You will receive a significant cost saving per credit hour compared with NWU tuition rates.
  • Earning credits toward college graduation may reduce the heavy course loads that most first-year students face—giving you more time to participate in sports or other campus activities.

Requirements

  • Students must be juniors or seniors in high school.
  • NWU recommends that students should have a B+ or better average in their prerequisite high school courses. However, the high school teacher serves an important role in counseling students interested in NWU Honors Academy and assessing their likely level of success.

Eligible High School Courses

A high school’s ability to offer courses depends entirely on the qualification of its staff members and NWU’s decision to allow qualified instructors to offer the courses.

  • Selected advanced-level courses taught by qualified high school teachers.
  • All eligible NWU Honors Academy instructors and courses for each high school are listed on the Courses and Instructors page organized alphabetically by city.

Course Descriptions

A total of 35 separate courses are available from twelve Nebraska Wesleyan University departments that offer Honors Academy courses: Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Communication (courses are under review), English, Modern Languages, History, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Religion. Cultural Geography is also available through the Education Department. A given school may offer any of the following courses (numbers in brackets represent college credit hours).

Department Course Offerings

Art

Art 5: Basic Design (3)
A studio art exploration of basic design elements and principles using traditional media, ideation, and rough draft processes.

Art 130: Drawing 1: Basic Drawing (3)
An introduction to drawing by surveying its use as a foundation for future study in all 2D and 3D media.
Other courses may be reviewed.

Biology

Biology 1: Perspectives in Biological Science (4)
Designed for non-science majors, this general education course will examine the principles of biology within the context of the human experience and covers cell biology, physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and the interaction of humankind and the environment. Includes a weekly three-hour lab.

Business

Accounting 31: Principles of Accounting I (3)
This is an introduction to the basic accounting model and the framework for developing financial statements. The major focus is on the study of generally accepted accounting principles as they apply to the measurement of income and the presentation of a firm’s financial position.

Accounting 32: Principles of Accounting II (3)
The role of accounting in the formation and capitalization of corporations is studied. Other topics include cash flow, analysis and interpretation of financial statements, and basic managerial accounting.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C-" or better in Accounting 31.

Chemistry

Chemistry 51: Chemical Principles (3)
A study of the fundamental principles of chemistry including structures of atoms and molecules, periodicity, stoichiometry, reactions, solutions, gases and thermochemistry.

Chemistry 51L: Chemical Principles Laboratory (1)
Laboratory supporting Chemical Principles.

Communication

Communication 1: Fundamentals of Communication (3)
This course is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to effectively communicate in a variety of settings. The course will focus on a broad base of communication concepts and skills and offer students the opportunity to apply those skills. Students will explore several models of communication, including: invitational, persuasive and dialogic. Once they have developed an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of effective communication; students will develop the skills necessary to overcome the anxiety associated with public speaking, analyze audience needs, prepare effective speeches, deliver engaging speeches, better participate in small group discussions, and improve listening and response skills.

Economics

Economics 53: Macroeconomic Principles (3)
An examination of the macroeconomic theories, problems, and policies of the U.S. economy. Topics include supply and demand, a description of the main sectors of the economy, and the role of government in stabilizing the economy with monetary and fiscal policies.

Economics 54: Microeconomic Principles (3)
An examination of the microeconomic theories, problems, and policies of the U.S. economy. Topics include the theory of the firm, market structures, and current economic issues such as income distribution, antitrust policy, poverty, the farm problem, and international trade.
Prerequisite(s): Economics 53 strongly recommended.

Education

Education 75: Field Experience (1)
A course designed to allow students an opportunity to determine if they have a talent for teaching. Students will be assigned to assist a preschool, elementary, or secondary school teacher for a designated period of time each week.

English

English 1: English Language and Writing (3)
A course designed to help students write with clarity, confidence, and conviction through regular practice in writing (including argument and exposition, writing as discovery, and personal exploration). Particular attention will be given to the role of revision in the writing process. This course also includes a study of language and its social roles, with special attention to the origin, development, and current nature of the English language.

English 2: Composition, Language and Literature (3)
This is a course in which students develop their composition skills through reading and writing about literature. The course includes a discussion of multiple genres and of literary works’ historical and cultural contexts. Students will develop skills of writing in multiple forms and will learn the skills and terminology appropriate to discussing literary works in different genres. Students will receive instruction in writing skills such as structuring an argument, using evidence from multiple sources, using conventions appropriately, and refining an essay through revision.

Geography

Geography 52: Cultural Geography (3)
A course that examines the spatial relationships of such phenomena as population, economic activity, and societal groups.

History

History 1: United States Society and Culture to 1877 (3)
A survey of United States history beginning with pre-contact cultures, examining the varied colonial and native cultures, and tracing the political, economic, social and cultural development of the United States, and concluding with Reconstruction.

History 2: United States Society and Culture since 1877 (3)
A survey of United States history beginning with post-Civil War expansion into the trans-Mississippi West, tracing political, economic, social, and cultural development to the present; emphasizing the emergence of a dominantly urban-industrial society, the expanded role of government, increasing government intervention in the lives of individuals, and the increasing involvement of the United States in the World.

History 10: Studies in World Civilization (3)
An in-depth study of one timeframe across world cultures. The course is designed to introduce students to the uniqueness and interconnectedness of cultures in the global community. Historical dimensions of today’s ethical and political concerns will be examined in order to foster responsible world citizenship.

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Mathematics

Math 105: Calculus I (5)
An introduction to calculus of a single variable. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation and beginning integration, with applications. Assignments help build proficiency in the use of a computer algebra system.

Math 106: Calculus II (5)
A continuation of Math 105. Topics studied include integration techniques and applications, differential equations, numerical approximations, vectors and sequences and series. Assignments help build proficiency in the use of a computer algebra system.

Modern Languages

French 1: French: Stage I (4)
An introduction to the French language designed to develop skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and culture, with emphasis on practical communication.

French 2: French: Stage II (4)
Continuation of French 1.

French 101: French: Stage III (3)
Continuation of French stages I and II. This course continues to develop skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and culture.

French 102: French: Stage IV (3)
Continuation of French stages I, II and III. This course continues to develop skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and culture.

German 1: German: Stage I (4)
An introduction to the German language designed to develop skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and culture.

Japanese 1: Japanese: Stage I (5)
An introduction to the Japanese language designed to develop skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and culture, with emphasis on practical communication.

Japanese 2: Japanese: Stage II (5)
Continuation of Japanese I.

Spanish 1 : Spanish: Stage I (4)
An introduction to the Spanish language designed to develop skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and culture. 

Spanish 2: Spanish: Stage II (4)
Continuation of Spanish 1.

Spanish 101: Spanish: Stage III (3)
Continuation of Spanish 1 and 2.

Spanish 102: Spanish: Stage IV (3)
Continuation of Spanish 101.

Music

Music 1: Fundamentals of Music Theory (3)
A review of the fundamentals of music (scales, key signatures, intervals) and the presentation of triads and their harmonic and melodic implications.

Music 13: Music Appreciation (3)
An introduction to the art of music with emphasis on aural skills, historical styles, musical forms, and the general literature of music. Not open to music majors.

Physics

Physics 101: Principles of Physics I (4)
The principles of classical mechanics, waves, light, electricity, and magnetism. Algebra and trigonometry will be utilized in descriptions and problems.

Physics 102: Principles of Physics II (4)
A continuation of Physics 101 with emphasis on waves, light, electricity and magnetism.

Psychology

Psychology 1: Basic Psychological Science (3)
Lectures and demonstrations that present psychology as a science of behavior and mental processes. Emphasis is on the topics of scientific methodology, learning, memory, thinking, states of consciousness, language, sensation, perception, motivation, emotion, and the nervous system.

Psychology 2: Applied Psychological Science (3)
Lectures and demonstrations that present psychology as a science of behavior and mental processes. Emphasis is on the topics of scientific methodology, development, intelligence, personality description and assessment, psychopathology, psychotherapy, social psychology, and health psychology.

Religion

Religion 015: World Religions (3)
A study of the cultural settings, lives of founders when appropriate, oral or written tradition and literature, worldviews, myths, rituals, ideals of conduct and development of some of the world’s religions. Following a brief examination of possible evidence of religious practice among pre- historic peoples, religions studied typically include tribal religions, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and Bahai.

Religion 90 and 190: Selected Topics (3)
A topical course designed to investigate any relevant subject matter not included in the standard courses. The title, content, and credit will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty. This course may be offered to meet requirements for a major or minor only by approval of the department chair.

Religion 125: Religion, Peace and Social Justice (3)
This course explores religious responses to social justice issues such as conflict, poverty, oppression, discrimination, and the environment.

Sociology and Anthropology

Sociology and Anthropology 3: Introduction to Sociology (3)
This introductory course presents the basic processes of human interaction in everyday life while introducing students to the theories and methods governing social inquiry. The sociological perspective is used to study the impact of the forces of culture, socialization, social stratification, race, gender, and population on human thoughts and actions.

Sociology and Anthropology 4: Social Problems (3)
By studying the interconnections between social structure, social forces, and societal problems, students learn to apply the sociological perspective to analyze and understand selected social problems in the United States. A primary objective is to show that the social forces which produce institutional arrangements and social problems operate to shape students’ own views of those arrangements and problems. Strong emphasis is placed on the relationship between culture and social inequality and the various social problems under study.

All eligible NWU Honors Academy instructors and courses for each high school are listed on the Courses and Instructors page organized alphabetically by city.

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Tuition and Payment

Tuition is currently $88.00 per credit hour which is due when the registration application is submitted to NWU. There are no additional fees or charges for text books.

Payment options for Honors Academy courses include:

  • Check: You can enclose a check for the full amount with the registration form.
  • Monthly installments: The FACTS Automatic Tuition Payment Plan offers either monthly bank withdrawals or monthly credit card billing for a fee. For more information, contact the Honors Academy Office at 402.465.2331.
  • Credit Card: You may pay with a credit card by calling the Honors Academy Office at 402.465.2331.
  • Scholarships: Students demonstrating financial need may apply for and receive an ACE (Accessing College Early) scholarship available through the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Post-Secondary Education, which reviews the application for award consideration. Forms are available through the high school counselor or at the Commission website. Complete the scholarship application as soon as possible.

NWU Honors Academy Registration

To apply for the Nebraska Wesleyan Honors Academy and NWU college credit, complete the online NWU Honors Academy registration form. The form includes:

  • The conditions of credit, including the title of the high school course and the comparable NWU course
  • The college credits available
  • Tuition amounts
  • Enrollment/withdrawal deadlines
  • Instructions for payment of tuition

Deadline for Registration

Online registration forms must be electronically submitted by Friday, February 15, 2013.

Late Registration

Late registrations will be accepted if they are submitted within two weeks of the registration deadline—between February 16 and March 1.

  • A $15.00 late registration fee will be assessed if your registration occurs during the late add period. After March 1, registration can only be made through a petition process.

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Late Registration by Committee Petition

The University’s Academic Petition process will be used to review registration requests for credit after the two-week, late-registration period.

  • Paperwork must be requested from the NWU Honors Academy Director.
  • The student must have a legitimate reason for the request.
  • Paperwork must be signed by the high school instructor and the high school counselor who both support the legitimacy of the request.
  • The petition will require the signature of the Honors Academy Director and the University College Dean.

If late registration is granted, payment for the course credit and the late registration fee must be made immediately.

Dropping an Honors Academy Course

Students must be enrolled for the entire semester/year in a course approved for Wesleyan Honors Academy to receive NWU credit.

  • If the NWU Honors Academy students drop the high school course, they also must drop the Nebraska Wesleyan course by the deadline stated on the enrollment form for a refund of tuition.
  • If a student withdraws from the Wesleyan course after the deadline, a refund will not be granted.
  • Failure to follow withdrawal procedures will result in a grade of “F” on the NWU transcript.

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Transfer of Credits

To NWU: The course will count in the same area as the on-campus equivalent and the grade will become part of the student’s GPA calculations.

To Other Colleges and Universities: If you elect to attend a college or university other than Nebraska Wesleyan, complete the Request for Transcript Form and FAX or mail it to the NWU Registrar, so an official transcript will be sent to the intended college or university.

  • Most colleges and universities will accept transfer grades of “C” or better.
  • Honors Academy students have previously transferred credit to more than 85 colleges and universities throughout the country, including the University of Nebraska –Lincoln and its branch campuses.
  • Students should contact the registrar at the colleges or universities they are considering attending prior to enrolling in Honors Academy courses. An email with the course description sent to the registrar and/or the appropriate department chair will usually elicit a quick response.

Most schools that accept Wesleyan Honors Academy credit will do so in one or more of the following ways:

  • The hours will count towards the total hours required for graduation from that institution.
  • The course will replace a course required in the general education curriculum.
  • The course will replace a course required in a major or minor.
  • In most cases, the transferred NWU grade is not included in the GPA calculations at the accepting institution.

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Grades

The student is issued a letter grade by the high school instructor at the conclusion of the course. Nebraska Wesleyan does not issue grade reports. Students view their Nebraska Wesleyan Honors Academy grades via WebAdvisor by using the following steps.

  1. Go to the WebAdvisor page.
  2. Log in with your NWU user name and password.
  3. Choose Students: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
  4. Click on Grades By Term.
  5. Choose Honors Academy.

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Admission to NWU as a First Year Student

Enrollment in Honors Academy does not translate into application and admission to Wesleyan University as a full-time student after high school. Honors Academy students who are interested in attending Wesleyan University after high school graduation should contact the Nebraska Wesleyan University Admissions Office.

Admissions
Nebraska Wesleyan University
5000 Saint Paul Avenue
Lincoln, NE 68504-2794

800-541-3818, ext. 2218
admissions@nebrwesleyan.edu

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Contact

For more information or if you have questions about Honors Academy, contact:

Dr. Marian Borgmann Ingwersen
Director, Wesleyan Honors Academy
402.465.2415
mborgman@nebrwesleyan.edu 

Honors Academy Office
 402.465.2331