Castle Scholars Honors Program
The Castle Scholars Honors Program offers students of exceptional ability a broad and intensive program of study. It provides motivated students in any major with challenging, cross-disciplinary courses that encourage their academic and personal growth. Intellectual exchange among students and faculty, and independent initiative in academic and creative realms are encouraged by the seminar-based core of the Castle Scholars Program. Castle Scholars are well prepared for success in graduate and professional schools, as well as in the professional world.
Innovative and often interdisciplinary seminars, often limited to 15 students to ensure in-depth discussion and exploration of the subject matter, are led by engaged faculty. Frequently, experiential learning trips to New York City and other sites in the region are also part of the curriculum. All Castle Scholars courses fulfill some of Manhattanville College’s General Education Requirements.
Program Director
Lisa Rafanelli, 914.323.7182, lisa.rafanelli@mville.edu
Benefits
Castle Scholars in good standing are accorded the following privileges:
- Priority registration privileges to ensure optimal course selection
- Permission to register for up to 21 credits per semester without financial penalty
- Opportunities to apply for special funding for research projects
- Participation in on-campus Castle Scholars social events
- Participation in Castle Scholars field trips
- Mentoring by the Castle Scholars Director and the Honors Program faculty
- Recognition at college-wide awards ceremonies
- Recognition of successful completion of the program on college transcripts and on all printed graduation materials.
Eligibility
Incoming first-year students with a demonstrated record of achievement based on the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- A combined SAT score of 1160 or greater (critical reading and math), or an ACT score of 25 or greater
- A high school GPA of 3.9 or greater
- An exceptional record of extracurricular activity or unique achievement
If incoming first-year students have achieved two or more of the above, they may be invited to join the honors program.
Transfer students with up to 60 credits may also apply; students who have been enrolled in honors courses at other institutions should consult with the Castle Scholars Honors Program Director regarding approval of transfer courses towards completion of the Castle Scholars Honors Program.
Continuing students who have earned at least a 3.6 cumulative GPA at Manhattanville by the end of their second semester are eligible to apply for admission to the program, up to the fall semester of their junior year.
Castle Scholars Honors Program Requirements
In order to successfully graduate as a Castle Scholar, students must complete the following program requirements:
- An Honors First Year Seminar (students who join the program after their first year will substitute a 3000-level CSCH seminar for this requirement.)
- Three 3000-level CSCH seminars (a student may substitute a design thinking course for one of these 3000-level seminars)
In addition, Castle Scholars must:
- Earn a grade of B or better in Honors courses in order to receive Honors credit
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.6 or higher
- Remain in good standing in their non-academic activities
- Be positive role models for academic integrity