Haslam College of BUsiness
Business Honors Discovery Experience
Haslam Business Honors Discovery is a one-year experience for high-achieving first-year students. Experience the challenge and community of honors-level learning from your first semester. Limited spots are available for this invite-only program.
Business Honors Discovery Experience
Overview
The Haslam Business Honors Discovery experience at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business is a one-year honors opportunity designed for academically excellent first-year business students. It provides an opportunity to explore honors-level learning, build community and leadership before applying to Haslam’s competitive multi-year honors and signature programs, like the Smith Global Leadership Scholars (GLS), Business Fellows, or Heath Integrated Business and Engineering programs.
This invite-only opportunity introduces students to the business honors experience, combining advanced coursework, professional development and community engagement.
Benefits
- Enrollment in honors-level business courses designed for first-year students
- Access to exclusive co-curricular events and networking opportunities
- Participation in a tailored version of College Connect
- Mentorship and advising support from Haslam’s Student Engagement team
- First-year scholarship
- Priority access to information sessions for future honors and signature pathways
Expectations
Participants are expected to:
- Engage fully in both academic and co-curricular activities
- Attend at least one honors event each semester
- Participate in an Honors Information Session in the fall
- Maintain academic integrity and active involvement throughout the year, including a minimum GPA
Curriculum
Students in the Business Honors Discovery Experience will complete a curated sequence of required honors courses in their first year, including:
- BUAD 107 (Fall) — Honors: Becoming an Engaged Leader
- MGT 208 — Honors Introduction to Business Management
- ECON 217 — Honors Principles of Microeconomics
- CMST 247 — Honors Business and Professional Communication
- MATH 123 & 125 OR MATH 141 & 142 — Quantitative Reasoning requirements
- English Composition (honors section preferred)
Note: Students in Honors Discovery will not apply AP credit for ECON 211.
Who’s Eligible?
Students are invited to the Business Honors Discovery experience based on their applications to UT. Students must confirm enrollment to UT before securing their seat. Spots are limited and fill quickly. Apply to confirm early to secure your place.
Selection Process
Eligible students will be identified by UT Admissions and Haslam College of Business. Invitations will be sent to qualified students beginning Spring 2026. Placements are made until all available spots are filled.
Business Honors Discovery Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Business Honors Discovery Experience?
Business Honors Discovery is a one-year honors experience designed for high-achieving first-year business students at Haslam. It provides an opportunity to explore honors-level learning, build community and leadership before applying to Haslam’s competitive multi-year programs, like Smith Global Leadership Scholars (GLS) or Business Fellows.
How will students be selected?
Eligible students will be identified by UT Admissions and Haslam College of Business. Invitations will be sent to qualified students beginning Spring 2026. Placements are made until all available spots are filled.
Does this guarantee admission to Smith GLS or Business Fellows or other Signature Programs?
No. Honors Discovery is designed as an exploratory experience, not an automatic entry into other honors programs. These programs have a competitive admission process for admission during sophomore year. However, participation will give students valuable experience, preparation and insight into what it takes to succeed in those programs.
Is Honors Discovery competitive?
Yes. Honors Discovery is selective, and invitations are extended only to students who meet academic criteria and confirm their intent to enroll early.
When will I find out if I've been selected?
Invitations will be sent to qualified students beginning Spring 2026. Placements are made until all available spots are filled.
Who can I contact with questions?
If you have questions, please email the Honors Discovery team at Discovery@utk.edu.
