The Aquinas Scholars Program

What is the Aquinas Scholars Program?

The Aquinas Scholars Program is a highly selective academic program designed for exceptional students who wish to pursue rigorous, faculty-mentored research in any field of study. Students enter the program by faculty nomination and a competitive application process. Once admitted, Aquinas Scholars work closely with one or more faculty mentors and the program director to design, develop, and complete an original, multi-semester research project in their chosen discipline, whether in the natural or social sciences, the fine arts, the humanities, or business.

Aquinas Scholars are self-directed, curious, and intellectually adventurous. They embrace creativity and independent thinking. Above all, Scholars are committed to developing their own scholarly voice: identifying a meaningful research question, investigating it deeply, and presenting and defending an original contribution to knowledge.

The Aquinas Scholars Program prepares students to become insightful thinkers, innovative leaders, and engaged citizens. Through their work, Scholars learn to take initiative, collaborate effectively, and ask questions that open new pathways for understanding.

Structure of the Program

The Aquinas Scholars Program is a structured, cohort-based research experience built around a three-course sequence (nine credits total). These courses form the academic foundation of the program and guide students through the research process from initial inquiry to final presentation:

LS 210 - Aquinas Scholars Project I (Humanities)
LS 211 - Aquinas Scholars Project II (Experiential Learning)
LS 212 - Aquinas Scholars Project III (Writing Intensive)

Each cohort includes approximately twelve students who progress through all three courses together. This intentional community provides shared support, ongoing collaboration, and opportunities to build lasting academic relationships.

Beyond the classroom, Scholars participate in off-campus learning experiences, including visits to cultural institutions in New Haven such as the Yale Art Gallery and Yale’s Sterling Memorial Library.

Eligibility Criteria

Students should be sophomores or juniors. They are expected to have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at the time of application and to maintain that GPA throughout their time in the program. Students with a GPA below this level may be admitted with permission of the program director.

Most importantly, faculty nominators should be confident that the student they nominate is prepared to learn to conduct original research - and then actually to do it, across multiple semesters, with the support of their faculty mentors and the program director. 

Recruitment for the Aquinas Scholars Program occurs in each fall semester. The first course in the three-course sequence is offered in the spring semester. 

Application Process

Students are nominated by a member of faculty using the nomination form. Upon receipt of the nomination, the program director will contact the nominated student and their advisor by email with an invitation for the student to apply. 

The application process requires that the student submit a letter of interest and meet with the program director for an interview.

To learn more about the Aquinas Scholars Program, contact Dr. Jon Sozek at jsozek@albertus.edu.