The Thomas Jefferson Scholars program is the highly-competitive, dual-degree program of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students combine any major in CALS with any major in CHASS,
tailoring their choice of majors to their interests and career goals, and earning a
bachelor’s degree simultaneously in each college.
Who We Are
The Thomas Jefferson Scholars program was the first dual-degree program at NC State, and one of the first in the nation when established in 1986. Our graduates have succeeded in a wide range of professions: in industry, in the health professions, in education, in government, and a broad variety of businesses.
The goal of the program is to develop in our Scholars an interdisciplinary education, recognizing that answering the problems of science, technology, and society require the integration of multiple perspectives and skills.
We are also a mentoring and peer network, emphasizing a community of care, intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, and support.
Entering the Program
Each year new Thomas Jefferson Scholars are admitted through a selection process in the Spring of their high school senior year. Once admitted to NC State, to either the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences or the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, academically qualified students will receive an invitation to apply to the program. The process includes submitting a statement of interest, followed by invitation to a day on campus for interviews and information sessions. Approximately 10-15 outstanding high school seniors are selected to become Thomas Jefferson Scholars each year.
Academic Programing
All CALS and CHASS majors are available as choices for the two degrees. Students start in their admitted major one of the colleges, and declare their second degree path by the end of the second year. A faculty Mentor from each college advises on each student’s curriculum, helping to plan a timely graduation. Our students complete their two degrees in four, and sometimes a fifth, year.
We offer a small class each year for each Thomas Jefferson Scholars cohort. The courses help to build the supportive peer group, while fulfilling general education requirements for both degrees.
Being a Jefferson Scholar does not mean you need to restrict your options. Many Scholars participate in other enrichment programs at NC State including the living and learning villages, University Scholars, University Honors Program, the Caldwell Fellows, the Goodnight Scholars, and the Park Scholars.
The faculty mentors are with the Scholars throughout their time at NC State. We encourage students to build close connections and explore opportunities with faculty across the two colleges.
Activities
In addition to the academics, the program has an affiliated student organization, The Thomas Jefferson Scholars at NC State. Run by the students, in coordination with the faculty Mentors, we:
- Meet biweekly, with guest speakers and a variety of activities
- Travel to a Fall Retreat over a long weekend
- Participate in service projects in the Raleigh community
- Travel internationally, with the group of rising seniors and the Mentors
A Peer Support Network
“The fall retreat is one of my favorite parts of the Jefferson program because it’s an opportunity to go from being students with a dual degree in common to actual friends,” said junior Peyton G., who is double majoring in horticulture (CALS) and communications (CHASS).
“This year’s retreat was even more special because it felt like we were getting to make up for lost time after a year of all virtual activities. …having friends who are driven and ambitious in the same way as you is priceless, and this year’s fall retreat gave us time to build those relationships!”
Alisa Andrews Makes an Impact in the Local Community
If you have questions about the Thomas Jefferson Scholars program please contact one of the program administrators at jeffersonscholars@ncsu.edu.
