The Haig Scholars Program is an academic excellence recognition program in Natural and Applied Sciences.  The program recognizes the accomplishments of highly motivated students based on their academic work, the impact of their participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, meaningful community engagement, and their impact as student leaders. Haig Scholars will have the opportunity to enhance their Loyola experience through unique opportunities to interact with mentors, professionals and community leaders.  The Haig Scholars program is aligned with the University's mission, "to inspire students to learn, lead, and serve in a diverse and changing world," by enhancing their knowledge about leadership, the impact of scientific and technical knowledge on society in the context of social responsibility and justice, and the opportunity for discernment about their Loyola experience and education.

Students eligible to be nominated for this program must be majoring in a program supported through Natural and Applied Sciences (NAS), have completed at least 60 credits applicable to a degree (junior class standing) and have a 3.500 or higher cumulative GPA. For transfer students, at least 30 credits must be courses completed at Loyola University.  Admission is competitive. Scholars are selected during the spring semester on the basis of demonstrated academic achievement, leadership experience and potential, commitment to service, community engagement, and a personal essay. Haig Scholars must maintain a 3.500 or higher cumulative GPA up to the spring semester of their senior year in order to be recognized as a Haig Scholar during graduation.

As part of this program, Haig Scholars must complete PH 299 , a one-credit Haig Scholars Seminar course during the fall semester of their junior or senior year and maintain a minimum four-year cumulative GPA of 3.5, while carrying no less than 12 credits per semester.  Should a student fail to maintain the cumulative GPA of 3.5 or complete less than 12 credits each semester, the student may be allowed one semester to demonstrate successful completion of 12 credits and to raise the GPA to the minimum standard. Ordinarily, if this is not achieved, the student will not graduate with the recognition as a Haig Scholar at the time of graduation.

The primary components of the Haig Scholars are; demonstrated accomplishments in research and scholarship, co-curricular work, community engagement, leadership, and the essay that allows students to discern about their education, their impact, and their Loyola experience.  The Haig Scholars Seminar will be a community of scholars engaged in collaborative and cross disciplinary activities involving all programs associated with Natural and Applied Sciences.