The Harrison Middleton University (HMU) Fellowship in Ideas invites recent university graduates from any field to apply for its 2026 cohort.
Designed for intellectually curious individuals passionate about the humanities, interdisciplinary dialogue, and lifelong learning, this unique fellowship offers a nine-month opportunity to engage deeply with the history of ideas, expand professional networks, and contribute to university publications.
Exploring the History of Ideas
At its core, the HMU Fellowship in Ideas is a writing and discussion project that fosters thoughtful engagement with the great ideas of Western civilization. It offers emerging scholars a rare platform to reflect, write, and converse across disciplines—from philosophy and literature to science and social thought. Fellows become part of a vibrant intellectual community that includes university faculty, writers, and thinkers committed to dialogue and discovery.
Through a series of virtual Socratic discussions, participants explore timeless questions and texts that have shaped human understanding. These conversations encourage intellectual curiosity, critical reasoning, and cross-disciplinary insight—all hallmarks of a humanities education.
The Role of the Fellow
Over the course of nine months, each HMU Fellow in Ideas will:
-
- Participate in virtual Socratic discussions alongside university faculty, scholars, and other Fellows.
- Contribute two original essays to the Harrison Middleton University Blog, offering reflections on great ideas and their relevance today.
- Publish one book review in HMU: Dialogues, the university’s biannual newsletter, gaining professional experience in academic writing and publication.
This structure blends mentorship, research, and writing practice, enabling Fellows to build both intellectual depth and professional credentials.
Fellowship Benefits
The HMU Fellowship in Ideas provides a range of tangible and intellectual rewards, including:
-
- A $500 stipend, payable via check or PayPal.
- Opportunities to engage in virtual Socratic dialogues with faculty and fellow thinkers.
- Publication credit through online platforms—HMU Blog and HMU: Dialogues.
- At the end of the Fellowship term, a complimentary set of three Great Books Foundation publications, recognizing the Fellow’s contribution to the program.
Beyond these benefits, Fellows gain access to a network of academics and independent scholars dedicated to the liberal arts and lifelong learning—an invaluable resource for future study, teaching, or professional endeavors.
Eligibility Requirements
The HMU Fellowship in Ideas welcomes applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in any field of study.
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in the humanities and the great ideas that have shaped Western civilization.
- Exhibit strong reading, writing, and communication skills.
- Commit to completing all Fellowship activities, including the writing and publication requirements.
The program is open to applicants worldwide and is conducted entirely online, making it accessible to recent graduates seeking to enrich their academic and professional development.
Application Process
To apply, candidates must submit the following materials:
- Completed application form.
- Biographical statement (maximum 500 words) outlining academic background, interest in the humanities, and reasons for applying to the Fellowship.
- Expository essay (maximum 1,500 words, plus works cited) that explores a “great idea” in the humanities. Applicants may select a topic related to one of four concentrations:
- Imaginative Literature
- Natural Science
- Philosophy and Religion
- Social Science
Essays should demonstrate original thinking, clear analysis, and appropriate academic citation. While the use of writing and research tools is allowed, applicants are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and authenticity in their submissions.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
- Fellowship Term: Nine months, beginning early 2026
Why Apply?
The HMU Fellowship in Ideas is more than an academic opportunity—it’s an invitation to join a tradition of inquiry that values dialogue over debate and understanding over information. For graduates seeking a bridge between academic study and professional growth, it provides a space to think deeply, write meaningfully, and connect with a diverse intellectual community.
Fellows leave the program with published work, enhanced critical thinking skills, and professional exposure that supports careers in academia, education, writing, policy, and beyond.
