The interdisciplinary
Honors Program allows students to go beyond the classroom and regular course work to study one-on-one with faculty through enrichment tutorials,
Honors Abroad (PDF), internships, research and classroom-to-community outreach. Led by a distinguished faculty, students are challenged to aim higher and go farther in their lives, communities and careers.
“Challenging Mindsets” is the theme around which the Honors Program is centered. Each year, a variation on the theme is explored through an array of special courses, films and guest speakers. Sample course topics include: “Roots and Contexts of Ideas,” “Revolutions,” “Conflicting Perspectives: Learning through the Clash of Ideas,” and “The Cutting Edge.”
Honors Program students thrive in a close-knit atmosphere among the most inquisitive, intellectually spirited and enterprising students. They enjoy specialized classes on stimulating topics, produce an
Honors Literary Journal (Respondez!), attend symposia and participate in the Harvard Model United Nations program and state, regional and national Honors conferences.
The Honors Program Newsletter (PDF) describes current courses, activities and seminars.
Honors students also compete for opportunities to study at Oxford University in England, semester-long internships in Washington, D.C., and paid undergraduate research fellowships at UT. Other benefits include access to a specially-equipped Honors lounge and an option to live on an Honors floor in University residence halls.
Honors Program Admission
Students are automatically considered for the Honors Program when they apply to the University. No separate application is required.
Admission requirements for the Honors Program are as follows:Freshmen: 3.5 GPA or 1200 SAT (27 ACT), minimum cumulative GPA must be 3.4, SAT must be 1150 (25 ACT). Writing test scores are not included in SAT or ACT test score requirements and will not be considered for Honors Program admission.
Transfers: 3.5 GPA or very strong recommendation from a community college Honors director.
Evening College: Same requirements as other Honors Program students. Scheduling should be discussed with Honors Program Director.
Program Course Requirements
Entering Freshmen:Pathways to Honors (HON100 and 102)
Two other Honors courses of at least three credit hours each.
Three courses from among the following during junior and senior years:
- Regular Honors classes
- Honors independent study
- Honors enrichment tutorials
- Honors thesis
- Honors abroad seminars
- Washington seminars and internship
- Oxford tutorials
BBC News correspondents interviewed Honors students to learn their opinions on American politics. UT students are encouraged to express themselves and engage with their surrounding communities.
Entering Sophomores:
- Two regular Honors course of at least three credit hours each
- Three courses from the list above during junior and senior years
Entering Juniors:
- One regular Honors courses of at least three credit hours
- Two courses from the list above during junior and senior years