HONORS IS THE PLACE.

THE HONORS COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

I decided to join Honors because

I wanted to be able to fulfill higher
standards and be in an environment
that required critical thinking and
exceptional work.
Cesar Muniz, Accounting

WELCOME TO THE PLACE OF EXCELLENCE

The University of Houston is a powerhouse of innovation. Recognized as a Tier One research
institution and one of the nations best colleges, UH values student success, leadership, and
service. Our campus incorporates twelve academic colleges, offering 120 undergraduate
majors and minors. The University serves more than 40,000 students from across the
United States and around the world.
At the heart of the University of Houston is the Honors College, home to UHs most
academically talented undergraduates. When you visit, you will find out more about the
supportive small-college environment we have created within this great research university.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE HONORS COMMUNITY

The Honors College at the University of Houston serves the intellectual needs of gifted
undergraduates. All majors are welcome our students are dual citizens, belonging to both the
Honors College and the college associated with their field of study at the university.

THE HONORS ADVANTAGE

Your possibilities here are endless. Its not just one specific thing that makes
you an Honors student: its everything about you.

We provide the careful guidance, flexibility, and personal instruction that nurture excellence.
The Honors College offers the best of both worlds the advantages of a small college with the
resources and rich diversity of a large university. Our faculty and staff believe that a university
education should provide more than the acquisition of skills for the workplace. The Honors College
challenges the universitys finest students to develop the attributes of mind and character that
enhance all facets of life.

Saveem Afraz, Biology and Psychology

PREMIER FACULTY

SMALL CLASSES
FOR ALL MAJORS

UNIQUE MINORS & PROGRAMS

SPECIAL COURSES

RESERVED
LOUNGE & STUDY AREAS

UNDERGRADUATE
RESEARCH

PRIORITY
COURSE REGISTRATION

COMPUTER FACILITIES

STUDY ABROAD

INDIVIDUALIZED ADVISING

GRADUATION WITH
DISTINCTION

DISTINGUISHED
SPEAKERS

SCHOLARSHIPS

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

STATE-OF-THE-ART
RESIDENCE HALLS

ACCESSIBLE FACULTY & STAFF

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

VIBRANT COMMUNITY

OUR
STUDENTS
ARE

.
N
E
DRIV .
E
S
R
DIVE E CLASS.
H
T
F
TOP O

GENDER DISTRIBUTION
Men

53 %

Women

47 %

DISTRIBUTION OF COLLEGES
2%

ETHNIC DISTRIBUTION
Asian

28 %

African American

6%

Hispanic

19%

White

43%

Other/Not Reported

4%

A LOOK AT THE ENTERING CLASSES

OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS

13%
2%
17%

DISTRIBUTION OF SAT SCORES

*math and verbal scores only

DISTRIBUTION OF CLASS RANK

IN SECONDARY SCHOOL

1400 1600

18 %

Top 10 %

52 %

1300 1399

39 %

Next 20 %

22 %

1200 1299

28 %

Below 20 %

16 %

1100 1199

12 %

Unranked

10 %

Below 1100

3%

TOTAL

SAT

AVG. COMPOSITE SAT 1302

2%
25%

25%
5%

AVERAGE SAT SCORES

Average SAT

1306

Average Math

661

Average Verbal

645

2%

MATH

AVG. MATH 656

VERBAL

7%

AVG. VERBAL 640

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HONORS COLLEGE CURRICULUM

I took Honors Intro to Psychology with Dr. Capuozzo. Shes awesome! Shes well
versed on everything psychology. She was fun and energetic, and the class size was 20
people. It was relaxed while at the same time challenging.
Kevin Kock, Psychology and Communication Sciences & Disorders

Our curriculum is designed to coordinate with and complement all

degree plans offered at the University of Houston. You will fulfill
many of your university core and major requirements through
alternative Honors versions of courses that take the place of regular
classes.
All Honors College students take the Human Situation, a year-long
great conversation that becomes a model of lifelong learning
grounded in classic texts, concepts, and questions. The Human
Situation is a shared experience, connecting the entire Honors
community: current students, alumni, and faculty.
For many Honors students, the Senior Honors Thesis represents the
exciting culmination of a bachelors degree. A thesis provides an
excellent opportunity for you to work under the direction of faculty
in your chosen field of study, applying your skills and knowledge
toward the completion of a scholarly or creative project.

I had a cool experience in Human Situation

because I had two different discussion leaders
and I got to see two different teaching styles. If
you put forth the effort and make sure that you
do your readings and get involved, youre going
to learn a lot and not just about the text.
The Human Situation forces you to look inward
at yourself, which is a good thing to do in your
freshman year.
Christian Madison, Entreprenuership

THE HUMAN SITUATION

As part of their liberal education, Honors students take a twosemester great books course called The Human Situation. In the fall
semester, we begin the study of our cultural heritage by examining
texts from the Greek, Roman, Hebrew, Christian, and Islamic cultures
of antiquity. The modern world is deeply rooted in these cultures, and
they were themselves inspired and shaped by Homers epic poems;
by Platonic philosophy; and by the Hebrew Bible, New Testament,
and Quran. These key texts, or classics, present compelling, if not
always harmonious, insights into human situations. The greatest
thinkers of antiquity concerned themselves with the elaboration,
criticism, and reconciliation of these powerful ideas, and in doing so
they took up once again the intriguing question of how to live ones
life. The result of their efforts is a shared and open conversation
concerning the most important matters for human beings.
The Antiquity semester of Human Situation also features a writing
program comprising lectures, labs, and customized materials, as
well as peer tutor and faculty support. The program aims to elevate
both the stylistic and critical facets of students writing to the high
level appropriate to Honors classes.
In the spring, Modernity, we continue our study and interpretation
of these cultural traditions. Guided by careful readings of what
others have written, we attempt to discover our own ideas and
commitments by speaking and writing about these texts. In the
Human Situation, we learn to develop and refine our participation
in the great conversation.

HONORS MINORS & PROGRAMS

Our students participate in a wide range of challenging and stimulating
programs that will help them develop into the next generation of professionals
and leaders.

In the Honors College, I minor in Medicine and Society, and my favorite class so far has been my
Readings in Medicine and Society class taught by Dr. Valier. It gives me a complete understanding and
a new view of the professional life of doctors, physicians, nurses all sorts of people in the medical
field. It provides not just the scientific viewpoint but a very well-rounded cultural view of medicine.
Urvashi Firozi, Biology

CENTER FOR CREATIVE WORK

The Creative Work minor is a multidisciplinary program that integrates creative projects, critical study, and
cultural research. Students have several opportunities to hone and showcase their work, especially in the spring
semester at the annual Dionysia and Ekphrastic Arts Festival. Students can also participate in Artists and Their
Regions, the minors signature course, which features seminar-style classes and a week-long artists retreat,
allowing students a semester to hone their crafts while focusing on a specific creative project.

ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY

Students taking the Energy & Sustainability minor soon see why the University of Houston is known as a hub of
innovation and innovative thinking. Here is an opportunity to look, critically and creatively, at both the present
and future of energy sources and conservation in Houston, the energy capital of the world.. The disciplinary
points of view involved are insightful and diverse: economics and business, architecture and design, public
policy and education. Special events allow students to meet key people in the energy community and industry.

LEADERSHIP STUDIES
The Leadership Studies minor promotes personal and intellectual development by educating students about
leadership in a complex world. The minor prepares them to serve effectively in informal and formal leadership
roles in campus, local, national, and global contexts. Students not only enhance their understanding of
leadership, but also develop the skill set drawn from fields such as advocacy, ethics, and communications
vital for tomorrows leaders.

MEDICINE & SOCIETY

Housed within the Honors Program in the Health Professions, Medicine and Society (MedSoc) is a distinctive
minor that merges the humanities with the hard sciences. MedSoc brings students and healthcare professionals
together to discuss the science, ethics, and literature of medicine in an attempt to understand the multi-faceted
phenomenon that is the modern-day healthcare industry.

PHRONESIS: POLITICS & ETHICS

The interdisciplinary Phronesis curriculum focuses on the issues and questions leaders and thinkers in a
democratic society are likely to confront: What is the nature of justice? Is the individual sovereign? Is there
a universal morality? Students selected as Phronesis Fellows work closely with faculty to bring inspiring,
innovative, and controversial speakers to campus for lectures and small-class discussions. Phronesis is an ideal
venture for pre-law students.

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BAUER BUSINESS HONORS

The Bauer Business Honors program combines a solid liberal arts foundation from Honors with a specialized
business curriculum. Bauer Honors students receive personalized academic services and have smaller class sizes.
Special social and networking events from both Bauer and Honors colleges result in a close-knit network of
students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

HONORS ENGINEERING PROGRAM

The Honors Engineering Program (HEP) provides the challenging coursework and research opportunities the
best undergraduates want. Their freshman year, students in Honors Engineering participate in project-oriented,
team-based classes. Special HEP events encourage networking within the industry and enrich friendships among
fellow engineering students.

HONORS PROGRAM IN THE

HEALTH PROFESSIONS
The Honors Program in the Health Professions or (HP)2 is the umbrella organization for all pre-health
students associated with the Honors College. (HP)2 houses important initiatives such as the Medicine & Society
minor, the Houston Premedical Academy, the Honors Biomedical Sciences major, and the BS/MD collaboration
with regional medical schools. (HP)2 coordinates the substantial network of organizations on campus that
support future healthcare professionals.

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STUDENT LIFE
The rich tapestry of student life at the University of Houston is woven together
by more than 550 student organizations active on campus. More than 20 of
these are housed in the Honors College. Here are some highlights:

BONNER LEADERS
The UH Bonner Leaders Program provides opportunities for Honors students to develop academic, career, and
leadership skills through service to others. Bonners work through partner organizations to perform direct service.
Students are admitted through a competitive process that examines financial need, demonstrated commitment
to service, leadership capacity, and academic performance.

CLUB THEATER
Students who love acting and producing original work join Club Theater to stage wholly student-produced works
each semester. The club also organizes workshops and outings to Houstons professional theater companies.

HONORS AMBASSADORS
This student leadership group serves as the face of the Honors College. Ambassadors assist in development,
alumni relations, and special events. Students participate in various outreach events, including open houses,
college fairs, and orientations.

THE HONORS COLLEGE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

This program provides guidance and support to incoming students through peer mentoring. New Honors
students are encouraged not only to meet with their mentor but also to participate in a variety of Honors
community-building events, such as Dinner with the Profs, to ensure a successful transition to the University.
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STUDY ABROAD
The Honors College offers faculty-led study abroad trips to
add a rich dimension to the Honors curriculum and provide
a peak experience in a students education. As a further
enrichment, participants have the option of completing a
course associated with the trip taught previous to departure.
Recent trips have included Italy; France and Spain; Israel and
Turkey; the Netherlands, Germany and the Czech Republic;
Ireland and Britain; and a special service-learning trip to Haiti.

OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

I love Honors. It really makes the college experience better. Its a really close community where you
interact with a lot of different people. As an engineering major, I would not typically interact with
everybody. For example, I was able to meet my best friend who is studying hotel and restaurant
management because of the Honors College.
Isme Correa, Chemical Engineering

HOUSTON UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH NETWORK

Housed in the Honors College, the OUR organizes, facilitates,

and enhances opportunities for students to conduct in-depth
study on a subject in their discipline. Students work directly
with faculty mentors, and gain a more personalized, enriching
educational experience. OUR offers three central programs:
the Provosts Undergraduate Research Scholarship (PURS),
the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), and
the Senior Honors Thesis.

HURN aims to encourage and support students in research. The organization connects students interested in
research with faculty and projects.

MODEL ARAB LEAGUE

Students in Model Arab League enjoy the opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills and
to learn about the social, economic, cultural, and political issues facing the Arab world. Annually, the Honors
College sends a delegation to the national conference in Washington, D.C.

STUDENT GOVERNING BOARD

SGB functions as a liaison between the Honors faculty, administration, and students. SGB also plans several
social activities for the college, including the annual Halloween Party and Spring Fling, coffeehouses and watch
parties for away games.
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UNIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTS
You get the whole private university feel within a larger university. Were still a part
of UH and still a part of that grand environment while being with that small-knit
family you make in Honors.
Annum Faisal, Biology and Spanish

The University of Houston earned the Tier One research

university distinction from the Carnegie Foundation for the
Advancement of Teaching. There are more than 25 centers and
institutes across UH that conduct research.

 The Universitys Moores School of Music, School of Theatre

and Dance, and Blaffer Gallery are prominent cultural
institutions in Houston.


 Ranked 7th in the nation for graduating students with least

amount of debt.
Ranked among Best Colleges in the United States
(U.S. News & World Report).


The University of Houston is a partner of the

Texas Medical Center .
Ranked among The Princeton Reviews Best Value Colleges.

 Second most ethnically and racially diverse university in the

nation (U.S. New & World Report).
Being a University of Houston Cougar connects you to nearly
250,000 proud alumni.

In the past five years the University of Houston has built

a new football stadium, university center, dining hall, two
dormitories, and three parking garages.

 Our new university center houses student organizations, a

Barnes and Noble Bookstore, a games room with a
bowling alley, and a theater.


UH is ranked second for number of beds in on-campus

housing in Texas.

 UH has more than 550 student organizations, 41 sports and

intramurals, 16 intercollegiate sports, and
46 fraternities and sororities.

Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States.

Houston is the most ethnically and racially diverse city
in the U.S.
Houston has been ranked as the number one
city of job creation.
Houston rates first among the nations 10 most populous cities
in total acreage of parkland and third in park acreage per
capita, according to a study by The Trust for Public Land.
Houston is headquarters to 26 Fortune 500 companies, making
it the second largest concentration of Fortune companies
in the nation.
Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest
medical center in the world.

Houston has more than 5,000 energy-related firms, making it

the energy capital of the world.
Houston has more than 500 cultural, visual, and performing
arts organizations, 90 of which are devoted to
multicultural and minority arts.
Houstons renowned Museum District has 18 museums
within walking distance.
Houston is one of five cities in the United States with resident,
top-tier professional companies in the four disciplines of the
performing arts: ballet, opera, symphony, and theater.
The annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the
largest rodeo in the world.
Houston is home to several professional sports teams in
baseball, basketball, football, and soccer.

HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS
The Honors College considers Houston an extension of its campus. We
encourage our students to take advantage of the opportunities the
city offers for cultural enrichment and entertainment.
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HONORS SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are available to Honors College students in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 annually. To be
eligible for consideration, students should have a score of at least 1300 on the SAT (or 29 on the ACT) and be
ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class. Please note, incoming freshmen must attend
an Honors College Open House in order to be considered for Honors Scholarships.

TERRY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
Students are automatically considered for the following merit scholarships based on their University of Houston
application. Students must complete the University of Houston application at www.ApplyTexas.org by December
1 for priority scholarship consideration.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP

The Terry Foundation is a Houston-based philanthropic organization that provides up to full-ride scholarships
for outstanding students. The amount of the Terry scholarship is based on the cost of attendance (tuition, fees,
books, room and board, and miscellaneous expenses) and is adjusted individually based on additional sources of
financial support. To be eligible for a Terry Foundation Scholarship, students must have financial need, a record
of leadership in school and community, strong academic abilities proven through grades and SAT scores and
graduate from a Texas high school or home school.
For more information, go to www.thehonorscollege.com/terry or contact Franco Martinez, UH Terry Scholarship
Coordinator, 713.743.8322, 1.888.827.0366 (toll free), or fsmartinez@uh.edu.

For more information about the Honors College, scholarships, or to arrange a campus visit,
call 713.743.1766 or 1.888.827.0366 (toll free),
e-mail honorsadmissions@uh.edu, or visit www.thehonorscollege.com.

The Academic Excellence Scholarship is for students who have a competitive academic profile typically a
score of 1200 on the critical reading and math sections of the SAT (25 ACT composite) with a class rank in the
top 20 percent. The amount awarded varies from $500 to $8,500 per year.

TIER ONE SCHOLARSHIP

The Tier One Scholarship is the premier scholarship offered by the university. Tier One Scholars receive
funding for four years of tuition and mandatory fees, two years of on-campus room and board, and stipends
for research and study abroad. Tier One Scholars score a minimum of 1300 on the SAT or 29 on ACT, graduate
in the top 10% of their class. The invaluable benefits of mentorship, advising, and camaraderie also come with
being a part of the Tier One Scholars community.

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

The National Merit Scholarship at the University of Houston is an all-expenses-paid scholarship (room, board,
tuition, required fees, and stipends for both undergraduate research and study abroad) automatically awarded
to students who are named National Merit Finalists and who list the University of Houston as their first choice
institution according to the rules and deadlines established by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
For more information, contact Sarah Bhojani, Honors College National Merit Coordinator, 713.743.9006,
1.888.827.0366 (toll free), or sabhojani@uh.edu.
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.
Y
L
APP

Freshman students can apply to

the Honors College by checking
the Honors box on the ApplyTexas
application. Students can also apply
to the Honors College by visiting
www.thehonorscollege.com/apply.
Applicants must submit the following
required supplemental materials to
honors@uh.edu to complete their
application:

GRADUATE WITH HONORS

Students who fulfill the Honors College curriculum requirements earn distinction University Honors or Collegiate
Honors and receive special recognition at commencement exercises. Students who complete a Senior Honors
Thesis are additionally recognized with Honors in Major. Students who combine both the Honors College
curriculum requirements and a Senior Honors Thesis graduate with the highest distinction an undergraduate can
earn at the University of Houston.
Honors students are celebrated at the Graduation Banquet, in addition to participation in the Universitys
commencement. Held off-campus each May, the banquet provides a comfortable venue to individually recognize
each seniors accomplishments with faculty, staff, family, and friends.

1) Academic writing sample (3-5

pages), such as a literary/
critical analysis or research
paper from a previous English
or History class;

2) Extracurricular resume
listing work experience,
volunteerism, awards,
honors, and organizations.
Separate transcripts and test scores
do not have to be submitted to the
Honors College if they have been sent
to the University of Houston.
Mid Career Applicants: The Honors
College welcomes students at multiple
entry points in their academic careers.
Students who have completed college
hours post high school graduation can
complete the mid-career application
at www.thehonorscollege.com/apply.

The connections here are invaluable. You get to meet people who are the best of the best in their
major and college. The network here becomes more valuable as you go out into the workforce and
into your career.
Amy Muniz, Accounting
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THE DESTINATION IS UP TO YOU.

thehonorscollege.com
713-743-9010
1-888-827-0366
The University of Houston
is an EEO/AA institution.

University of Houston
The Honors College
212 M.D. Anderson Library
Houston, Texas
77204-2001