Honors

U N I V E R S I T Y o f H O U S T O N

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We provide the careful guidance, flexibility, and personal

instruction that nurture excellence. For the 300 students

who join us each fall, we offer the best of both worlds—

the advantages of a small college without sacrificing the

resources and rich diversity of a large university. Our faculty

and staff believe that a university education should offer

more than the acquisition of skills for the workplace. The

Honors College challenges the university’s finest students to

develop the attributes of mind and character that enhance all

facets of life.

The Honors College at the

University of Houston serves the

intellectual needs of gifted undergraduates

in more than 100 fields of study.

Honors

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CommunityWe draw on the talents of the finest faculty members within the university to provide a wide range of special

courses with limited enrollment. Honors courses encourage student participation, interaction, and discussion.

You will enjoy privileges, including Honors scholarships, priority registration, computer facilities, reserved lounge

and study areas, study-abroad opportunities, individualized advising, accessible faculty and staff, and special

housing in The Honors College residence halls.

Many intangible benefits come with participation in the Honors community—friendships that develop

in the classroom carry over into other areas of student life. We foster an atmosphere of collegiality and a

spirit of camaraderie through informal gatherings, social activities, and on- and off-campus cultural events.

Honors

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GENDER DISTRIBUTION:

Men 43%

Women 57%

ETHNIC DISTRIBUTION:

African American 8%

Anglo 44%

Asian 33%

Hispanic 13%

Other 2%

DISTRIBUTION BY COMBINED SAT’S:

(MATH AND VERBAL SCORES ONLY)

1400-1600 11%

1300-1399 26%

1200-1299 36%

1100-1199 20%

1000-1099 6%

Below 1000 1%

DISTRIBUTION BY CLASS RANK IN SECONDARY SCHOOL:

Valedictorian 5%

First Quarter 73%

Below First Quarter 15%

Rank Not Available 12%

DISTRIBUTION BY COLLEGE:

Architecture 3%

Business Administration 13%

Education 1%

Engineering 15%

Hotel and Restaurant Management 2%

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences 27%

Natural Sciences and Mathematics 25%

Pre-Optometry 1%

Pre-Pharmacy 6%

Technology 1%

University Studies 6%

curriculum

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Our curriculum is designed to

coordinate with the University of

Houston’s core curriculum. You will

fulfill many of your university core

requirements through Honors courses

that take the place of regular required

classes. One key sequence of courses,

The Human Situation, is team-taught

by Honors faculty and is designed to

ensure that you are introduced to the

great books of the Western tradition.

For many Honors students, the Senior

Honors Thesis option represents the

exciting culmination of a bachelor’s

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 creative project.

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antiquityThe Human Situation plays a central role in an Honors education during your freshman year. “Antiquity” is

the root of the modern world and the namesake of the first half of this two-course sequence. In this initial

installment of The Human Situation, you will examine Greek, Roman, Hebrew, and Christian cultures inspired

and shaped by the Bible as well as Greek and Roman philosophies. Key texts in these classical disciplines

present compelling, though not entirely harmonious, insights into: the excellences proper to human beings;

the character of the human soul; and an individual’s relationship to family, friends, lovers, and strangers.

The greatest thinkers of antiquity concern themselves with the elaboration, criticism, and reconciliation of these

powerful concepts. As a result, they took up the eternal and intriguing questions of how to live life. The result

of their efforts – and ours – is a shared and open conversation about matters of paramount importance

concerning human existence.

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In the second half of The Human

Situation sequence, “Modernity,”

you continue the study and

interpretation of cultural traditions.

Guided by careful readings, you

seek to discover your own ideas

and convictions. By speaking and

writing about certain texts, you

will learn to develop and refine

your participation in what is

sometimes referred to as the Great

Conversation. In a recent semester,

particular attention was paid to the

concept of authority. An examination

of authority often leads to questions

about: the body and the soul;

families, communities of faith,

and political congregations;

violence, suppression, and

punishment; the individual and

society; the gods and God. The

result is again a shared and open

conversation about matters of

great human importance.

programsThe Medicine & Society Program is an interdisciplinary venture aimed

at bringing together specialists to offer classes and public events on a

variety of health-related issues. The City of Houston’s unique position

as home to the largest medical center in the world affords this program

access to vast resources in the way of medical experts and a rich medical

history. A Medicine & Society minor provides students with practical

experience through unparallel internship/externship opportunities.

The Center for Creative Work celebrates and advances the

artistic talents of honors students pursuing undergraduate

degrees in the creative arts. This program seeks to mentor

students not only toward a fulfilling college experience,

but also toward their continued development as writers and

artists in graduate programs and beyond. Activities include:

participation in “Study Away” trips and the National Collegiate

Honors Council conference; creative writing workshops; weeklong

artists’ retreats; collaborations with local theatre companies and the

City of Houston for the annual Dionysia; and film study in conjuction

with the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.

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Phronesis is the Greek word for prudence or practical wisdom, the quality that distinguished good citizens and political

leaders. It also happens to be the title of an Honors minor program in politics and ethics, focusing on questions and issues

that leaders and citizens are likely to confront in a self-governing political society. Through the combination of classroom

discussions and a speakers series, Phronesis encourages critical thinking on a variety of topics, such as the role of gender

in human association and the nature of freedom and authority. This program is an ideal venture for pre-law students.

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The Bauer Business Honors program is designed to provide

specialized curricula, academic services, and social networking

events for business majors who are members of The Honors College.

Bauer Honors gives students the opportunity to get an honors-level

education in both the liberal arts and their specific business

disciplines, effectively challenging and preparing them for

the world of industry and commerce. Additionally,

Bauer Honors hosts several social events to further

support students academically and connect them with

resources – and each other.

Housed in The Honors College, the Office of Undergraduate Research

organizes, facilitates, and enhances opportunities for students to

conduct in-depth study on a subject of their choice. Students work

closely with a faculty member, encouraging mentorship and

providing a more personalized, enriching educational experience.

The Office of Undergraduate Research offers three central programs:

- The Senior Honors Thesis often serves as the pinnacle

of the student’s undergraduate career in research. The thesis

is typically conducted within the student’s discipline and

provides six hours of coursework.

- The Provost’s Undergraduate Research Scholarship (PURS),

a part-time research program for juniors and seniors, provides

a $1,000 scholarship to support research that is mentored

by a faculty member.

- The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

is a full-time summer program that provides a stipend to more

than 40 students from all disciplines each year. The students’

summer research endeavors are showcased annually through

poster presentations during Undergraduate Research Day.

student life

in the Honors Retreat, a two-day event designed to build

community and orient students to the college and the

university. Upperclassmen, faculty, staff, and alumni join

students in social activities, athletics, and advising sessions.

Student Governing Board functions as a liaison

between students, faculty, and administration. Each semester,

the board plans numerous social and voluntary events and

conducts student evaluations of Honors courses. Activities

include movie nights, a Halloween party, The Honors Ball,

and museum trips.

Honors Advocates recruit and orient new students

to the university and The Honors College.

national Model Arab League conference in Washington, D.C.

African American Honors Student Association

promotes unity and provides a voice for African American

Honors students, while seeking a better understanding of

culture and race among all students. Membership is open

to everyone with an interest.

National Merit Organization and Terry Scholars

promote camaraderie and community-building among

scholarship recipients through service and social activities.

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Through their participation in organizations and activities, students make significant contributions to the

life of the University of Houston and The Honors College. In addition to the 300 student organizations on

campus, several activities are specific to Honors students:

participate in the many Travel Abroad

opportunities organized and co-attended

by Honors faculty. Most recent trip

destinations have included Turkey, Italy,

and Mexico.

student life Honors Ambassadors is the student leadership group that

serves as the primary recruiting arm of The Honors College.

This group also assists in development, alumni relations,

and special events.

sporting events through participation in the Bleacher

Creatures, a spirit organization, and tailgate events.

French Film Society views movies to experience

and understand the unique characteristics of French

cinema and how this medium differs from its

American counterpart.

Club Theatre is known for its annual

Short Show, featuring one-act plays scripted, directed, and

performed by Honors students. This club also organizes various

workshops and outings to Houston’s professional theater companies.

Coffee Houses are opportunities for students to showcase their

artistic talents ranging from music to readings in the casual, familiar

setting of The Honors College.

World Aid, a community-service based organization, participates in

several local and international projects throughout the semester.

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. We offer

tickets to select performances of the Houston Grand Opera,

Alley Theatre, and Houston Symphony.

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University

200,000 proud alumni.

and from 137 different countries, making it the second most ethnically

diverse research institution in the nation.

Medal of Science, Pulitzer Prize, and Tony Award.

Secretary of Education; legislators on the local, state, and federal

levels; actors; more than 80 Olympic athletes; and many more.

the University of Houston right now.

year in 297 events; the School of Theatre plays to more than 8,000;

and the Blaffer Gallery, the museum of the University of Houston,

hosts 20,000 visitors annually.

$220 million on campus improvements and new construction.

$3 billion to the Houston economy each year.

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and play. Forbes named Houston the best city for college graduates.

center in the world.

energy capital of the world.

organizations, 90 of which are devoted to multicultural and

minority arts.

professional companies in the four disciplines of the performing

arts – ballet, opera, symphony, and theater.

per capita than any other city in the United States.

in the world.

Houston

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GraduationStudents who fulfill The Honors College course requirements and complete a Senior Honors Thesis graduate with

“University Honors and Honors in Major,” the highest distinction an undergraduate can earn at the University of

Houston. Students who fulfill Honors course requirements but elect not to undertake a senior thesis graduate with

“Membership in The Honors College.” Students who earn these academic distinctions receive special recognition

at commencement ceremonies. These distinctions are in addition to traditional graduation with honors recognition

based on grade point average.

Honors students are celebrated at the Senior Awards Banquet, The Honors College’s official commencement

ceremony for graduating students. Held off-campus each May, the banquet provides a comfortable venue in

which to individually recognize each senior’s accomplishments with faculty, staff, family, and friends.

Graduation

Honors

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