The Chancellor’s Honors Program is the university’s largest interdisciplinary honors program. Through completion of select honors courses offered by departments across the university, the Chancellor’s Honors Program offers high potential students the opportunity to engage with one another in a community of scholars. Chancellor’s Honors students also participate with both the larger campus community through involvement, service, and research and the greater world through intercultural experiences.
The Chancellor’s Honors Program (CHP) is designed to develop eager minds through diverse experiences. Through our program, you will gain the flexibility and capability to change the world. As a Chancellor’s Honors Program scholar, you will engage in interactions where you can research, collaborate, and get involved from day one.
Our scholars are routinely recognized as Torchbearers (UT’s highest student honor), receive national scholarships and fellowships such as the Udall Scholarship, Fulbright Scholarship, and Critical Language Scholarship, complete international internships and studies abroad, and gain admission to competitive graduate and professional programs.
Curricular Requirements
Similar to the university’s Volunteer Core curriculum which requires students to complete coursework from among several categories, the Chancellor’s Honors Program curricular requirements encourage students to engage in a broad array of honors coursework in order to broaden their understanding beyond their chosen majors. To supplement the requirements in their respective colleges, Chancellor’s Honors students complete:
- One 3-hour honors writing course from among the list of available Volunteer Core writing courses.
- Five 3-hour honors courses from at least three of the following categories:
- Artistic Expression and Humanistic Thought: courses that focus on the exploration, appreciation, and understanding of artistic, literary, and/or philosophical works. These courses may be analytic or creative in nature.
- Behavioral, Social, and Communication Sciences: courses that focus on the understanding of society and interactions between people, i.e. human behavior and social dynamics.
- Natural Sciences: courses that focus on exploration and interpretation of scientific theories or natural phenomena, requiring students to engage with the material critically and ethically.
- Human Cultures and Civilizations: courses that focus on the study of human history and non-U.S. cultures.
- Logic, Mathematics, and Quantitative Reasoning: courses that focus on the acquisition of quantitative skills in order to solve problems.
- Two-semester, or approved equivalent, capstone experience in undergraduate research, scholarship, or creative activity culminating in a senior thesis or project. (UNHO 497–UNHO 498 or approved equivalent).
TOTAL: 21+ credit hours of honors coursework
See a list of approved courses here.
Co-curricular Requirements
The Ready for the World requirement seeks to help scholars become more culturally aware and be better prepared to thrive in a world of increasing globalization through an extended intercultural experience. Scholars can pursue international or domestic intercultural experiences that align with their personal or professional interests. Our scholars are eligible to apply for a University Honors Grant after their first year to help fund their experience.
Ready for the World Experience: an approved international/intercultural learning experience to be fulfilled through one of the following:
- Completion of an internship or service project with an intercultural focus.
- Completion of a major or minor in a modern foreign language.
- International travel for service, research, internship, or other academic purpose.
- Study-abroad.
Chancellor’s Honors students are highly encouraged to actively participate on campus and serve the community. Chancellor’s Honors students are expected to make timely progress towards honors graduation while maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. Students not meeting expectations will be required to complete additional academic coaching and support. In recognition of their exceptional academic achievement, Chancellor’s Honors students receive special graduation recognition.
Students will complete at least one honors English WC course using pathways designated by first-year composition.
Eligibility
The Chancellor’s Honors Program is available to entering first-year students. High school seniors with superior academic credentials are invited to apply. Current first- and second semester students, and qualified transfer students may be eligible to apply.
Additional Information
SIGNATURE TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCES
The CHP combines exclusive courses and experiences with flexibility for you to construct your own honors experience. Dedicated honors coaches work with you to explore your interests and strengths to develop a plan that will allow you to make the most of your honors experience and leverage your honors experiences to achieve your goals.
ENGAGEMENT
Honors sponsors many opportunities for CHP students to engage with faculty, campus and community partners, alumni, and fellow students. Student leadership opportunities are offered through our Honors Engagement Council, Student Ambassador or Peer-Mentor programs.