FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The Honors College admissions process is competitive, and we review all applications holistically.

  • Entering Freshmen must meet one of the following criteria:
    • An SAT score of 1270
    • An ACT score of 27
    • Top 10% of their high school graduating class
    • Unweighted GPA of 3.500 or higher
  • Currently enrolled or transfer students:
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.350 or higher
    • For transfer students this is the overall GPA from all schools attended
    • For currently enrolled UTA students, this is your UTA GPA from 12 hours or more
    • At least 60 credits or more remaining on your degree plan

       

    Though you must meet the above criteria to apply, admission is not based solely on grades or scores. The Admissions Committee looks for evidence in the application of fit and capability to thrive in our program. A good essay is an important consideration in the admission process, but is optional if you meet one of the above criteria.

The Honors College offers students the opportunity to obtain an exceptional education in a small academic community within the larger University. The Honors curriculum is designed to offer a special interdisciplinary emphasis at each level of the student's academic career. UTA's Honors College is one of only six such institutions in the state of Texas.
The Honors College seeks students who want to make the most out of their college experience who also have broad interests, varied talents, and diverse backgrounds. All majors, regardless if you are studying biology, musical theatre, engineering, or even social work -  are compatible with the Honors College and offers opportunities for students to dig deeper into their field of study through contracting classes and taking honors-designated courses.
New Honors students must be advised by an Honors Advisor during their first semester at UTA, and are encouraged to be advised early in the semester, or they will be dismissed from the Honors College. All Honors students must maintain a 3.200 or better grade point average. Academic progress is reviewed each semester.
Participation in the outstanding Honors academic program is the principal benefit. Some of the other tangible benefits are: Honors Degree, Sense of Community, Award-Winning Faculty, Small Class Size, Affordable Study Abroad Programs, Wide Range of Honors Courses, Honors Scholarships, Research Assistantships, Extended Library Privileges, Priority Registration, Honors Library and Computer Lab, Special Honors Events, Honors Designation on Transcript, Special Recognition at Graduation.
Honors courses are designed to offer a challenging interdisciplinary perspective to students who enjoy a rigorous program of study. Emphasis is on allowing students more personal involvement, discussion time, and interaction with Honors faculty and other Honors students. Typically, Honors students do much better in their Honors courses than their regular courses because of the small class size and the opportunity for individual contributions. Grades in Honors courses are computed exactly as in other courses. Faculty set the standards, taking into account the different nature of the Honors courses; students are not penalized for participating.
Honors courses are not "accelerated" as are many high school honors courses. Instead they are designed to offer greater flexibility in teaching techniques, more faculty/student interaction, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Honors courses satisfy many of the regular University requirements and correspond closely to regular sections in preparing students for further courses.

Only instructors who are full-time, tenured/tenure-track faculty members or full-time lecturers are eligible to mentor Honors Capstone Projects. Our students have found success with asking full-time professors they have previously contracted with in their major, or have worked together on research projects with to mentor their Capstone Projects.

Graduate students, part-time instructors, and adjunct faculty members cannot supervise Honors Capstone Projects.