Applying to freshman-year honors programs and honors housing Honors Programs

If you think you’re up to more than the usual challenge, you might want to consider one of the university’s undergraduate honors programs.

Honors programs available to incoming freshmen are connected to the area of study the student is pursuing. If you’re interested in pursuing a double major, you may apply for more than one honors program. (For instance, some students planning to double-major apply to both Engineering Honors and Plan II Honors.)

Applying to Freshman Honors Programs

If you’re interested in applying to an honors program, you must complete and submit the online honors program application. You may apply for an honors program only after you’ve submitted the Texas Common Application.

Before applying to an honors program or beginning the honors application process, review the special instructions for applying to honors programs.

Some programs also require applicants to submit additional items; details are available as part of the online honors application process and on the Honors Programs Special Instructions page of Be a Longhorn.

Business Honors Program

» Deadline: February 1

The Business Honors Program is a highly-selective program that enrolls about 100 students each fall. Courses are accelerated and modeled after MBA courses taught by top faculty. Dedicated academic and career counselors assist student throughout their college career.

Dean’s Scholars Honors Program in Natural Sciences

» Deadline: February 1

An interdisciplinary honors program that emphasizes research, experimentation and individual discovery, the Dean’s Scholars Honors Program is a highly selective program that admits only about 30 students each year. The program offers special honors classes including a freshman seminar.

Engineering Honors Program

» Deadline: February 1

The Engineering Honors Program enrolls outstanding students prior to their freshman year. It offers special honors sections of engineering classes, individual academic advising, the Engineering Honors Council and special seminars and social activities.

Liberal Arts Honors Program

» Deadline: February 1

The Liberal Arts Honors Program is a selective honors community with the atmosphere of a small liberal arts college able to draw from the resources of a large university. Freshmen register for honors sections of introductory classes including “The Idea of Liberal Arts.” Many Liberal Arts Honors students go on to pursue medical, law and graduate degrees.

Plan II Honors Program

» Deadlines: November 1 (early consideration); February 1 (final)

The Plan II Honors Program is a competitive four-year honors degree program with a strenuous curriculum in the arts and sciences. The program includes year-long courses, small seminar classes, independent study and flexible major concentrations.

Turing Scholars Program in Computer Sciences

» Deadline: February 1

The Turing Scholars Honors Program offers an intensive, accelerated path through the core computer sciences curriculum. The program exposes student to concepts and ideas typically not encountered until graduate school. Participants take part in undergraduate research and receive increased visibility with corporate recruiters.

Honors Housing

All prospective freshmen who apply for an honors program are also eligible to apply for honors housing on campus. The Honors Residence Halls offer special support, services and a close-knit community for first-year students participating in honors programs.

If you think that you might be interested in living in honors housing, apply for housing as early as possible after September 1 of your senior year. Once you’re admitted to the University and to the honors program(s) of your choice, we’ll send you a housing contract; use your contract to specify honors housing as your first choice in one of three halls (Andrews, Blanton, or Carothers).