Admissions to Honors College

Students of all majors at UTRGV have the opportunity to enhance their primary areas of study by joining the Honors College. The College offers talented and ambitious students an enhanced academic experience by providing smaller classes led by outstanding faculty who emphasize active experimentation, research, and/or artistic expression. Honors students take on more intensive challenges while working more closely with their professors and other excellent students. Beyond the classroom, the College offers students special opportunities for experiential learning and study abroad. Honors students graduate with a competitive diploma and a strong foundation for life-long learning and personal growth.

Admission Eligibility Requirements

Students may be admitted to the program at any time during the year; however, they are not considered active until they are enrolled at UTRGV. Students who meet one or more of the following minimum criteria are eligible to apply:

Entering Freshmen:

• ACT Composite of 24 or higher; or equivalent SAT
• Graduate in the upper 10% of high school class

Currently Enrolled/Transfer Students:

• A minimum total GPA of 3.5 at UTRGV and
• 12 earned credit hours at UTRGV or previous college/university

(Please note: These are minimum requirements and are not guarantees for admission.)

Students must apply directly to the Honors College by submitting an online application, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores. Although any student with three or more semesters remaining before graduation may apply, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, preferably as freshmen. Once admitted, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5.

To apply, please visit utrgv.edu/honors.

Early Assurance Programs

In conjunction with the UTRGV Division of Health Affairs, the Honors College offers two early assurance programs. Students interested in attending the UTRGV School of Medicine may apply to the Vaqueros MD program; students admitted to this program will complete the Honors College curriculum and will be assured a seat in the entering class at UTRGV School of Medicine in four years (given that they meet other benchmark requirements). For details, see the Vaqueros MD web site.

Students interested in pursuing a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) in the UTRGV College of Health Professions may apply to the Physician Assistant Career Track (PACT) Early Assurance Program; Physician Assistants are licensed health professionals who examine, diagnose, and treat patients with physician supervision in doctor’s offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and more. Students admitted to this program will complete the Honors College curriculum and will be assured a seat in the UTRGV College of Health Professions’ Master in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) entering class in four years (given that they meet other benchmark requirements). For details, see the PACT EAP web site

Honors Courses

Honors classes are small and generally limited to 20 students or fewer, which allows for more personal attention and interaction with professors.

Honors classes:

• Emphasize critical thinking, participation, and discussion rather than traditional lectures and textbooks.
• Provide a chance to work with academically gifted students from a variety of backgrounds.
• Provide cultural enrichment as well as experiential learning.
• Afford students the opportunity to conduct independent research or engage in artistic expression under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors.

Scholarships

The Honors College offers its students the chance to apply for an Honors Merit Scholarship through the University's Excellence Scholarship program. Scholarship opportunities for study abroad are available as well. For more information, please contact the Office of Recruitment and Scholarships.

• Rafael and Carmen Guerra Scholarships: This fund has about $50,000 per year in available funds. Award sizes typically range from $500 to $1500.
• Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones Scholarships: This fund has about $50,000 per year in available funds. Award sizes typically range from $500 to $1500.
• R.C. and M.G. Fish Scholarship: $1000 per year for up to five entering freshmen.
• J.M. Haggar Sr. Scholarship: $1000 per year (renewable) for up to five continuing students.

NOTE: You do not need to apply for these awards. The Honors College awards these scholarships internally.

Graduation Requirements

To fulfill Honors College requirements and graduate with honors, students may choose to follow one of several different coursework tracks during their time in the program (for details about these tracks, please visit the Honors College website at utrgv.edu/honors). The Honors College strives to allow students to move through the program by taking as few courses outside their major degree plans as possible. Some honors courses allow Honors students to fulfill university core requirements within the Honors College. Finally, Honors College graduates must have a total GPA of 3.5 or higher and must successfully complete all requirements of their chosen track.

Students who graduate as Honors Scholars will have this designation recorded on their transcripts. They will also have the distinction of wearing an Honors Medallion and Stole at graduation.

Contact

For an application or additional information about the UTRGV Honors College, please contact: