University Scholars Program
The University Scholars Program is designed for intellectually gifted, highly motivated students with a wide range of interests and a genuine love of learning. The program seeks to broaden these students’ backgrounds in the liberal arts while preparing them for a career through concentrated study in several areas. In order to achieve their full academic potential, University Scholars enjoy exclusive exemption from virtually all core curriculum requirements. Additionally, since “University Scholars” is a declared major, these students are not subject to the specialized course requirements of a traditional major though they may declare a minor or secondary major. As a result, Scholars are free to create an individualized course of study with the advice of a program director who mentors them throughout their entire four years.
Admission to the Program
To ensure that students gain the full benefit from the program, University Scholars will not accept students who have fewer than three years or 90 hours remaining to complete their undergraduate degree at Baylor. All Scholars must therefore complete at least 90 hours as students within the program.
The following are the criteria for admission into the University Scholars Program:
- Responses to the three essay questions on the Honors College application
- Class rank and GPA
- SAT/ACT/CLT scores are optional and may be considered, if available
Maintaining University Scholars Status
To remain in and graduate from the program, Scholars must maintain a 3.5 minimum grade point average. If released from the program, students must then fulfill the general requirements of the university in addition to the requirements for a major.
When to Apply for Admission to the Program
Applicants are admitted and notified on a rolling basis throughout the year. Students who wish to know their status before the May 1 college notification deadline must apply with all related application materials no later than April 1. Interested students are encouraged to apply as early as possible for advising and housing purposes.
Admitted University Scholars are eligible to apply for housing in the Honors Residential College.
The University Scholars Program and Other Special Programs
The University Scholars Program maintains a close relationship with both the Honors Program and the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core. All University Scholars are in the Honors Program and should, in discussion with their University Scholars director, complete the requirements for the Honors Program graduation.
For University Scholars in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, BIC courses will substitute for the following required UNSC courses: GTX 2301 Intellectual Traditions of the Ancient World : Literature and Thought, GTX 2302 Medieval Intellectual Traditions: Literature and Thought in Context, and UNSC 3301 University Scholars Capstone HNR.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | ||
| REL 1310 | The Christian Scriptures | 3 |
| REL 1350 | The Christian Heritage | 3 |
| Chapel – complete two semesters | 0 | |
| GTX 2301 | Intellectual Traditions of the Ancient World : Literature and Thought | 3 |
| GTX 2302 | Medieval Intellectual Traditions: Literature and Thought in Context | 3 |
| UNSC 3301 | University Scholars Capstone HNR | 3 |
| HON 3200 | Colloquium | 2 |
| UNSC 3001 | Exit Interview HNR | 0 |
| Thesis Preparation Courses | ||
| HON 3100 | Advanced Readings & Research | 1 |
| HON 3101 | Advanced Readings & Research | 1 |
| HON 4V87 | Honors Thesis | 4 |
| HON 4088 | Honors Exit Review | 0 |
| Areas of Interest | ||
| Complete 101 semester hours from areas of interest 1 | 101 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
- 1
Completion of at least 90 credit hours in residence.
- The requirement for advanced credit, residence, chapel, and maximum credit are the same as for the Bachelor of Arts degree. Additional information about requirements is listed under the “General Regulations for the College of Arts & Sciences” and “General University Regulations.”
- Completion of 124 hours including 36 hours of 3000-4000 level credits
- A maximum of four hours of Lifetime Fitness (LF) and ten hours of applied music and/or ensemble may be included in the required 124 hours.