A female student outdoors in spring on The University of Texas at Tyler campus

The Honors College

Discover an Exceptional Future

Challenge yourself with a unique, intensive and tight-knit experience as a student in The University of Texas at Tyler’s Honors College. Geared toward hard-working and intellectually driven students, this unique program enhances your academic experience through an innovative curriculum, expanded research opportunities and a built-in community of like-minded peers.

Core courses with a small group of students give you room to cultivate your curiosity. Faculty members provide mentorship that deepens your academic interests through engaging projects, handpicked readings and individualized attention. Conduct research that advances your professional growth, or develop a capstone project that showcases your leadership skills and community service. Exclusive seminars, colloquia, study abroad opportunities and student groups connect you to other Honors students — your support system throughout your studies.

Curriculum

The Honors College curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary connections and in-depth discussions and complements your studies without the need for extra credits or unnecessary classes. Fulfill your general requirements in intensive seminar-style courses with a 24-student limit. Learn from select faculty renowned for their innovative research and teaching methods. Explore unexpected topics and fields of study by participating in Honors academic experiences and experiential events.

A female faculty member lectures a classroom of Soules College of Business students at UT Tyler

Honors Core

Fulfill core curriculum requirements through Honors-specific humanities courses and Honors sections of pre-existing courses. Build a strong academic foundation through active participation, extensive writing and an interdisciplinary perspective.

A female student meets with a female faculty member at UT Tyler's Art Department

Contract Courses

Choose two courses within your major to self-direct your learning goals and wrestle with more challenging material. Work closely with your professors to complete a project, participate in research, create your own reading list or reinforce an area of study through additional coursework.

A female student presents her research at Lyceum, UT Tyler's Honors Research symposium

Senior Project

Channel your interests into a yearlong project where you can demonstrate your expertise, personal growth and community involvement. Then, prepare to present your work in an end-of-year showcase.

Female School of Nursing students in a simulation hospital at The University of Texas at Tyler

Honors in the Major

Honors College nursing and psychology majors take specialized courses, have access to specialized research and experiential learning opportunities and enjoy other benefits, including faculty mentoring.

Apply for Fall 2025

Applications for the fall 2025 cohort of first-year honors students are open. Be sure to apply for the Honors College by December 1, 2024.

Student Perspectives

I know now that I have great leadership skills, I have experience in research and I have a really complex perspective on the world.

Cameron Long

BS in Psychology, 2020, Honors College

Hands-on Training for High-Achieving Students

Research

Experiential Learning

Support and Community

Research

Let Your Curiosity Lead the Way

Research is integral to the Honors College experience and one of the main reasons students decide to apply. Form part of a faculty-led research team or propose your own study to satisfy the contract course requirement. If you have your sights on graduate school, the Research Track is a fantastic opportunity to embark on a yearlong, independent project based on your own interests. Present your findings at the Lyceum, the end-of-year showcase open to the entire UT Tyler community and an essential component of the Honors College curriculum.

Develop Skills for Grad School, Lab Work or a Future Career

The Lyceum

Experiential Learning

Biology students examine a net at the Lake at The University of Texas at Tyler

Open Your Mind to New Ideas and Uncharted Paths

The Honors College is so much more than rigorous coursework and individualized projects. The Honors Colloquium series exposes you to an array of topics and perspectives through speakers, field trips, volunteering, performances and other enriching activities. Explore career options, acquaint yourself with other disciplines and gain a greater understanding of our local community through Honors Symposia. Develop leadership skills and make an impact through campus events. Travel beyond your comfort zone and broaden your understanding of the world with special study abroad trips.

See the Possibilities in Your Future

Colloquium

Honors Abroad

Support and Community

Students sitting around an outdoor table at a quiz night event

Join a Tight-Knit Community

Human connection shapes the Honors College experience. Thrive with support from talented, driven students and dedicated faculty. Stay on track, take advantage of campus resources and reflect on your personal growth in zero-credit seminars. Bond with other first-year Honors students on your specially designated residence hall floor. Volunteer, cram for finals and have fun with LOGOS, the Honors student group, or smooth your transition into college with the Peer Mentoring program.

Lean on Us to Make the Most of Your Time on Campus

The Honors College by the Numbers

Honors courses and sections in the 2023-2024 academic year, including the World, Text and Image course sequence.

$10M

Amount awarded through the Honors Scholars Scholarship, one of several scholarships rewarding your achievements.

230

Number of UT Tyler undergraduates who are part of this selective group.

Honors College Information

About Staff FAQ Syllabi Quiz Night Donate

Paul Streufert is the founding dean of the Honors College at The University of Texas at Tyler and professor in the Department of Literature & Languages. Paul earned his PhD in comparative literature at Purdue University in 2001, and his research interests include the dramatic literature of ancient Greece, early-modern England and 20th-century America. Paul co-teaches a section of the World, Text and Image course required of all incoming Honors freshmen.

Dr. Paul Streufert

Founding Director, Honors College Associate Professor

Read His Story

Connect with us

Honors College

Email: honors@uttyler.edu
Phone: 903.566.7482

Challenge yourself to achieve and be more at The University of Texas at Tyler’s Honors College. Reach out to us today to learn more.

Honors College
HPR 131
3900 University Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75799

Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
800 UT TYLER