Academics
W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program
About the Program
Established in 2003, the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors Program at Huston-Tilloston University seeks to attract academically gifted students whose high school accomplishments indicate thier intellectual ability, levels of motivatio, and leadership potential. Names in honor of Dr. William Edward Burgardt Du Bois, an intellect of the twentieth century who`s lifetime dedication to academic excellence and community service inspires and informs the Program and all its participants.
The Honors Program offers students a unique opportunity to enrich thier education at HT through specialzed curricula (honors course), seminars, and service learning oppotunites, retreats, and cultural events. Award packages include tuition and fees personlized Honors apparel, professional carreer mentoring, and co-curricular cultural programming.
Benefits and Opportunities
There are several benefits associated with being a Du Bois Scholar. Students who have completed the program have commented that they made many new friends, derived a sense of accomplishment far beyond their dreams, and gained a global perspective on issues. Below are just a few examples of the benefits provided to Du Bois Scholars.
Specialized honors courses that will challenge one’s intellect
Fellowship with a diverse community of Du Bois Scholars from all parts of the globe
Annual fall semester and spring semester retreats to Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio
Du Bois Honors Program receptions, cultural events, and educational seminars
Participation in the Annual Honors Colloquium
Connection with local and national internship programs, fellowships, and competitions
A renewable scholarship for four academic years
If you are a student who has excelled academically in high school, we invite you to learn more about the Honors program. If you are a student who wants to embrace the myriad of opportunities to challenge your intellect, to develop your critical thinking and leadership skills, and to cultivate an appreciation for life-long learning, then the W.E.B. Du Bois Program may be the program for you.
Admission Requirements
New HT Students
Students who have graduated from high school no more than one year prior to the date of application are eligible for admission to the Du Bois Honors Program. Admission is determined by the following:
Examination scores from new SAT (combined 1,080 on Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing); or old SAT ((combined 1,000 Math and Critical Reading)); or ACT (score of 22)
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation from: 1) High School Principal or Counselor, and 2) Senior-year Teacher or Community Leader
High school transcripts (3.5 GPA)
Telephone interview
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation from: 1) High School Principal or Counselor, and 2) Senior-year Teacher or Community Leader
Students must be first fully admitted to Huston-Tillotson University prior to Honors Program consideration. See Admission site for details.
Sophomore-level Entry
Highly qualified non-transfer students may have the opportunity to join the Honors Program at the end of their freshman year. These students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and must have completed at least 30 semester credit hours from HT. Speak with Honors Program Director, Dr. Jennifer Miles for more information.
Membership in the Honors Program is limited to five (5) from this group.
To Remain in Good Standing:
Students who have been accepted as members of the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors Program must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3 to remain in the program. Also, they must take a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester. In addition, Du Bois Scholars may not earn a grade or “D” or “F” in any course and remain in the program
Honors Courses
Each Du Bois Scholar will receive personalized academic advisement and guidance from Honors Program staff regarding course selection. Du Bois Scholars are required to complete the following Honors courses:
- UNIV 1101H – Freshmen Seminar I
- UNIV 1102H – Freshmen Seminar II
- COMM 1315H – Public Speaking
And, must complete six (6) courses from the following list:
COSC 1300H – Introduction to Computers
EDUC XXXXH – An Introduction to Critical Race Theory
ENGL 1301H – Introduction to College Composition
ENGL 1302H – College Rhetoric and Composition
ENGL 2304H – African American Literature (or a Sophomore level Literature course)
HIST 1301H – United States History I
HIST 1381H – Introduction to the African-American Experience
PHIL 2301H – Philosophy and Ethics
PSCI 1301H – American Government (Federal)
ENGL 4353 – Literary and Writing Arts: “Collecting, Recording, Presenting and Preserving Family and Community Narratives for Prosperity”
Contact
Program Director:
Mailing Address:
W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program
Huston-Tillotson University
900 Chicon Street
102 Evans Industrial Hall
Austin, TX 78702
Location:
102 Evans Industrial Hall
512.505.3101
Gallery of Past W.E.B. Dubois Scholars and Services
First inaugurated during the 2003-2004 academic year, the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors Program at Huston-Tillotson University is named for Dr. Du Bois (1868-1963), a brilliant African American sociologist, historian, civil rights advocate, and intellectual of the twentieth century. Each year, the Honors Program recruits approximately 20 academically gifted first-year students whose high school accomplishments indicate their intellectual ability, level of motivation, and leadership potential. The Honors Program offers students a unique opportunity to enrich their education at Huston-Tillotson University through honors courses, specialized seminars and lectures, networking-mentorship opportunities, and cultural events.
