Honors Program Pathway Guide

University Honors Program for Transfer Students

The University Honors Program (UHP) allows highly engaged and motivated students of all majors to enhance their academic experience at SMU by satisfying the University Curriculum requirements in small, discussion-based classes.  The UPH extends beyond the work in the classroom to the development of a community of scholars—students and faculty—who relish the challenge and adventure of the life of the mind.  The UHP serves as the intellectual heart of SMU, broadens students’ perspectives, and raises the level of discourse across campus.

Opportunities for Transfer Students

Opportunities available for transfer students through the UHP include:

• Enrollment in highly-selective seminars with low enrollments of motivated students—generally 15 students per class.
• Funding for independent research working with faculty members abroad or in the U.S.  
• Participation in an intellectual honors community that offers a full calendar of optional honors events including lectures, field trips, book discussions, lunches and dinners which allow students to explore our campus and city through an ever-changing lens.  

The Richter Research Fellowship

The Richter Fellowship program, funded by the Paul K. and Evelyn E. Cook Richter Memorial Funds, awards grants to members of the UHP to conduct independent research, either outside or within the United States.  The project can cover any area of study, but multicultural and/or international work is encouraged.  Interested students submit grant proposals and detailed budgets to a committee of professors and previous Richter Fellows.  The proposal is evaluated upon the originality and merit of the topic, the strength of the research methodology, and the maturity and competency of the student.  Each student works with a faculty advisor both to craft the initial proposal and to write a scholarly work after completing the research.  

Richter Fellowships are awarded twice a year.  Applicants must be in good standing at SMU, and have completed one year of study at SMU.  Successful proposals and budgets from previous years can be found on the Honors website. 

Requirements to Complete the University Honors Program

• The requirements for completing the UHP vary based on the number of hours a transfer student brings to SMU.
• Students transferring with fewer than 42 credit hours to SMU must take 6 honors seminars that will include at least one intensive writing course.  
• Students entering with more than 42 transferable hours must complete 5 honors seminars to be determined in consultation with the Honors Director.
• Honors course work at a previous  institution will be considered in creating the honors academic plan.
• All honors classes must be completed in residence at SMU.

Graduating with University Honors

Students who successfully complete the SMU University Honors Program graduate with honors from the University.  The honors designation “Honors in the Liberal Arts” is recorded on the students’ academic records and diplomas.

Admission to the UHP as a Transfer Student

Transfer students of all majors who are interested in a rigorous course of study should apply for admission - those with previous honors course work are particularly encouraged to apply.  Successful applicants should have a transferable GPA of at least 3.7. 

Admission Procedures

Any eligible transfer student interested in the UHP should contact his/her admission counselor to obtain an application.  For additional information, please contact Dr. David D. Doyle,  Jr., Director of the University Honors Program.

More information can also be found on the Honors website.

Apply Now!

Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.