Sam Houston State University Undergraduate Catalog 2006-2008
Table of Contents Search Academic Colleges Academic Calendar Tuition and Fees

HONORS PROGRAM

Course Descriptions

Director: Gene Young, Ph.D. honors@shsu.edu

Information: Academic Building IV, corner of Avenue I and Bowers Boulevard

Mailing Address: Box 2479, Huntsville, TX 77341-2479

Telephone: (936) 294-1477; Fax: (936) 294-1090

Website: http://honors.shsu.edu

A special program exists at Sam Houston State University for highly motivated and academically talented students. The Honors Program provides these achievement-oriented individuals with some financial support, an opportunity to interact with other similarly motivated students, special course offerings leading to a broad educational experience, limited-enrollment classes, closer contact with the faculty, the opportunity to participate in advanced registration, and access to distinctively designed facilities, including Spivey House — the Honors residence hall — on campus.

The honors student earns honors credit in a variety of specially designated classes, and works toward the distinction of graduating “With Honors” or “With Highest Honors.” To qualify for graduation “With Honors,” a student must have been a participant in the Honors Program and have completed 24 hours of honors credit, including participation in two interdisciplinary honors seminars. To qualify for graduation “With Highest Honors” a student must, in addition, complete a six-hour senior thesis in an approved discipline under the direction of a faculty member of his/her choice.

To be considered for admission to the Honors Program, either when first entering SHSU or as a continuing SHSU student, a student must make special application to the Honors Program Office. Incoming freshmen are eligible for consideration if they have a composite SAT I score (Critical Reading + Math) of 1200 or above, or a composite ACT score of 27 or above, or have graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class. For transfer or continuing SHSU students, eligibility is based upon a college cumulative GPA of 3.4 or better. Admission is competitive. Selections are determined via a comprehensive review of each completed application. Once accepted into the Honors Program, a student must maintain a 3.25 SHSU grade point average in order to continue participation in the Honors Program.

In an attempt to provide unique, broadly integrative, interdisciplinary educational experiences to students, the Honors Seminar series of classes has been established. These courses are expected to be highly interactive between professors and students and will generally involve student paper presentations. The courses are designed specifically for the Honors curriculum, but are open to enrollment by any member of the SHSU student body if space is available and with the consent of the Honors Program Director.

Course Descriptions: