Explore Honors
Our Philosophy
We don’t add work; we add value. The Honors College empowers students to take ownership of their learning, making it more intentional, personal, and impactful.
Benefits
- Community of like-minded students
- Flexible credit options
- Scholarship opportunities
- Advising and support services
- Early recognition
- Honors Housing
- Study abroad opportunities
- Research, conference, and symposia funding support
- Access to private computer lab, lounge, and library study room
- Student organizations
- “Honors” or “Highest Honors” recognition at graduation and diploma/transcript designation
Graduating with Honors
To graduate with Honors, a student must complete the following:
- 18 hours of Honors courses and/or contracts
- 6 hours of Honors seminars
- Maintain a 3.25 SHSU GPA
Graduating with Highest Honors
To graduate with Highest Honors, a student must complete the following:
- 18 hours of Honors courses and/or contracts
- 6 hours of Honors seminars
- 6 hours of Honors Thesis (HONR 4398 and 4399)
- Maintain a 3.25 SHSU GPA
How to Earn Credit
These are Honors-only sections of core courses. These classes are taught by select faculty members who tailor their courses to meet the needs of high-achieving students. This doesn't mean that they involve more work (that is not our philosophy) but it does mean that faculty often aim to engage students through non-traditional formats, such as projects and class discussion.
An Honors contract is an agreement between a student and a professor to do extra work or build upon an existing project in a regular (non-Honors) course to receive Honors credit for that course. It should exceed the work done in a non-Honors class and should be intellectually challenging and stimulating (and, if possible, creative and unique). At the same time, a contract project should not be an overwhelming amount of work, like taking an additional two or three hours of coursework (think quality, not quantity).
Contract examples:
- Teach a mini-lesson or lead a discussion
- Create a film, screenplay, or other art
- Design and construct a product
- Tutoring
- Book club
- Research and present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium
- Presentation or essay
Honors seminars are small, discussion-based classes that meet once a week and explore a wide range of topics. Designed to encourage critical thinking and meaningful engagement, these seminars support students’ personal, academic, and professional growth.
Past topics:
- Personal Finance
- TEDx
- Healthcare Soft Skills
- Fantasy
- AI
- Kung Fu
- Community Engagement
- Decision Making
- Taylor Swift
- Dungeons and Dragons
- The Future of Work
- Hawaii Field Study
Internships provide hands-on experience in real-world settings, helping students apply what they’ve learned in the classroom while building professional skills and networks. They can count toward six hours of Honors credit when paired with a credit-bearing course on the student’s degree plan.
Students do not need to complete a contract in this course; the internship itself will count if the required paperwork (proposal and certification) is submitted and approved.
Study abroad experiences can count for up to six hours of Honors credit when they are part of a credit-bearing course included in a student’s degree plan. These programs offer valuable opportunities for academic and personal growth through global engagement and cultural immersion.
Students do not need to complete a contract; the study abroad itself will count for credit if the required paperwork (proposal and certification) is submitted and approved.
History
The Elliott T. Bowers Honors College, established in 1987, is named after Sam Houston State University's ninth president. During his tenure, President Bowers prioritized academic excellence, attracting and retaining high-achieving students, and developing plans to accommodate SHSU's rapid growth. He oversaw the construction of nine new facilities and, when asked how he wished to be remembered, simply replied, "That I cared."
Embodying Dr. Bowers's legacy, the Honors College remains dedicated to its students. As it nears its 40th anniversary, its commitment to providing a nurturing and open environment for professional and personal growth through academic, social, and cultural enrichment remains steadfast. This approach equips students with the essential tools for post-college success.
The Honors College has directly benefited from SHSU's emphasis on teaching and scholarly excellence, its focus on recruiting high-caliber students, and its growing regional and national reputation. With an enrollment of over 1,000 students, the Honors College continues to foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and leadership skills through specialized curricula, research opportunities, and community engagement, ensuring its students are well-prepared for the future.
Contact Honors
Contact Honors
(936) 294 - 1477
Honors Office
Academic Building IV, Suite 202
Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM - 5 PM