
W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program
The W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program experience is one that offers students both exceptional academic and extracurricular opportunities. These opportunities are designed for students (of all majors) who are intellectually curious, capable, and interested in making the most of their time at Huston-Tillotson University. The staff members of the DuBois Honors Program are dedicated to assisting students to achieve their academic and personal goals.
OFFICIAL W.E.B. DUBOIS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION – 2021
Scholarship Application Deadline:
Priority Selection: December 15th, 2020
Program Selection: February 26th, 2021
OFFICIAL W.E.B. DUBOIS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION RISING SOPHOMORE – 2021
Rising Sophomore Application Deadline:
Priority Selection: May 7th, 2021
Program Selection: May 14th, 2021

Benefits and Opportunities
There are several benefits associated with being a DuBois 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 DuBois Scholars.
- Specialized honors courses that will challenge one’s intellect
- Fellowship with a diverse community of DuBois Scholars from all parts of the globe
- Annual fall semester and spring semester retreats to Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio
- DuBois 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. DuBois 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 DuBois 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)
- High school transcripts (3.5 GPA)
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation from high school teachers or counselors
- Writing sample
- Telephone interview
Membership in the Honors Program is limited to twenty (20) first-year students.
Sophomore-level Entry: Highly qualified non-transfer students are invited to apply for 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.
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. DuBois Honors Program must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 to remain in the program. Also, they must take a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester. In addition, DuBois Scholars may not earn a grade or “D” or “F” in any course and remain in the program.
Honors Courses
Each DuBois Scholar will receive personalized academic advisement and guidance from Honors Program staff regarding course selection. DuBois Scholars are required to complete the following Honors courses:
- UNIV 1101H
- UNIV 1102H
- Two (2) Semesters of UNIV 2201
- UNIV 102H – College 101 (college orientation)
And, must complete six (6) courses from the following list:
- CSC103H – Introduction to Computers
- ENG113H – Introduction to College Composition
- ENG123H – College Rhetoric and Composition
- ENG223H or ENG243 – Sophomore level Literature course
- HIS113H – Introduction to the African-American Experience
- HIS213H – United States History I
- PHI213H – Philosophy and Ethics
- PSC113H – United States Federal Government
First inaugurated during the 2003-2004 academic year, the W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program at Huston-Tillotson University is named for Dr. DuBois (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.
Gallery of Past W.E.B. Dubois Scholars and Services
- The 2019-2020 W.E.B. DuBois Scholars
- The 2019-2020 W.E.B. DuBois Scholars shining bright as the heartbeat of East Austin, here at Huston-Tillotson University
- Congratulations DuBois Graduating Seniors – Class of 2010
- Dr. Natanya Duncan, the guest speaker, and DuBois Scholars at the Seventh Annual DuBois Lecture on February 9, 2010.
- Words of Welcome Program on September 2, 2010
- Congratulations DuBois Graduating Seniors – Class of 2010
- Professor Bryce North and his honors English class at the Harry Ransom Center November 2010
- DuBois Scholars Greet Mwangaza Children’s Choir of Uganda
- DuBois Scholars Greet Mwangaza Children’s Choir of Uganda
- HT and St. Edward’s Honors Students’ Joint Community Service Project TAKS Tutorin
- HT and St. Edward’s Honors Students’ Joint Community Service Project TAKS Tutoring
- DuBois Scholars who completed the Fall 2011 Semester with a 4.0 GPA attend Blue Man Group Performance, February 2011.
- Graduating DuBois Scholars attend Senior Scholars’ Dinner held at Fogo De Chao, April 2011.
- DuBois Scholars attend West Side Story held at Bass Concert Hall, April 2011.
- First-year freshmen, whom attended the November 17th showing of “When I Last Wrote to You about Africa,” by artist El Anatsui, featured at the Blanton Museum
- The initial meeting of the Scholars’ Advisory Board