W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program
The W.E.B. Du Bois 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 Du Bois Honors Program are dedicated to assisting students to achieve their academic and personal goals.
APPLICATIONS OPEN DECEMBER 1ST
Priority Selection: February 14, 2025
Program Selection: February 28, 2025
Late Application Period: March 1st – August 1st, 2025
Note: late applicants may still apply between March and August, however considerations will only be made should a spot become available.
Students must be first fully admitted to Huston-Tillotson University prior to Honors Program consideration. See Admission site for details.
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)
- High school transcripts (3.5 GPA)
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation from: 1) High School Principal or Counselor, and 2) Senior-year Teacher or Community Leader
- Writing sample
- Telephone interview
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)
- ENGL 4353 – Literary and Writing Arts: “Collecting, Recording, Presenting and Preserving Family and Community Narratives for Prosperity”
- HIST 1301H – United States History I
- HIST 1381H – Introduction to the African-American Experience
- PHIL 2301H – Philosophy and Ethics
- PSCI 1301H – American Government (Federal)