Major Requirements
The University Scholars (B.A.) major enables high-achieving students to collaborate with advisors and mentors in their chosen fields, crafting individualized degree plans that optimize their academic experiences. The University Scholars (UNSC) major fosters a love of multidisciplinary discourse in the Liberal Arts and Sciences that affirms the student’s unlimited potential in the rich academic and co-curricular offerings of Baylor University. Students receive an outstanding education that can position them for success in any field; UNSC graduates are uniquely prepared for graduate school, medical school, law school, and careers across the spectrum of possibilities.
Because UNSC majors do not have the traditional general education requirements, they have the time and space to craft their individualized plan to pursue their passions and goals that will prepare them for their future after their time at Baylor. UNSC majors can pursue approximately three academic goals. They can pursue this through concentrations, minors, or secondary majors.
Credit Hours Requirements
We encourage all UNSC students to register for 14–15 credit hours each semester. This helps ensure you maintain a rigorous course load, take full advantage of the academic opportunities available at Baylor, and stay on track to complete your degree within four years.
We also understand that due to enriching extracurricular commitments, some students may decide it is necessary to take fewer than 14–15 hours. If you are considering a reduced course load, please keep the following in mind:
Full-Time Status:
You must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours to be considered a full-time student at Baylor. Full-time status is required for many scholarships and financial aid. If you have questions about your specific aid package, please contact One Stop Student Financial Services.
Graduation Requirements:
You must complete 124 total credit hours to graduate from Baylor University, at least 90 of which must be earned in residence. Please review your completed, in‑progress, and planned future hours to ensure you remain on track to meet this requirement within your intended graduation timeline.After reviewing this information and considering your graduation plan and academic goals, plan your semester hours out according to your plan.
- At least two honors credits per semester
- Total of 124 credit hours, with 36 hours being at the 3000 to 4000 level
- At least 90 of the 124 credits must be completed as a University Scholar
All scholars are required to take the courses listed below. Although there is sometimes flexibility regarding the semester in which a required course is taken, timing guidelines are provided for most.
UNSC Major Requirements
Close reading and discussion of foundational texts that establish the parameters of morality, aesthetics, religion, and philosophy. Fall of freshman year
Consideration and discussion of the development of thought from the medieval to the modern period, with particular attention paid to the Christian intellectual tradition. Spring of freshman year
Discussion of independent reading list and proposed thesis topic with a selected faculty committee. Fall of junior year
Special topics of study in modern and post-modern intellectual thought. Bridging genres and disciplines, the course encourages students to make connections with their previous study of Great Texts within the broad context of their University Scholars experience. Fall or spring of sophomore year.
In HON 3100, students identify a research topic, work with a research librarian to begin compiling readings for the thesis, and learn how to find a thesis advisor. By the end of the semester, students are responsible for selecting a thesis advisor to work with during HON 3101. They must also submit a reading contract signed by their thesis advisor, which outlines their research plan, to be completed during HON 3101. Scholars enrolling in HON 3100 should register with Ms. Charmaine Cheeseman. Fall of junior year
In HON 3101, students complete the research plan outlined in their reading contract with their thesis advisor. At the end of the semester, students complete a proposal that identifies the thesis argument and brief chapter outlines. The thesis proposal should be signed and approved by the thesis advisor and submitted to the Honors office on Canvas. Students may also begin drafting a tentative first chapter of the thesis project. After completing HON 3101, each Honors student may begin the Honors Thesis courses (HON 4V87). Scholars enrolling in HON 3101 should register with their thesis advisor. Spring of junior year
Informal group discussion of important books and issues in various branches of knowledge under the direction of faculty members or others who are specialists in the area of discussion. Fall or spring of sophomore or junior year.
Students complete Honors Thesis while conducting research and writing their thesis. The course is supervised by a faculty member in the student's major department or concentration. As a variable hour course, HON 4V87 may be completed for 1-4 hours of credit during a given semester, depending upon the consent of the instructor and approval from the Honors Program. Typically, students will register for two hours of Honors Thesis during their penultimate semester and two final hours during their last semester. Fall and spring of senior year
Students complete the Honors Exit Review course during their final semester. They will receive a grade of Credit once they have submitted all necessary paperwork and completed all other steps necessary to graduate from the Honors Program.
Spring of senior year
University Chapel is the oldest tradition at Baylor. For more than 160 years, Baylor students have gathered to worship together, to engage important issues of our day, and to be inspired by speakers, artists, academicians, and leaders from every vocation. As students worship together, they will be invited into a service that both speaks to where they are and exposes them to the worship tradition of the larger Body of Christ. In addition to worship services, other programs will be offered that not only lift the spirit but also prompt vocational imagination. This kind of collective sacred experience is a critical dimension of a Christian education. Fall and spring of freshman year
An introduction to the Old and New Testaments (their contents, historical backgrounds, and major themes), and to appropriate strategies for interpretation of the Bible. Timing varies according to individual course of study
An introduction to Christian life and thought, from the early church to the present, through an examination of great texts with an emphasis on Christian doctrine, ethics, witness, and institutions. Timing varies according to individual course of study
*University Scholars enrolled in the BIC are required to fulfill a different set of requirements than a typical UNSC student. For more information on these requirements, please schedule a meeting with a BIC advisor.