Current Students

Explore how University Scholars advising offers tailored, semester-by-semester guidance through major requirements, honors expectations, and pathway planning to support Scholars’ academic success at Baylor.

Discover how the University Scholars Major Requirements empower high-achieving students to design a flexible, interdisciplinary degree path – free from general education constraints – leading to concentrated study, honors thesis work, and preparation for advanced pursuits at Baylor

University Scholars students whose GPA falls below 3.5 in their first three consecutive fall/spring semesters—or fails to improve by the start of their third semester—must switch out of the program.

During their first year, University Scholars choose approximately 45 Reading Units across Ancient, Medieval & Renaissance, and Modern periods to compose an Independent Reading List for their third-year exit interview.

During fall of their junior year, University Scholars undertake an Exit Interview—a one-hour oral exam based on their Independent Reading List by registering for UNSC 3001, assembling an external faculty committee, and engaging in a guided conversation to demonstrate depth of reading and critical thinking.

University Scholars complete a thesis, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, presenting, defending, and publishing (or performing) original research or creative work as a capstone to their scholarly journey.

University Scholars may earn honors credit not only through standard honors courses, but also via Honors Contracts, Book & Film Clubs, Study Abroad/Missions Forums, and other alternative enrichment pathways.

Phi Beta Kappa at Baylor (Zeta of Texas) is the university’s chapter of America’s oldest liberal arts honor society.

Honors College scholarships for current students focus primarily on supporting study abroad, travel stipends, and occasional aid for financial hardship.

Current Baylor freshmen and select sophomores with 90+ hours remaining and a GPA of 3.6 or higher may apply to University Scholars by submitting essays, academic interests, and a faculty recommendation.