Elite Academic Programs

Most universities structure undergraduate education around a few key components: a degree (your overall academic
program), a major (your primary area of study), and a core curriculum (a set of general education courses). At Baylor’s
Honors College, you’ll find all of these options—plus so much more. We offer a rigorous degree option, engaging majors,
and a thoughtfully designed alternative Honors core, along with exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary learning,
undergraduate research, and unique honors experiences that will enrich your chosen path at Baylor.
The Honors College isn’t a one-size-fits-all honors curriculum. With over 1,400 students pursuing more than 90 majors
across campus, our offerings are designed to be flexible. Students can mix and match any Honors opportunities with
their own degree plans, major(s), and various studies, shaping a truly personalized and transformative Baylor
experience.

Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil. Degree, with major in Great Texts and a secondary major)

Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil.) Admission: B.Phil. degree applicants are academically ambitious, intellectually driven
students who seek a rigorous, comprehensive education that combines depth in Great Texts with a secondary major,
faculty mentorship, and advanced research opportunities. They generally have a high class ranking and score
above 1450 SAT, 33 ACT, 100 CLT, and have a GPA of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale
 

Degree Details: The B.Phil. is a rigorous, research-focused, comprehensive undergraduate degree in the Honors
College that allows students to:
• Pursue a primary major in Great Texts of the Western Tradition (GTX)
• Students pair GTX with a required secondary major from another discipline and engage
in a unique core
• Conduct original research through enrollment and completion of a thesis in the Honors Program
• Engage in a unique core curriculum, which positions students for Phi Beta Kappa eligibility
• Prepare for competitive careers, graduate school, law, medicine, and leadership roles through rigorous
coursework and research

Great Texts of the Western Tradition (B.A. or B.Phil., Major in the Honors College)

Great Texts (GTX) Admission: Applicants are reviewed holistically. GTX students are intellectually curious and seek to
engage deeply with classic works of literature, philosophy, theology, and politics through discussion-based seminars,
preparing them for diverse professional pathways, including but not limited to law, medicine, ministry, and academia.

Major Details: Great Texts of the Western Tradition (GTX) is a major within Baylor’s Honors College that immerses
students in foundational works of literature, theology, politics, philosophy, and the arts. Students in the Great Texts
major:
• Engage with complete classic texts that connect knowledge, ethics, and enjoyment
• Participate in small, seminar-style classes taught by dedicated faculty
• Enhance the degree with optional Pre-Health, Pre-Law, Pre-Seminary, and Liberal Arts tracks
• Students can pursue GTX leading toward either a B.A. degree or a B.Phil. degree

University Scholars (UNSC) (B.A., Major in the Honors College)

University Scholars (UNSC) Admission: UNSC applicants are intellectually curious, self-motivated students who thrive in
cross-disciplinary learning, seek academic flexibility, and are eager to engage deeply in multiple fields of study; they
score above 1430 SAT, 32 ACT, 100 CLT, and have a GPA of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale

Major Details: University Scholars (UNSC) is a major within Baylor’s Honors College that offers high-ability students the
opportunity to design a personalized educational path. Students in the University Scholars program:
• Have minimal core requirements, freeing students to take more classes that meet their interests
• Engage in cross-disciplinary conversation across the liberal arts and sciences
• Concentrate their studies in 2-3 academic disciplines across Baylor
• Enjoy a cohort learning experience by taking GTX courses together in their first year
• Have the option to declare secondary majors or minors
• Are also enrolled in the Honors Program and must complete a senior thesis
• Prepare for competitive careers, graduate school, law, medicine, and leadership roles through rigorous
coursework and research

Baylor Interdisciplinary Core (BIC) Program (Not a Major; Honors Core; Compatible with most majors)

BIC Admission is holistic, considering GPA, essay, and any available scores. BIC applicants are inquisitive, globally minded
students who value interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and engaging with diverse perspectives through a text-
based, discussion-driven curriculum. Applicants are highly encouraged to watch this video prior to submission.

Core Details: The BIC is an optional honors core track program within Baylor’s Honors College that replaces Baylor’s
general education requirements with small, interdisciplinary courses. Students in the BIC:
• Engage in faculty team-taught courses emphasizing global engagement
• Explore foundational subjects from multiple disciplines
• Have the flexibility to pursue most degrees and majors of their choice
• Note: Students may pursue the Honors Program and/or the BIC Honors Core together. The BIC supplements
almost any major on campus, including all majors listed above (aside from the B.Phil.)

Honors Program (Not a Major; Compatible with all majors including STEM and elite opportunity majors)

Admission: HP applicants are intellectually driven students who seek to deepen their learning through discussion-based
courses and an independent senior thesis, preparing them for graduate study, professional schools, and competitive
career opportunities. Students generally score above 1430 SAT, 32 ACT, 100 CLT, and have a GPA of 3.8 or higher on a
4.0 scale

Program Details: The Honors Program (HP) is an honors study and research opportunity within Baylor’s Honors
College that enhances any major. Students in the program:
• Engage with foundational texts in small, discussion-based courses
• Develop critical thinking and research skills
• Complete a senior thesis with a faculty mentor in any discipline
• Prepare for graduate study, professional schools, and career opportunities
• Note: Students may pursue the Honors Program and/or the BIC Honors Core together. The Honors Program
supplements any major on campus, including all majors listed above

 

Read more about the Honors College.

 

Baylor Business Fellows is a flexible major in the Business School that allows students to:

• Combine the study of business with Baylor's other schools and programs 
• Prepare for post-graduation pre-professional goals, like medicine or law 
• Study mathematics, humanities or natural or social sciences while laying a solid foundation in business 

Read more about Baylor Business Fellows.

Business Scholars is an accelerated path in the Business School that allows students to:

• Pursue multiple business majors sooner 
• Participate in cohort-style classes during their freshman year 
• Pursue other academic goals outside the Business School, such as minors or secondary majors 
• Participate in unique, Scholars-only study abroad opportunities 

Read more about Baylor Business Scholars.

Computer Science Fellows is a flexible major in the Department of Computer Science that allows students to:

• Create a tailored degree plan across disciplines 
• Establish an individualized course of study with a faculty mentor 
• Prepare for graduate school or a successful career 

Read more about Computer Science Fellows.