Honors Program

Program Overview

ACC’s Honors Program offers core curriculum courses with an emphasis on in-depth research and discussion in small classes limited to 15 students, taught by faculty who enhance their students’ academic experiences with special projects, field trips, guest lectures, and a variety of creative and experiential learning opportunities. The seminar environment allows students close interaction with faculty and other highly motivated Honors students.

The Honors Program also offers paid internships and scholarships, as well as leadership and service opportunities. Students who take Honors courses gain a competitive edge in the transfer process to four-year colleges and universities; each course receives an Honors designation on ACC transcripts.

Program Benefits

• Small class sizes that foster in-depth discussion
• Coursework involving research, independent inquiry, project-based learning, creative expression, service-learning, and other kinds of experiential learning
• Special events and programming
• Honors advising
• Honors Scholars receive recognition on transcripts, a micro-credential, and honor cords for graduation ceremonies
• Paid internships and scholarships
• Transfer Agreements: ACC’s Honors Program has agreements with certain Texas universities that allow students to easily apply credit they’ve earned at ACC to their university education

Recent transfer destinations of ACC Honors Students include University of Texas, Texas State University, Texas A&M University, University of North Texas, Huston-Tillotson University, St. Edward’s University, Southwestern University, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Virginia, Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, and Yale University.

Program Eligibility

Meet at least one of the following minimum requirements:

• Top 15 percent of graduating high school class
• Cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4-point scale
• 26 or higher on the ACT or 1170 or higher on the SAT (Critical Reading & Math sections only)
• Cumulative college GPA of 3.25 or higher (after completion of nine or more transferable credit hours)

Since intellectual motivation is a significant factor in determining academic success, those who fall slightly short of the criteria but who wish to undertake the challenge may be admitted at the discretion of the Honors Chair. For students who are returning to college after at least five years and would like a “fresh start,” we will consider only the most recent college grades. Contact [email protected] for details.

Mission Statement

The ACC Honors Program provides curious, highly motivated students the opportunity to become part of a diverse learning community dedicated to deep intellectual engagement. Students take an active role in their scholarly development by exploring topics of societal and global significance through in-depth discussion, research, independent inquiry, creative scholarship, and different kinds of experiential learning in a supportive, inclusive environment. Offering a variety of leadership and service opportunities, the Honors Program provides students with access to transformative experiences that further academic and personal growth.