Honors College
A Community of Scholars
As an Honors College student, you will work with mentors and fellow students to get the most out of your undergraduate experience.
A Community of Scholars
Graduate with Honors through one of two programs available at A&M Commerce–the cohort program for entering Freshmen, or the program for current and transfer students. Both programs offer the opportunity to take Honors-only courses, receive Honors scholarships, engage in high-impact educational experiences and complete a capstone project, such as research with faculty, an internship, or study abroad.
Begin Your Honors Experience Today
The Honors College offers programs for incoming freshmen who apply in their senior year of high school and for current A&M-Commerce and transfer students.
Honors College
As part of the Honors College, you will experience an interdisciplinary curriculum featuring unique and challenging courses. With small class sizes and personal faculty mentors, you will have the opportunity to conduct high-level research or study abroad as part of your capstone experience. Substantial scholarships can help offset tuition, fees, housing, meals and books. Completing your degree through the Honors College will help you grow your knowledge of leadership and service in an interconnected and dynamic world.
How to Apply
Complete the Honors College application, which includes an essay.
- The essay is scored in terms of creativity, style and grammar/syntax/spelling.
- If a student earns an interview, essays can be used to help shape the discussion and provide perspective on interview responses.
- Essay prompts can be found within the online application.
Class rank (at the time of application), test scores (composite, not super scores) or test optional recorded lesson, and the essay rating (up to five points) are used to create an application score to determine if you move to the interview stage of the application process
A student must have a total score of 50 or higher to receive an interview. The following guidelines are used:
Section 1: High School Class Rank
If you took both the ACT and SAT, only the higher of the two composite scores will be used in the score calculation.
| Rank | Points |
| 1st or 2nd in Class | 60 |
| Top 1% | 55 |
| Top 5% | 50 |
| Top 10% | 45 |
| Top 15% | 35 |
| Top 20% | 30 |
| Below Top 20% | 0 |
- Homeschool applicants will be slotted in the top 10% and must submit test scores.
- Students from schools who do not rank must submit test scores.
Section 2: Supplemental Assessment
| SAT or ACT Score | Points |
| 1490+ or 33+ | 30 |
| 1390-1480 or 30-32 | 25 |
| 1270-1380 or 27-29 | 20 |
| 1160-1260 or 24-26 | 15 |
| 1080-1150 or 21-31 | 10 |
| 1070 or 20 or lower | 0 |
Section 3: Essay
Zero to five points to be scored by Honors Council
Although standardized tests may provide useful information concerning an applicant's ability to succeed at the college level, there is sufficient evidence that standardized testing does not reflect the true academic potential for all candidates. The Honors College prides itself on removing barriers for its students once they arrive on campus. A test optional admissions policy allows us to extend this removal of potential barriers to exceptional students who may lack access to resources that would better prepare them for standardized tests.
Qualifying for Interview
- All students in the Top 5% of their graduating class will automatically qualify for an interview. They must still complete the Honors College application, including the essay. They must also let us know if they prefer to have their standardized test scores used in the final admission decision. If not, they will need to complete the Test Optional portion of the Honors College application. Note: Home schooled applicants and students from schools with non-standard grading schemes cannot automatically qualify for an interview.
- Students ranked beyond the top 5% of their graduating class have two routes to qualifying for an interview.
- Option One: Eligibility is determined through a combination of points accumulated based upon class rank %, test scores, and essay score (see matrix below). A student must accumulate a minimum of 50 points to qualify for an interview. Note: Home schooled applicants and students from schools with non-standard grading schemes must submit standardized test scores to be eligible for an interview. Home schooled students will be considered to be in the 10th percentile of their graduating class.
- Option Two: Eligibility is determined through a combination of points accumulated based upon class rank %, essay score, and ‘recorded lesson.' Details and scoring rubric for the recorded lesson can be found below. Students must obtain a minimum of 50 points to qualify for an interview.
Option Two: Recorded Lesson
Students who choose the test-optional application to the Honors College will be asked to submit a recorded lesson where the student teaches the audience how to do something. This is an opportunity for the student to (a) showcase a skill that they have; (b) demonstrate their persuasive skills; (c) demonstrate organizational skills and (d) demonstrate their creativity. This recording could be a video that you create or a PowerPoint/Prezi that you narrate. The lesson should adhere to the recorded lesson guidelines.
If you qualify for an interview, you will be invited through your MyLeo mail account, so please check it regularly. You should hear from us within two weeks of receipt of your Honors College application.
In the past, interviews have been conducted primarily on campus. However, due to COVID-19 precautions, interviews may be conducted through an online video platform such as Zoom.
A minimum of two interviewers will be present. Interviews will be rated on the following dimensions:
- Application of educational skills
Your goal is to show the interviewers that you're a scholar and that you take your education seriously. You can demonstrate this in a number of ways. Use strong vocabulary, correct syntax, bring in academic concepts to your answers (e.g., reference a book that you've read), tie your responses to previous educational experiences, etc. - Ability to think critically and creatively
Display your ability to ‘think on your feet' as opposed to offering trite and hackneyed answers. - Fit with the university and Honors College
We’re interested in whether the liberal arts experience we foster within the Honors College appeals to you. Do you want to live and be active on campus? How will you contribute to the Honors community?
Three rounds of decisions will occur. The first round of decisions will be made in early December. The second round will be made in mid-January. The final round will be done at the completion of interviews (approximately mid-March).
- The decision panel will include four individuals, including the dean of the Honors College, the director of honors programming, the honors academics coordinator, and the Honors College graduate assistant.
- Decisions will be based primarily upon CR%, test scores or test optional recorded lesson, essay score and interview score. However, other information from transcripts may also be used, such as success in dual enrollment courses and AP exams.
Current/Transfer Student Program
The Honors College Current/Transfer Student program allows you to reap the benefits of the honors experience and graduate with honors designation. You may take honors courses and complete an honors thesis project to demonstrate a willingness to excel beyond the typical college experience.
Learn more about this program by contacting [email protected], or download the Honors program application to apply.
Global Scholars are students recognized by the university for their involvement in globally-focused courses and experiences including travel and events. In addition to being eligible for a pool of money dedicated to international or domestic academic travel each year, you will receive distinction and recognition at graduation.
Promotion and advertising of the Global Scholars program began in 2014 through the Freshman Seminar courses. The first Global Scholars were selected in fall 2016. Subsequently, 112 high-caliber students have been recognized and received more than $120,000 in funding to travel with the university.
The Global Learner recognition encourages student engagement in global activities and enables distinction and recognition for students who engage in global activities. All students not directly targeted by the existing Quality Enhancement Plan including transfer, sophomore, junior, senior and graduate students are eligible to apply.
This recognition will be awarded upon completion and documentation of a wide range of activities including courses, events and optional research and travel at the discretion of the standing committee of Global Fellows.
The overarching goal of the Global Fellow program is to create and maintain an environment in which achievement of student-learning outcomes is possible. The program encourages faculty and staff engagement in global activities, enables distinction and recognition among faculty and staff for engagement in global activities, and creates and maintains a diversified and multi-disciplinary team with specialized, global experiences and resources.
Honors Abroad
As part of the Honors College you will have the opportunity to conduct high-level research or study abroad as part of your capstone experience.
Student Organizations
Phi Kappa Phi
Phi Kappa Phi is the oldest and most prestigious general honor society in the United States. More than 30,000 students are inducted each year from over 300 colleges and universities across the nation. Texas A&M University-Commerce founded Chapter 322 in 2013 and holds regular induction ceremonies each year.
To join, students must be invited and approved by the chapter president.
Membership can be earned through a multitude of avenues:
- Juniors must have completed at least 72 credit hours, with at least 24 semester hours at their current institution, and rank in the top 7.5 percent of their class.
- Seniors must have completed at least 90 credit hours, with at least 24 semester hours at their current institution, and rank in the top 10 percent of their class.
- Graduate students must have completed at least 18 graduate hours or the equivalent at their institution and rank in the top 10 percent of their class.
- Faculty, professional staff and alumni who achieve scholarly distinction may also be eligible.
Invitations for Phi Kappa Phi are distributed every spring semester.
Honors College Scholarship
The Honors College at A&M-Commerce offers dozens of substantial scholarships to incoming freshmen each fall. Offers range from 50% to 100% of attendance cost, to be assigned at the time of scholarship acceptance. Scholarships are applied toward tuition, fees, room in Honors housing, partial board and a book stipend each semester.
Students receiving the Honors College scholarship must complete 30 hours of Honors curriculum including an approved capstone project. In line with current industry standards and best high-impact practices, our capstone requirements will be determined based on scholarship amount and could include: a) completion of an honors thesis, b) a group study abroad experience, or c) a competitive internship option.
Welcome from the Dean
Transforming lives. Serving an inclusive community. Advancing knowledge. Fostering collaboration.
These expressions summarize the official strategic vision of Texas A&M University-Commerce. They are also the qualities that embody the Honors College and serve as guideposts for what we do.
Any honors program embeds students in challenging coursework, but the Honors College at A&M-Commerce includes much more. In the Honors College, you'll find a living-learning community where students take classes and live together, growing close as a cohort of scholars and leaders. You will learn what it means to be a member of a diverse community and how to join with others to gain both knowledge and life experience. You'll see your life transformed by your academic opportunities and you will help transform the lives of other students through the relationships you build in the College. You'll engage in volunteer and service-learning activities, giving back to the Lion community, the city of Commerce and surrounding counties. And you will enjoy extra-curricular activities organized by the College to help you unwind and deepen long-lasting friendships.
No matter which capstone path students follow—writing an Honors thesis, participating in global learning and study abroad, or engaging in a meaningful professional internship—Honors students grow as thinkers, collaborators and humans. And through it all, the university's professors, administrators and staff notice that their own lives are, in turn, transformed by students in the Honors College, as well.
We are excited about your interest in the Honors College at A&M-Commerce. Please contact us with your questions to learn more about this special space within the University.
News Spotlights
A&M-Commerce Names New Honors College Dean Following National Search
Dr. Erin L. Webster Garrett is set to join A&M-Commerce as dean of the Honors College on July 1. She is currently the associate vice provost at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). At VCU, Webster Garrett led the effort to institutionalize experiential learning as a part of every baccalaureate degree. She is a recognized leader in […]
Preserving History: TAMUC Student Helps Keep The East Texan Alive
Jackson Thornton, a senior Computer Science major at A&M-Commerce, is helping preserve the university’s rich history. Since August, he has interned in the Archives Department, located on campus in Waters Library. His role is to digitize The East Texan, A&M-Commerce’s former student newspaper, so readers worldwide can access it digitally. The East Texan was the […]
A&M-Commerce Hosts Special Education Mini Field Day for Commerce ISD
Students of all abilities from Commerce ISD (CISD) and A&M-Commerce joined forces to facilitate a day of activities for students with disabilities on Friday, Sept. 29. In total, more than 50 CISD students attended with several teachers and staff members. General education students participated as peer mentors. Hosted in the Nursing and Health Sciences Building’s […]
A&M-Commerce Alum Joins Tarleton Psychology Faculty
A&M-Commerce alumni Dr. Amanda Stevens accepted a position as assistant professor of psychology at Tarleton State University. Stevens began her position this fall semester. Stevens earned three psychology degrees from A&M-Commerce. She completed her bachelor’s with honors in 2011, her master’s in 2019 and successfully defended her dissertation to receive her doctorate in 2022. At […]
Honors College Student at A&M-Commerce Earns Study Abroad Grant
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi recently awarded A&M-Commerce Honors College student Haley Turner a $1,000 grant to study abroad. Turner is one of only 125 national recipients. The grant is designed to support undergraduate students at campuses with a Phi Kappa Phi chapter who seek to expand their academic experience by studying abroad. […]
A&M-Commerce Graduate is “The Voice of Hunt County”
Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Carissa Carter has been singing for as long as she can remember. Her talent and determination were on full display as the inaugural winner of “The Voice of Hunt County,” a singing competition held April 14-15 in Greenville, Texas. Carter loves telling stories through song. She got her start crooning to […]
A&M-Commerce Chemistry Student Receives Recognition at Regional Meeting
A&M-Commerce chemistry student Shea Garland received recognition for Outstanding Undergraduate Poster Presentation in Organic Chemistry at the American Chemical Society’s recent 2021 Southwest Regional Meeting in Austin, Texas. Garland is an Honors College student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Dr. Stephen Starnes, associate professor of chemistry at A&M-Commerce, said he is proud of […]
Health and Human Performance Undergrad Selected for Research Funding
The Texas Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (TACSM) has selected A&M-Commerce student Taryn Cast to receive an undergraduate Student Research Development Award. The university will receive a $1,000 grant to support Cast’s research project, “Physical Fitness of Texas Law Enforcement Cadets.” Principal investigators for the study are A&M-Commerce faculty members Michael Oldham, […]
Honors College Student Finds Ingredients for Success at A&M-Commerce
Noah Garcia, an Honors College student at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is cooking up a recipe for success by exploring the history of food with his podcast series, “A Bit About Bites.” Noah’s passion for culinary arts began at an early age. He originally aspired to be a professional chef, earning a certificate in culinary foundations […]
A&M-Commerce Graduate Ahmad Honored with Boe Award
The Great Plains Honors Council has recognized Maleeha Ahmad, a recent graduate of the Honors College at Texas A&M University-Commerce, with the Boe Award. The award showcases honors program students who display outstanding scholarly work. She was nominated by the Honors College for her honors thesis. Ahmad graduated in three years with a bachelor’s degree […]
Alumni
The alumni of the Honors College and Regents Scholar program pride themselves on building a community of scholars whose friendships persist beyond A&M-Commerce. The relationships you build here can last a lifetime.
As an alum of one of our programs, we value you. We strive to keep in touch through newsletters, mixers and of course, homecoming reunions. Our alumni newsletter is distributed three times yearly in April, August and December. If you haven’t received a newsletter, please take a moment to ensure your information is up-to-date with the university’s Alumni office.
We would love to hear from you! Send us updates in our alumni private groups on Facebook or contact us at [email protected], [email protected], or 903.468.3001.
Meet our Department
Contact Us
- Honors College
- 903.468.3001
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011