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Honors and Scholars Programs

SMU offers an extensive range of Honors and Scholars programs for SMU students. Those contained in the Honors & Scholars department are: the Hilltop Scholars Program, the Turner Scholars Program, the University Honors Program, and the President’s Scholars Program.

Explore your academic opportunities.

Our dynamic programs are designed to provide unique academic opportunities, interdisciplinary seminars, and hands-on activities that will immediately challenge and expand your thinking. With a focus on academic enrichment, our programs offer a diverse array of experiences that will engage and inspire you.

Programs & Scholar Groups

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Hilltop Scholars

The Hilltop Scholars Program (HSP) offers an opportunity for high-achieving incoming students to excel academically and develop leadership skills during their first year at SMU. Admission to the program is based on students' academic achievements and interest in service and leadership.

Serve

6 female black students in white dresses sit on a red couch in front of a large marquee sign for SMU - photo taken during a Boulevarding event.

Turner Scholars

The Turner Scholars Program (formerly known as the Rotunda Scholars Program) aims to help first-year students achieve early success at SMU by promoting academic achievement, leadership, and personal excellence.

Achieve

Group of 6 Honors students on the steps of Dallas Hall

University Honors Program

Students in the University Honors Program (UHP) are prepared for the future through a program that centers on the values of a broad-based education in the humanities and sciences. Join us and explore your intellectual curiosities in an environment supported by expert faculty, advisors, and like-minded students.

Enrich

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President's Scholars

The President’s Scholars (PS) program has provided opportunity to some of the nation’s brightest students, who in turn enrich the University environment with their intellectual vitality, diverse talents, and campus involvement.

Lead

Hyer Society

Named for the founding President of SMU, the Hyer Society was established in 1983 to recognize SMU’s most intellectually gifted undergraduates who have distinguished themselves through high academic achievement.

Celebrate

Student working on her Fellowship Application

National Undergraduate Fellowships

National undergraduate fellowships present valuable opportunities for international education, support in graduate studies, and professional growth.

Excel

Spaces & places

A brick building with the words Kenneth Z. & Ruth Collins Sharp; Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center. An individual is holding the door open for two other people entering the building. To the left is a sign: "Welcome to the A-LEC" with an arrow pointing towards the entrance.

Academic Skill Development

Located in the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (A-LEC), the ASD staff provides tailored academic support services to undergraduate students to help them optimize their learning potential.

Seek

A group of young adults pose and smile inside a rocky cave-like opening, some sitting on large boulders and others standing behind them, dressed in casual outdoor clothing with water bottles and day-hiking gear visible among the rocks.

Adventures

Students in the Honors & Scholars programs will be able to earn Honors credits during the summer at the SMU-in-Taos campus in Taos, New Mexico.

Explore

Exterior of McElvaney Residential Commons, with students sitting outside

Honors Residential Commons

First year Honors & Scholars students will have the opportunity to live together in McElvaney Commons, located in the heart of our campus.

Live

Scholars Den

The Scholars Den is a unique space in the Clements Hall basement made for studying, group work, informal meetings, or even taking a short nap between classes.

Visit

Hours of Operation

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