Apply to the Honors Program
Stand Out. Be Ready.
Ready to challenge yourself and make more of your Dallas College experience? The Honors Program combines challenging academics with experiences and connections that help prepare you for what’s next.
There is no cost to join, and applications are accepted year-round.
Admission Criteria
To apply to the Honors Program, you must be currently enrolled as a student at Dallas College or in the final steps of registering for classes with your Success Coach.
Admission requirements vary by student type. Find the category below that best describes you.
You must meet one of the following criteria:
- High school GPA: 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale; or
- Top 25% high school class rank; or
- SAT: 1130 Combined Score for both Math and Critical Reading; or
- ACT: 23 Composite Score with 21 Math and 21 English Scores
Combinations of test scores are also acceptable. For example, 560 SAT Math and 21 ACT English.
You must have:
- 3.3 or higher GPA 2 (college-level GPA) and
- Nine completed college-level credit hours
Note: Dual Credit and other eligible high school students can apply.
You must have:
- 3.3 or higher GPA 2 (college-level GPA) and
- 12 completed college-level credit hours from U.S. institutions verified by official college transcripts
If your GPA or test scores do not meet the published admission criteria, you may still be considered based on your academic interests, accomplishments and potential.
To request an interview, contact us by email or phone
How To Apply
- Complete the online application.
- The Honors team will review your academic record to confirm you meet Honors admission standards.
- Watch your email for an admissions decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Have questions about the Honors Program? Browse the FAQs below, and if you don't find what you're looking for, email the Honors team at honors@DallasCollege.edu. We're happy to help.
Honors students come from across Dallas College and represent a variety of majors, backgrounds and academic goals. They’re motivated students who want to challenge themselves, explore new ideas and make the most of their college experience.
The Honors Program is open to all qualifying credit students, including eligible Dual Credit students.
Honors courses go beyond traditional classroom learning by combining challenging academics with collaborative, hands-on experiences. You'll strengthen your research, communication and leadership skills while exploring new ideas through discussion, experiential learning and meaningful projects.
Honors classes are designed for fewer than 15 students, creating more opportunities for discussion and interaction with faculty. You’ll learn alongside other motivated students while engaging in coursework designed to meet the Honors Program’s mission and expectations.
The Honors experience also extends beyond class through research, cultural events across the DFW area and opportunities to connect with Honors students and faculty.
Honors courses are designed to challenge you, , but they are not necessarily more difficult than regular classes. Instead of simply requiring more work, Honors courses encourage you to think more deeply, ask bigger questions and engage more actively in your learning.
Honors courses carry the same credit and grading scale as other Dallas College courses.
Your Honors courses will also be identified on your transcript, allowing transfer universities to see the Honors coursework you've completed when reviewing your academic record. This distinction may also help demonstrate your academic achievements when pursuing competitive transfer and scholarship opportunities.
No. Tuition for Honors courses is the same as for other Dallas College courses.
Students in the Honors Program receive the benefits of the program at no additional tuition cost.
Learning in the Honors Program extends beyond the classroom. Through cocurricular and extracurricular experiences you’ll have opportunities to participate in cultural events, community engagement, service-learning, study abroad and other activities that connect academic learning to the real world. Recent Honors experiences have included study abroad in Puerto Rico and Head Start of Greater Dallas.
No. While some students participate in both, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and the Honors Program are separate opportunities. The Honors Program is an academic program led by Dallas College that includes Honors courses, while PTK is an international honors society similar to a student club.
Both offer unique service and scholarship opportunities.
You may choose to participate in either—or both—if you meet the eligibility requirements.
After you’re accepted into the Honors Program, your success coach will help you register for Honors courses that align with your academic goals and degree plan.
Before meeting with your success coach to discuss, we encourage you to review the Honors course offerings . Explore the options that best fit your interests and schedule.
Honors students must maintain a 3.3 GPA.
If your GPA falls below 3.3, the Honors team will work with you to review your progress and develop a plan to help you get back on track. Our goal is to support your success throughout your Honors journey.
Please allow 5-7 business days after submitting your application for an admission decision.
No. You can choose to take both Honors and non-Honors courses.
To graduate as an Honors Scholar, you'll need to complete:
- 15 Honors course credit hours
- 16 cocurricular hours
- Have at least a 3.5 GPA2
To earn the Honors Certificate, you'll need to complete:
- Nine Honors course credit hours
- Six cocurricular hours
- Have at least a 3.3 GPA2
Yes. Honors students may have the opportunity to apply for scholarships, including the Navigators Scholarship and other Honors-specific funding opportunities, if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Scholarship opportunities vary and are announced throughout the year. Visit the Honors Scholarships webpage for current application periods, eligibility requirements and additional information.