4 students laughing while looking at an object of attention that is out of the camera's view

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, the Mustang Scholars 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

Three students talking as they study at a table. Math notes are written in expo marker on the table in front of them.

Mustang Scholars

The Mustang Scholarship awards full tuition & fees, along with room & boarding available exclusively to SMU students who will graduate from a high school located in Dallas County (Texas).

Excel

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.

Rotunda Scholars

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

Achieve

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

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

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

Spaces & places

A college classroom with students seated around large, rectangular tables, engaged in a lecture. Many students have laptops open, and some are raising their hands. A professor, standing at the front near a projector screen displaying a slide, is leading the discussion. The room has whiteboards on the walls, a clock, and instructional posters. The setting is well-lit with a professional learning environment.

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

Scholars Den

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

Visit