A Different Sort of Learning

“It is better to illuminate than merely to shine.” –Saint Thomas Aquinas

In the Honors Program, you’ll focus on achieving excellence and aspiring to what the ancients called magnanimitas or “greatness of the soul.”

Apply to the Honors Program

In a small group with a strong sense of community, you’ll make friends along your intellectual journey. Through team-taught, discussion-based courses led by two professors integrating history, philosophy, literature, physics and more, you’ll learn to engage in civil discourse with your peers.

 
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Getting to know the Honors Program

The team-taught, Socratic dialogue-based Honors Program at UST invites you to encounter the greatest ideas in the world through multiple lenses.
Your Home Away from Class

Students in University of St. Thomas - Houston Honors Program HouseThe Honors Program house is open only to Honors students, a place where you can connect with other Honors students and continue the discussions started in class. The Honors house is also the location for outside speakers and events.

  • Free coffee & drinks
  • Free printing
  • Library
  • Reading room
  • Study space
  • Seminar table
Why The Honors Program?Why The Honors Program?
Exceptional Skills
Student with mini chess board in University of St. Thomas - Houston Honors Program House

You’ll complete the program with an enhanced ability to read, write and speak well. All assigned readings are primary works by original authors – no textbooks – and you can practice public speaking in the first semester.

Broad Knowledge
Students sit with professor outside University of St. Thomas - Houston Honors Program House

The community environment sets you up to work well in a civil, productive manner with a diverse group of peers from all backgrounds – the perfect setup for a dynamic career.

Strong Compass
University of St. Thomas - Houston Honors Program student gives speech at podium

Today’s workforce demands individuals who are able to teach themselves the many things they need to learn to excel professionally. The Honors Program teaches you how to teach yourself.

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Spelunking With Plato
Spelunking With Plato
UST podcast
A conversation with Dr. Michael Boler, Honors Program Director, discussing Liberating Students for Wisdom through Dialogue.
listen nowUST podcast
Faculty

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Fr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta Tenured Professor of Theology; Director of the Center Semillero for Hispanic/Latino Theology; J. Michael Miller Endowed Chair in Catholic Studies
Fr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta
Tenured Professor of Theology; Director of the Center Semillero for Hispanic/Latino Theology; J. Michael Miller Endowed Chair in Catholic Studies
Dr. Dominic Aquila Tenured Professor, History; Fellow of the Core; Associate Division Dean of Liberal Studies-Fine Arts; Interim Chair of Music; Director of Allbritton Art Institute
Dr. Dominic Aquila
Tenured Professor, History; Fellow of the Core; Associate Division Dean of Liberal Studies-Fine Arts; Interim Chair of Music; Director of Allbritton Art Institute
Dr. Michael Boler Associate Professor of Classics; Director, Honors Program; Program Director of Classics
Dr. Michael Boler
Associate Professor of Classics; Director, Honors Program; Program Director of Classics
Dr. James Clarage Tenured Professor
Dr. James Clarage
Tenured Professor
Dr. Thomas Harmon Tenured Professor; Scanlan Endowed Chair; Director of MA in Evangelization and Culture; Associate Director of Catholic Studies
Dr. Thomas Harmon
Tenured Professor; Scanlan Endowed Chair; Director of MA in Evangelization and Culture; Associate Director of Catholic Studies
Dr. Theodore Rebard Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Dr. Theodore Rebard
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Dr. Randall Smith Tenured Professor of Theology
Dr. Randall Smith
Tenured Professor of Theology
Dr. David Squires Assistant Professor
Dr. David Squires
Assistant Professor
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