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The University of Texas at Austin

Honors Programs

The Department of Computer Sciences provides a challenging education to undergraduate students. There are many honors program opportunities in both the Department and in the University for students who wish to excel.

Honors Thesis & Graduation with Special Departmental Honors

The Computer Sciences department provides a separate mechanism, distinct from the Turing Scholars program, to graduate with Special Departmental Honors. Students with strong academic records who want to get involved in research and write an honors thesis are invited to apply for admission the Special Honors Program. Students who complete the requirements of this program will graduate with Special Department Honors in Computer Sciences. Students who wish to become candidates for this honor should apply to the honors advisor for admission to the Special Honors Program at least two semesters before their expected graduation. A University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average of at least 3.50 in all courses in computer sciences and all other courses counted toward the computer sciences major and minor requirements are required for admission. The requirements for graduation with special honors are:

  1. Computer Sciences 379H, Computer Sciences Honors Course, with a grade of at least B;
  2. a University grade point average of at least 3.00 and a grade point average of at least 3.50 in courses in computer sciences and all other courses counted toward the computer sciences major and minor requirements;
  3. a thesis, written on the subject of the student's research and approved in comprehensive examination by a committee consisting of at least three faculty members, including the honors advisor; and
  4. completion at the University of at least sixty semester hours of coursework in residence.

Completion of CS 379H Contract is required to take the course.

Note that this program is distinct from the Turing Scholars program.