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Applications will be considered on a rolling, space-available basis. Application materials will only be accepted electronically.
Applications to all honors programs are now open for fall 2025. Students considering an honors program are encouraged to apply as an Early Action applicant. The Priority Deadline to submit honors applications is December 1, 2024.
Students are encouraged to apply to all university honors programs by December 1, 2024. Applications submitted after December 1st will be considered on a space-available basis. Prospective students are asked to apply to only one honors program. Only students who have been admitted to Xavier University will be considered for university honors programs.
Data Science (B.S.)
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science is a cohort-based honors program. Students in this program engage with their instructors and learning community while collectively working through the curriculum. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science.
Philosophy, Politics and the Public (H.A.B.)
Philosophy, Politics and the Public fosters students' enthusiasm for politics, government, and community by offering a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that spans fields such as philosophy, history, economics, and political science. Additionally, participants in this program graduate with an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics, and the Public.
Apply to Philosophy, Politics, and the Public
Smith Scholars
The Smith Scholars program is intended for students in Xavier’s William’s College of Business (WCB). Students are required to major in a WCB program and earn a minor in Political Economy which explores the integration of economics, law, public policy, and financial markets.
University Scholars
The University Scholars program is open to students of most majors in each of Xavier’s four colleges. Scholars take five of their Core Curriculum-required courses at the honors level and a sixth multidisciplinary "Connections" course. These courses are generally smaller in class size and complement the students’ chosen majors. University Scholars cannot major in Philosophy, Politics and the Public (H.A.B.) or Data Science (B.S.).
REQUIREMENTS
Admission to Xavier University honors programs is competitive. Admitted students generally rank in the top 15 percent of their high school class and present composite scores of at least 1300 (SAT) or 29 (ACT) if they choose to submit their standardized test scores. In addition to the guidelines for academic scholarship, prospective students need to complete an application form, which includes a brief essay or project. An interview may also be requested at the discretion of the program director.
Application to Xavier Honors Programs for Fall 2025 is test-optional. Applicants will be equally considered regardless of score submission. The choice to include or exclude ACT/SAT scores from consideration is made in the initial application to Xavier. If students do choose to submit their scores as part of their initial application to Xavier, those scores may be reviewed for consideration to honors programs.