How to Apply
Admission to Xavier’s honors programs is highly selective. Students who demonstrate strong academic performance, thoughtful engagement in their application materials, and a commitment to learning and intellectual curiosity are especially encouraged to apply.
To be considered for an honors program, students should:
- Indicate their interest in an honors program on their application:
- For programs that are also majors (e.g., PPP, Data Science), select the program as your intended major.
- For programs that are not majors (e.g., University Scholars, Smith Scholars), indicate interest in the academics section of the Xavier application.
- Complete the Xavier application, which will be holistically reviewed for both admission to the University and for consideration in the selected honors program.
- Apply Early Action by November 1 for priority consideration.
Program directors may request an interview following the submission of an application. Please feel free to contact the director of any honors program with questions.
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.
Please feel free to contact the program's director, Dr. David J. Gerberry, with any questions.
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.
Please feel free to contact the program's director, Dr. Kathleen Smythe, with any questions.
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.
Please feel free to contact the program's director, Dr. Steven Frankel, with any questions.
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.).
Please feel free to contact the program's director, Dr. Karim Tiro, with any questions.
REQUIREMENTS
Admission to Xavier University honors programs is highly selective. 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 meeting these academic guidelines, prospective students will indicate their interest in honors programs directly on their Xavier application. Based on a holistic review of their Xavier application, including essays, letters of recommendation, and academic performance, qualifying students will be offered admission to the various honors programs. While students don't need to submit a separate application, an interview may still be requested at the discretion of the program director.
Application to Xavier honors programs for Fall 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 application to Xavier, those scores may be reviewed for consideration to honors programs. Xavier encourages students interested in honors programs to apply Early Action by Nov. 1 for priority consideration.