Odessa College Honors College

Odessa College Honors College

The Honors College at Odessa College provides special recognition, support and enhanced learning opportunities to motivated, high-achieving students seeking honors course credit, Honors distinction at graduation, and an enriched college experience. The rigorous coursework, special projects, cultural events, seminars, and social activities embedded in the Honors College create a collegial bond between students and prepare them for successful transfer to chosen universities and career paths. Additionally, the Honors College aims to stimulate a passion for life-long learning and to create an atmosphere that fosters the development and practice of students’ critical-thinking, communication, and leadership skills.

Eligibility

At least one of the following requirements must be met for entry. 

• A high school GPA of 3.50 on a 4.0 scale. Dual credit students are eligible, but must be in the 11^th or 12^th grade at the time of entry to the Honors College.
• A college GPA of 3.50 with 6+ credit hours.

In addition, students: 

• Must be a current, transfer or new student at Odessa College and in pursuit of an Associate’s and/or Bachelor’s degree
• Must demonstrate “college readiness,” based upon TSIA testing or multiple measures (i.e. ACT/SAT scores or advanced high school coursework)
• Must be in good standing with Odessa College

Application Process

Interested students must complete the Honors College Application to apply to the Honors College!

Applications will be accepted each semester for program entry during the following semester. A Selection Panel will admit Honors College candidates based on review of the following:

• Application Form
• Written Essay
• Recommendations (STUDENTS: You are required to submit two (2) recommendations to be considered for the Honors College. One recommendation must be from an instructor who has recently taught you, preferably at the college or another institution of higher education.  Please forward this link https://forms.office.com/r/gVasAmabiT to your references and include your first and last name as well as student ID number.)
• Transcripts
• Interview (as needed) 

Application reviews will take place once per semester for admission to the following semester.

 Program Benefits and Expectations 

Honors College students will have the opportunity to graduate as either an Honors Fellow or an Honors Scholar. Both tracks offer students the chance to demonstrate their academic, research, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills and can lead to Honors College Transition Scholarships upon graduation.

Note: Candidates are eligible to apply for the OC Honors College Transition Scholarship only if they have met Honors Scholars or Honors Fellows criteria and if they have met requirements for graduation with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from OC. The scholarship is meant to help with expenses related to university transfer or job/career placement.

Honors Courses 

Honors Courses are designed to, at a deeper level, help students: 

• Develop effective written and oral communication skills
• Develop the ability to analyze, to synthesize, and to understand scholarly and creative work
• Become independent and critical thinkers and problem-solvers

While the general content and learning outcomes will remain similar to traditional courses, honors courses may involve increased discussion, special seminars, experiential learning, research, and other independent-study opportunities.

Students should visit with their designated advisor for honors course offerings each term and for guidance with enrollment.

Need more information: contact us at honors@odessa.edu

Additional Honors College Resources