Curriculum
Health Science Scholars complete a Bachelor of Science and Arts degree plan in a department within the College of Natural Sciences. The BSA combines a science emphasis with sufficient electives to create a truly cross-disciplinary undergraduate curriculum. Students can augment their science coursework with study in the humanities, communication, business, education, social sciences, or the arts. They can also use their elective hours to pursue research for course credit in or outside their major. After graduation, the student’s transcript will reflect receipt of a BSA-Honors degree if the student has completed the curricular and extracurricular requirements of HSS.
Thesis Options
Departmental Honors Research + Thesis
Conduct original research with a faculty member, usually in a laboratory setting
Work with a faculty mentor (the lab’s Principal Investigator, or P.I.)
Develop an individual project connected to their lab’s work—for which primary responsibility is given
Research/Internship/Experience + Thesis
Participate in a practicum, internship, or project rooted in health sciences, health policy, or service
Conduct research in a lab outside one’s major
Perform an original data-collection project in the field or in a lab
Honors Coursework
Health Science Scholars explore diverse fields and undertake unique coursework tailored to their chosen majors. However, all students must complete specific courses aligned with the honors pathway. Throughout their entire undergraduate journey, from the summer before freshman year to their last semester, the program offers individualized academic advising through an honors-specific advisor and continuous support from the Health Professions office (HPO), ensuring students receive comprehensive support at every stage.
UGS 303 | Originality in the Arts and Sciences
Students undertake original research in both the hard sciences and the humanities. The final project is a competition that requires students, working in teams, to develop an idea for a grant, consult with relevant faculty on constraints, cost projections, and current research in the field, and deliver their proposal to the class.
NSC 109 | Planning Capstone Project
Students spend at least one year in either lab research or a practicum related to health, health care, or community service. They write reflective essays, interview faculty and community professionals, read and respond to great writers' thoughts on great writing, conduct independent research, and develop the foundation for their senior Capstone Thesis.
NSC 110H | HSS First-Year Seminar
Freshmen acclimate to the rigors of a demanding college curriculum through exposure to guest speakers from the health care professions and introductions to some of the College's faculty while they build relationships within the HSS student community.
NSC 323 | Thesis Planning Workshop
This seminar walks students through a series of steps intended to guide them toward successful completion of a substantial honors thesis. Most of the planning and last-stage research occurs in the fall; most of the writing occurs in the spring.
NSC 110H | CNS Honors Seminars
Faculty select a topic they're passionate about, lead discussions organized around a few readings, and let students lead part of a class on one of the readings. These seminars bring together students in each program and create lively, productive exchanges.
NSC 371 | HSS Capstone Thesis Seminar
Students complete a series of assignments designed to keep them on track. The goal is timely completion of a substantial honors-quality thesis. They also present their findings at one of several research events near the end of the semester.
Volunteer Requirement
As an integral part of the program's dedication to community service, all members of Health Science Scholars are obliged to fulfill 15 hours of volunteer work each semester. Among these hours, 5 are specifically designated for HSS-sponsored events, fostering collaboration and teamwork among students as they engage in meaningful service together.
Where we volunteer:
Posada Esperanza: a full-service transitional housing program for immigrant mothers and their children
Garza Tutoring Program: students mentor Garza HS students in subjects including English, SAT, Algebra, Calculus, Physics, etc.
UHS Flu Shot Clinic: volunteers help keep the UT Health Services Flu Shot clinic running smoothly by directing individuals to their appointments, helping with check-in, and preparing supplies for the next day's clinic
Micah 6: a food pantry that supports people from all walks of life
and more!
