The University Honors Program (UHP) is a specialized program within the UAB Honors College which provides a uniquely engaging arts and sciences curriculum taught by faculty from a wide variety of academic fields. Special team-taught interdisciplinary courses and small seminars replace the core curriculum with something more innovative and varied for excellent students who value the full diversity
of their skills and interests. Students take interdisciplinary courses and honors seminars on topics not offered in the regular academic departments. Since honors seminars are limited to 16 students University Honors Program students have close personal contacts with their instructors and with other students, providing a sense of community and identity within the larger university context. University Honors Program students have the opportunity to meet and get to know not only a wide variety of faculty and administrators on campus, but important figures in the community and distinguished visitors from throughout the world. Honors students receive priority registration and have privileged access to faculty research and scholarship. The Spencer Honors House, with all of its facilities, belongs to the honors students and is accessible to them at all times. Students have the opportunity to travel and to participate in a wide variety of cultural, social, and scholarly events. After completing the program, they graduate with the special designation “With University Honors” on their transcripts and in the commencement program. In addition, Honors students are recognized annually at the university-wide Honors Convocation and at Honors Day. Graduation from the University Honors Program, with its broad interdisciplinary arts and sciences curriculum gives students a distinct advantage when applying for graduate or professional schools. Spencer Honors House
The center of identity and community for the University Honors Program is the Spencer Honors House, located on campus in the spacious and attractive environment of the Old Church at 1190 10th Avenue South. All instructional and social activities of the University Honors Program take place there. The Spencer Honors House is also available for day-to-day use by honors students for recreation, studying, meeting, and relaxing. The facilities include a kitchen, lounge areas, library, computer clusters, and pool and Ping-Pong tables. The offices of the director, associate director, and assistant director are also in the house. Scholarships
The Hess-Abroms Honors Scholarships, awarded annually, are valued at $24,000 each and provide $6,000 per year. Application is open to incoming freshmen. The award is based on superior academic achievement, creativity or talent, strong motivation, character, and intellectual promise. Application materials are made available at the time of interview. The University Honors Program also has a number of smaller ($1,000-$2,000) annual scholarships that are awarded in May each year. Students who have committed to entering the program can apply for these scholarships that are distributed based on merit and need.
