Program Overview
Introduction to the Turing Scholars Honors Program
The Turing Scholars Honors Program is a prestigious program that combines a close-knit community with the resources of a top research university. This program is designed for students who are ready to think deeper, move faster, and challenge what’s possible.
Program Overview
The Turing Scholars Program is built for students who want to excel in computer science. The program includes:
- Advanced courses that go beyond the standard CS curriculum
- Research opportunities with leading faculty
- A close-knit community with small classes and strong peer connections
- Opportunities for mentorship and community engagement
An Accelerated, Challenging Curriculum
The Turing Scholars curriculum includes 10 honors courses, starting with an intensive first-year advanced honors coursework sequence that builds both skill and community. Students complete two research courses leading to an honors thesis, with small classes that go beyond the standard CS curriculum.
Close-Knit Community
The Turing Scholars Program combines the best of both worlds—the resources and opportunities of a top research university with the close-knit, supportive environment of a small community. With small classes and strong peer connections, students find space to connect, collaborate, and thrive. Highlights include:
- TSSA Events: The Turing Scholars Student Association hosts game nights, trivia, bowling, and an end-of-semester banquet to celebrate the community.
- Big/Little Mentorship: Incoming students are paired with mentors for advice, support, and friendship.
- Intramural Sports: Join free Turing teams for soccer, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and more.
- Space to Connect: Enjoy small classes of around 45 students, engage in deeper discussions, and gain mentorship from professors.
Undergraduate Research and Thesis
In Turing Scholars, research is built into your experience. You’ll work closely with faculty, explore a topic in depth, develop key skills, and complete an honors thesis by junior or senior year. Presenting to a faculty committee offers a glimpse of a Ph.D. defense and prepares you for grad school or industry.
Honors Housing
Live and learn alongside other honors students in UT’s Honors Living Community, located in the Honors Quad (Andrews, Blanton, Carothers, and Littlefield Halls). This option gives you access to a community of high-achieving students across multiple honors programs.
Application Process
To apply to the Turing Scholars Program, prospective students must:
- Apply to UT Austin and indicate their interest in honors.
- Submit the Turing Scholars requirements, including an expanded resume, honors essay prompt, and a letter of recommendation from a math or science teacher.
Current UT Computer Science students can also apply to the program by:
- Enrolling in Honors Courses (optional but encouraged).
- Accessing the online application for current UTCS students.
- Submitting their application by the deadline for their desired semester.
- Emailing their resume to the specified address.
Admissions decisions and next steps will be communicated after the review period.