The Davidson Management Honors Program is committed to graduating well-rounded citizens and community leaders who constantly pursue personal and intellectual growth.
DMHP Learning Outcomes
Students will recognize, analyze and communicate business issues and trends on a domestic and global level through enriched coursework, group collaboration, and close interaction with faculty.
Students will expand their leadership attributes.
Students will engage in action for positive change in the community serving as ambassadors for UT Dallas.
Students will assess the intrinsic value of career opportunities based on factors that contribute to long-term career well-being.
Applications for rising freshmen to apply to DMHP (first semester at UT Dallas is Fall 2017) will close on Monday, July 17th at 5pm.
Must submit an online application, essay, resume and recommendation letter (letters can be uploaded on the application or emailed separately to honors@utdallas.edu).
Must be in the top 20 percent of their high school graduating class.
Minimum 1310 (as of March 2016) on SAT or comparable ACT score for combined Math and Critical Reading (scores earned prior to March 2016 should be a combined 1250).
Applications are still accepted after the Dec. 4 early action deadline and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until our class is full. Since class sizes are kept small, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the class is full.
* If admitted, this is a non-binding admissions decision. Students will not be required to enroll in UT Dallas, the Jindal School of Management, or the Davidson Management Honors Program.
Transfer or Current UT Dallas Students
Each year, a limited number of current UT Dallas freshmen or external transfers will be accepted into the program to begin the following fall semester. Students can only apply at the end of their freshman year. All applications are evaluated based on the academic rigor of the original school (if not UT Dallas), courses taken and the earned GPA. Other admission requirements and considerations are:
Minimum 24 hours college credit
Minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA (to be verified after the spring semester)
SAT and high school class rank
Resume showing work experience and/or campus involvement
Essay
One letter of recommendation from a UT Dallas faculty member (or from your current university if not a current UT Dallas student)
Interview (phone or in person)
Copy of unofficial transcript (external applicants only)
** To be eligible, you must not have taken more than two of the courses that are part of the honors sequence (based on your incoming freshman class).
Transfer Admission Deadlines
Internal Transfers (current UT Dallas students): Deadline to Apply: Feb. 9, 2018
External Transfers: Deadline to Apply: June 8, 2018
Honors Program students benefit from a “cohort” system, taking smaller honors classes together from highly regarded Jindal School faculty members. Class sizes are limited, offering a unique experience to interact with and learn from their classmates and professors.
Incoming Freshman Classes of 2015, 2016 and 2017
BLAW 2301 Business and Public Law – Fall Semester Freshman Year
MKT 3300 Principles of Marketing – Spring Semester, Freshman Year
BCOM 3310 Business Communications – Fall Semester, Sophomore Year
ACCT 2301 Financial Accounting – Fall Semester, Sophomore Year
ACCT 2302 Managerial Accounting – Spring Semester, Sophomore Year
OBHR 3310 Organizational Behavior – Spring Semester, Sophomore Year
IMS 3310 International Business – Fall Semester, Junior Year
BCOM 4350 Advanced Communications – Spring Semester, Junior Year
BLAW 4310 Current Issues in Business and Law – Spring Semester, Senior Year
Incoming Freshman Classes of 2014
BLAW 2301 Business and Public Law – Fall Semester Freshman Year
MKT 3300 Principles of Marketing – Spring Semester, Freshman Year
BCOM 3100 Professional Development – Spring Semester, Freshman Year
BCOM 3310 Business Communications – Fall Semester, Sophomore Year
ACCT 2301 Financial Accounting – Fall Semester, Sophomore Year
ACCT 2302 Managerial Accounting – Spring Semester, Sophomore Year
OBHR 3310 Organizational Behavior – Spring Semester, Sophomore Year
IMS 3310 International Business – Fall Semester, Junior Year
BCOM 4350 Advanced Communications – Spring Semester, Junior Year
BLAW 4310 Current Issues in Business and Law – Spring Semester, Senior Year
Academic Requirements
DMHP students commit to the honors cohort class sequence upon acceptance into the program. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure he/she is taking the appropriate classes to complete pre-requisite requirements in order to stay on track in the cohort sequence, and avoids taking classes that are a part of the sequence as non-honors (unless approved by DMHP staff).
To remain in good standing, DMHP students must meet the following minimum cumulative UT Dallas GPA requirements:
Freshmen:
Cumulative UT Dallas GPAs will be evaluated at the end of the spring semester of freshman year. If the UT Dallas GPA is below a 3.25, the student will be dismissed from DMHP. All students who do not meet the minimum requirement of 3.25 will have the opportunity to appeal. Appeals should be based on extenuating, nonacademic circumstances. All appeal decisions will be made by DMHP professional staff, and they will be final.
Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors:
Students must maintain a cumulative UT Dallas GPA of 3.25 or higher each semester to remain in good standing with the program.
Additional Requirements
Minimum of THREE DMHP professional development events per academic year
Minimum of TWO community service events totaling at least 6 hours—through the Office of Student Volunteerism (OSV) at UT Dallas or DMHP sponsored events—per academic year
Students must sign-in to receive credit for these events.
Community service done through OSV must be documented by printing off your OrgSync confirmation for signing up for the event, or by forwarding an OSV event confirmation email to DMHP professional staff.
Travel time to and from service sites is counted toward your service hours.
Conduct
Any unprofessional conduct or unethical behavior is subject to review by DMHP professional staff. Unprofessional or unethical behavior may result in discipline up to and including dismissal from DMHP.
DMHP students must adhere to the UT Dallas Student Code of Conduct. DMHP reserves the right to review violations of the UT Dallas Code of Conduct in order to determine DMHP eligibility by working with UT Dallas’ Dean of Students office. Students who are found responsible for violating the UT Dallas Student Code of Conduct may be dismissed from the program.
DMHP students take honors classes in a cohort – a ‘cohort’ is a group of students that take honors classes together in sequential order, upon entering the business honors program. All DMHP students will take at least one business honors class together per academic year and these classes will be taught by highly regarded faculty members. Honors class sizes will also be limited. In addition to their honors classes, DMHP students participate in special projects, business competitions, and case competitions.
DMHP focuses on fostering business honors students’ professional development so they are competitive candidates for internships, full-time jobs and graduate schools. These events allow DMHP students to network with top companies and expand their professional skill sets. As a result, DMHP students are the recipients of top internships: Amazon.com, 7-Eleven, Accenture, JP Morgan Chase, KPMG US, and Toyota USA, to name a few.
Past professional development activities have included:
Company site visits, including: the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Texas Instruments, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, J.C. Penney, and AT&T
Mock Interview Day, including participation from: AT&T, Ericsson, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Verizon, GEICO, and more
“Breakfast with a Pro” and “An Afternoon with…” speaker series
DMHP students participate in community service projects throughout the Richardson and Dallas areas. The business honors program students volunteer in a variety of service capacities – ranging from serving over 500 meals at The Stewpot, to helping with concessions and games for Grandparent’s Day at C.C. Young Senior Living. DMHP students completed over 647 service hours in the 2016-17 academic year, in addition to completing their honors classes and professional development event requirements.
As sophomores, DMHP students have the opportunity to travel together to Washington, D.C. and New York City. This trip includes sight-seeing and meeting with potential employers and Naveen Jindal School of Management alumni.
Student visits include:
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Capitol
U.S. Supreme Court
Smithsonian
Department of State
Library of Congress
U.S. Holocaust Museum
New York City
Empire State Building
Deloitte
New York Stock Exchange
Statue of Liberty
Metropolitan Museum of Art
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
DMHP also offers an annual international trip in late May that is open to business honors program students of all years. In May 2017, a group of 28 business honors program students, ranging from rising sophomores to graduated seniors, traveled to Hong Kong. This trip includes a mix of professional development meetings and sightseeing excursions. Each year the program plans to go to a new international trip location.
Student visits in Hong Kong included:
Hong Kong City Tour
Victoria Peak
Lantau Island
Macau Excursion
Hong Kong Stock Exchange
American Chamber of Commerce
Hong Kong – The America Center
HSBC
DMHP also offers scholarship opportunities to help students study abroad or take part in a faculty-lead international study trips. DMHP’s Global Experience Scholarship (GES) has supported students on trips to Austria, Chile, France, Germany, Japan and more.
DMHP students also have the opportunity to participate in social events throughout the academic year, including business honors program student group outings to WhirlyBall, Painting with a Twist, bowling at Main Event, and barbecue socials on-campus.
Xayra Balicante Class of 2019
Majors: Global Business, Marketing
Hometown: McKinney, Texas
Why did you choose to attend UT Dallas?
I did a campus tour with my high school when I was a junior and it put UT Dallas on the map for me because I loved how the campus looked and felt as a whole. I was still very much undecided in my choice of school, but due to how close UT Dallas was and the added bonus of a scholarship, I finally made my choice – and I don’t regret it one bit!
Extracurricular:
DMHP Advisory Council Community Service Chair
Filipino Student Association
Director of Recruitment and Membership in SHRM
Academic Excellence Scholarship Council
Diversity Ambassador
What is your favorite UT Dallas/DMHP memory so far?
There have been so many great things from my experience at UT Dallas/DMHP. But by far, the best time has been serving as a DMHP New Member Retreat leader for the freshmen. It was such a fun way to get to know the new cohort and bond with them, along with my other fellow retreat leaders.
How do you think DMHP has enhanced your college experience?
DMHP has given me a personalized experience within JSOM that I wouldn’t have been able to get without this program. I get to know some of the best professors and staff in the university, be given opportunities to travel, and be with the same friends for four years.
What are your long-term professional goals?
I want to be working at a successful and thriving company where I can make a lasting difference for years to come. It’s cheesy, but that quote by Confucius, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” is what I want to live by.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to play with my dog (any and all dogs), volunteer, and hang out with people!
What advice do you have for new college freshmen?
College is a complete fresh start. There are so many opportunities available for you, you just have to go out and seize them!
Aman Vakharia Class of 2018
Majors: Finance, Information Technology and Systems
Hometown: Murphy, Texas
Why did you choose to attend UT Dallas?
I knew that the school was growing when I applied here. I had a few friends who attended JSOM and spoke nothing but good things about the professors and the environment. Paired with the scholarship I was offered, it was a no brainer.
Extracurricular:
UT Dallas Racquetball
DECA at UT Dallas
Brother of Alpha Kappa Psi
What is your favorite UT Dallas/DMHP memory so far?
I think my favorite memory has to be the trip to DC and New York in March of 2016. Experiencing those cities with such a diverse and close group of people was an opportunity of a lifetime. I learned a lot about the cities through the unique business visits, but, most importantly, got very close to a group of great people, some of who are now my closest friends.
How do you think DMHP has enhanced your college experience?
I think the strongest part of my DMHP experience definitely has to do with the relationships I’ve formed with my peers. Through the cohort classes, the various trips and the plethora of events, I’ve really formed my closest friendships. Without it I doubt that I would be this close to a group of people. It’s like my second family and it’s all thanks to DMHP.
What are your long-term professional goals?
After my time in DMHP, I’d really like to gain a few years’ work experience in the Management Consulting area of business. I want to use this potential opportunity as a segue into a top tier Graduate school, preferably Northwestern University, and get an MBA. I believe that this will be a stepping stone into a top tier consulting firm, at which I can really make a difference.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time I love to play racquetball. It calms me down before a major event or exam. I also love to take pictures. I’m an exotic car photographer and I’d prefer to do nothing else. Other than that? Netflix, food and hanging with friends.
What advice do you have for new college freshmen?
Find your niche. There are so many diverse opportunities to get involved in at UT Dallas. To truly get the most out of the college experience and generate relationships with great people, you’ve got to be involved and do things that make you happy.
Leora Kurtzer Class of 2017
Majors: Marketing
Hometown:The world. (I’ve moved around a lot!) Dallas is where I call home, though.
Why did you choose to attend UT Dallas?
I was looking for a school that would allow me to be close to family while challenging me academically.
Extracurricular:
DMHP Senior Class Co-Chair
American Marketing Association Member.
Dean’s Council
UT Dallas TV Volunteer
What is your favorite UT Dallas/DMHP memory so far?
I loved going on the sophomore spring break trip to New York and Washington DC. It was a week packed with lots of walking, but it was a great learning experience and just plain fun! Getting to explore these two important cities with my favorite people was a blast! I appreciated the organization and effort that went into making this trip happen, and I feel truly blessed to be in a program that gives students this kind of opportunity.
How do you think DMHP has enhanced your college experience?
I have said this from the beginning, being in DMHP is like having a group of college friends handpicked for you from the beginning of your freshman year. College can sometimes be overwhelming because you have to make new friends every single semester. Having classmates from DMHP meant that I had a consistent group of friends from beginning to end. The students in DMHP are smart, motivated, and passionate which are all qualities I look for in people I surround myself with.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I plan to continue working at my current job at Catalyst, a creative merchandise agency. Also, I plan to adopt a dog!!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
When I actually have free time (which isn’t often), I like to go for bike rides, explore Dallas, and of course, watch Netflix.
What advice do you have for new college freshmen?
Don’t be afraid to sit in the front row, befriend professors, and take charge! If you are afraid to try something new, ask yourself, “will this kill me?” If the answer is yes, avoid confronting that fear. However, most of the time, that answer will be no. These are the years where you should push your boundaries and truly discover who you are. Most importantly, try to not be too hard on yourself and enjoy the years that adults call “the best years of your life.”
Victor Daescu Class of 2019
Majors: Business Administration, Pre-Medicine
Hometown: Plano, Texas
Why did you choose to attend UT Dallas?
My dad has been a professor of computer science at UTD since 2000, so I had exposure to the campus since I was little. I saw the tremendous growth of UTD over the years, growth that has shown no sign of stopping, and I wanted to be a part of that. Of course, a generous scholarship was a strong draw as well.
Extracurricular:
DMHP Advisory Council
UT Dallas Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA); Volunteer Coordinator
What is your favorite UT Dallas/DMHP memory so far?
I think my favorite DMHP memory so far was the Whirlyball social my sophomore year. I was able to catch up and have fun with members of my cohort, and I was also able to make new interactions with the other cohorts. It was a great time and a great way to socialize with the incredible members of the DMHP program.
How do you think DMHP has enhanced your college experience?
The greatest thing DMHP has done for me is to put me in contact with so many other great students. The friendships and relationships I have formed and will continue to form are something I cherish. Additionally, the excellent professors and staff of DMHP and the challenging courses have made it one of my favorite aspects of college.
What are your long-term professional goals?
After I graduate from UTD, I want to go to UT Southwestern Medical School and study to become a physician. My ultimate goal is to eventually open my own medical practice, and to that end I will apply the skills I learned through DMHP and JSOM to successfully manage it.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time I love reading novels, especially fantasy and science fiction. I also enjoy playing tennis and swimming to get some activity into my day. Otherwise, I watch Netflix, play the occasional video game, and hang out with friends.
What advice do you have for new college freshmen?
Explore the campus organizations, and discover what you want to be a part of. There are so many different organizations and so much diversity that you will find at least a few to be interested in. This is a great way to make lasting friendships and immerse yourself in campus life.
Joshua Chang Class of 2017
Majors: Information Technology Systems, Marketing
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Why did you choose to attend UT Dallas?
There are many reasons as to why I chose to attend UT Dallas. Coming from Austin, many of my friends asked me why not UT Austin? Many would say scholarships. However, the reality is that the larger the University, the harder it is to form a relationship with your professors. I believed that UT Dallas would give me a unique opportunity to build a deeper network and branch out through the growing Dallas area. In the end, it’s what you make of your own experience.
Extracurricular:
UT Dallas Tennis Club
UT Dallas Men’s Volleyball Club
I also play volleyball in leagues outside of UT Dallas
What is your favorite UT Dallas/DMHP memory so far?
My favorite memory from UT Dallas/DMHP would be the DC and NYC trip. I have two memories that I remember the most – everyone walking in pouring and freezing rain through the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and standing in the middle of Times Square. Those would be the best bonding experiences anyone could ask for.
How do you think DMHP has enhanced your college experience?
DMHP has definitely created a unique challenge through college in class difficulty. However, that gave me experiences to differentiate myself from other college students.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I plan to work and stay in Dallas for around 5 years – and then pursue an MBA. Dallas is a growing city. This is where I would want to see myself ending up.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
During my free time, I play piano or violin to de-stress. Music has always been a big part of my life. So, creating music with new instruments keeps me occupied.
What advice do you have for new college freshmen?
College is what you make of it. The worst student going to the best university will still leave with nothing to show. You will first notice that you suddenly have a whole lot more free time than high school; take that time to learn about yourself and explore your interests. In high school, the people you are with you see for 8 hours every day. Now, you can branch out and meet new people. College is the time for “I tried it and I sucked at it…” or else, you’ll one day end up with “I’ve always wanted to try, I could have been talented at it, but I can’t now because I’m busy.” Just do it.
Triza Nganga Class of 2017
Majors: Accounting
Hometown: Irving, Texas
Why did you choose to attend UT Dallas?
Seeing all the amazing opportunities UT Dallas had offered to my older sister is one of the main reasons why I chose to attend this university. Additionally, the financial support, top rankings and fast-growing popularity also led me to choose to attend UT Dallas.
Please list any clubs/leadership positions you hold at UT Dallas:
Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) Peer Leader in the Student Success Center IGNITE Co-President of the UT Dallas Chapter
Secretary of the National Association of Black Accountants Academic Bridge Program
Accounting Club
What is your favorite UT Dallas/DMHP memory so far?
I am grateful to DMHP for the many events and programs that it holds just for its honors students. My favorite DMHP event would be when employees from Texas Instruments came on campus to critique the résumés of DMHP students. Listening to their suggestions was helpful because they were aware of what information was critical to include in a résumé for possible employment with TI and other companies.
How do you think DMHP has enhanced your college experience?
Participating in DMHP has allowed me to connect more with all of my professors through smaller class sizes, network with professionals, and further improve my professional and leadership skills.
What are your long-term professional goals?
One of my long-term professional goals includes obtaining a master’s degree in accounting through the Professional Program in Accounting. After gaining more experience in the accounting field, I will then take the steps necessary to achieve my long-term goal of becoming a judge.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching movies and ice skating.
What advice do you have for new college freshmen?
Get involved on campus because this is how you will be exposed to various programs and opportunities as well as meet people with similar interests who can help you in your academic and professional goals.
Matt is the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and the Director of the Davidson Management Honors Program. Prior to joining UT Dallas in 2006 he worked as an auditor with a public accounting firm and practiced as a corporate and securities lawyer. Matt has earned Doctor of Jurisprudence, Master in Professional Accounting, and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. His teaching interest is in the area of business law, and he is a recipient of The University of Texas Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. He has been a licensed attorney in the state of Texas since November 2003.
Elise is the Associate Director for the Davidson Management Honors Program. Prior to joining UT Dallas in February of 2014, Elise worked as the Coordinator of New Student Orientation and Student Support at Southern Methodist University. Elise received her Masters of Education in Post-Secondary Administration and Student Affairs from the University of Southern California. Elise received her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Broadcast Journalism, with a minor in Japanese, from Texas Christian University.
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