在UTSA的最后一年学期开始之前，历史或美国研究专业（包括支持工作）的平均绩点为3.5或更高，并且整体平均绩点为3.0的学生可以获得部门荣誉。为此，学生必须在最后的两个学期注册荣誉论文课程（HIS 4993或AMS 4993），并且必须完成由教师主管和​​另一位教师批准的实质性原始研究项目。学生必须在专业和辅助工作上保持平均3.5分的积分，才有资格获得该奖项。
American Studies combines the study of history, literature, the arts, and social sciences to understand the diverse perspectives on cultural traditions and material practices shaping regional, ethnic, class, gender, and political diversity in the United States. American Studies students will conduct interdisciplinary study of topics such as race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, transnationalism and border studies, urban experience, social justice, cultural studies, and religion. American Studies provides excellent preparation for careers in many fields, including law, journalism, government, foreign service, social work, international business, education, nonprofit, and public administration. Students whose grade point average in the History or American Studies majors (including support work) before the beginning of their final year at UTSA is 3.5 or above, and whose overall grade point average is 3.0, may earn Department Honors. To do so, students must enroll in the honors thesis course (HIS 4993 or AMS 4993) their final two semesters and must complete a substantial original research project approved by the faculty supervisor and another faculty member. Students must maintain a 3.5 grade point average in both the major and support work to be eligible for the award.