Is Honors College Worth it?

The Honors College here at Grand Canyon University is a home for students who are looking for a community of bright and distinguished peers. But you may be asking, Should I consider a college honors program? and Is Honors College worth it? Every college will have something different to offer, but there are a wide variety of benefits.

Let’s find the answers to these questions and discover the many opportunities available to students in the Honors College at GCU.

In This Article:

• What Is Honors College? 
• Honors College Benefits
• Post-Grad Benefits
• Embrace the Challenge
• Challenge Yourself With GCU’s Honor College

What Is Honors College?

The Honors College is a specialized program that offers students a challenging and enriched academic experience. It is an opportunity to embark on a transformative journey as students delve deeper into their education and build on their experiences. Enrolling at the Honors College gives them the opportunity to grow, learn and excel.

A Deeper Purpose

GCU’s Honors College is designed to produce exemplary graduates who are uniquely equipped to lead and serve in the workplace as well as within their local and global communities. Our mission is to develop servant leaders and change agents who are primed to enter the world with a competitive advantage over their contemporaries in the fields of problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, evidence-based decision-making and cultural awareness. — GCU Honors College Mission Statement

The Honors College encourages students to participate in community service events, global outreach, and leadership programs that go beyond the classroom and coursework. All these efforts give Honors College students an opportunity to learn how to give back and to be connected to the world. This emphasis on service and leadership also helps students broaden their education and give them real-life experience before graduating. As of Fall 2023, nearly 270 students have been recognized as Honors Academic Excellence and Servant Leadership Scholars. These scholars have exuded a commitment to excellence throughout their academic journey to date, and have simultaneously displayed a commitment to serving the community and leading with passion and purpose.

The Honors College here at GCU serves a deeper purpose, which focuses on these core pillars:

• Strength in a Christ-centered community
• Innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration
• Character and integrity
• Global exploration and engagement
• Commitment to service and service-minded leadership
• Lifelong learning

The Honors College is not just about high GPAs or achieving high academic standards; it serves a deeper purpose by fostering a community of learners who are dedicated to making a difference. It hopes to inspire and motivate students to challenge themselves further, while helping them build their own paths to the future.

Honors College Benefits

The Honors College offers many benefits that aid students along their academic journeys and in future careers. It is important to note that it is entirely dependent on the student and what opportunities they decide to take. Everyone’s educational experience will be different, but all the tools and opportunities are available for any honors student.

"Our hope is to help students build their resumes, experiences, networks and skills above and beyond the classroom by helping them put their faith and learning into action," says Dr. Hahn. 

Let’s look at what benefits the Honors College at GCU has to offer: 

Enriching Community

“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, build a team.”

Dr. Breanna Naegeli, Dean of the Honors College and Global Studies, is a firm believer in the quote above. She explains, “The Honors College cultivates a community of like-minded peers that aspire not only for personal growth and achievement but for meaningful contributions to their local and global communities.”

One of the Honors College benefits is being part of a small, supportive community full of like-minded people. There is even a lounge and study spot for honors students to use together. There is a focus on collaboration and innovation as students help to encourage one another through their classes, projects or events. The collaborative environment helps to enrich the students’ experience and time at the Honors College.

Exceptional Academics

Should I consider a college honors program for its academics?

The Honors College offers courses designed to push students beyond the standard curriculum. These courses and coursework give students the opportunities to practice helpful skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership.

The Honors College does its best to prepare and educate its students by offering various courses dedicated to honors students. These specific classes provide advantages to students by having smaller class sizes with a cap of 40 students.

These courses give students the opportunity to earn honors credit toward their graduation. If you’re interested in reviewing the full list of courses, you can see it in the Honors College Course Catalog. 

Transformative Programs

Another of the Honors College benefits is the many transformative programs they offer. The Honors College provides designed professional and leadership development programs to Honors College students each year at no charge. These programs allow students to be part of a small cohort and to participate in activities that may help them develop new skills, learn new topics and prepare for their future careers.

The Honors College programs include:

• FLIGHT Peer Mentorship Program
• Inside Entertainment
• Public Square Series
• Canyon Civic Institute
• Pre-Health Medical and Graduate School Prep Program
• Young Athena Valley of Sun Leadership Program
• Leadership in Action Institute and Fellowship
• P.A.C. Professional Development Program

To learn more about what each program may offer, you can explore all of the honors programs here. 

Post Grad Benefits

Does Honors College matter to employers or graduate schools? Yes, it can.¹ Taking some advanced coursework and participating in leadership activities may add value to your resume, LinkedIn profile and graduate school applications.

Employers

Being part of the Honors College can be an important advantage for job applicants.² Employers may value honors students because their credentials show that they are willing to put in the extra work to go the extra mile.³ When seeking the right person for a job, employers look for valuable skills and experiences that the student can bring to the position.

Graduate School

Being part of an honors program can also help you apply for graduate school.⁴ There are programs and mentors available for students interested in taking their education to the next step by attending graduate school. Participating in research opportunities, taking all of the coursework needed for honors and utilizing mentorship could help strengthen your graduate school application. 

Embrace the Challenge

Challenge Yourself With GCU’s Honor College

The Honors College offers its students a variety of opportunities to aid them in their academic journey and build on their experience. The Honors College here at GCU opens the door for students to challenge themselves further. So, join the community while earning your bachelor’s degree from GCU.