Apply to the GCU Honors College

Interested in becoming a part of the Grand Canyon University (GCU) Honors College? Join our community of scholars and take advantage of all that the Honors College has to offer. Before applying, make sure to review the criteria, application materials and expectations of an honors student. We hope you take advantage of this unique opportunity to become a part of a group of fellow servant leaders and scholars.

All students must submit an application prior to completing 36 college credits. Incoming freshmen should check their GCU Student Portal to determine if they meet automatic eligibility for the GCU Honors College. External transfer students with a 3.5 college GPA who are currently enrolled in a college-level honors program or Phi Theta Kappa are eligible to waive the secondary honors application. Email [email protected] for more information.

Aug. 1 for fall terms
Dec. 1 for spring terms

Admission to the Honors College is based on the number of qualified applicants each year as well as each individual student’s unique qualifications. All applications are reviewed holistically to ensure that your individual skills and achievements are taken into consideration.

Criteria for Internal Transfers

If you are a current GCU student, you can join the Honors College as an internal transfer. You must have a 3.5 GCU GPA and apply prior to completing 36 college credits.

Materials

Submit the following materials as part of your application to the Honors College:

• Personal statement, 500-700 words
• Updated resume, including both employment and community service
• Two letters of recommendation

As an Honors College student, you are required to meet certain criteria in order to participate in the program. These requirements help ensure that you receive the most out of your honors college experience, including an enriched curriculum and unique symposia.

If you joined the Honors College as a freshman, you will need to complete 24 credits of coursework, in addition to co-curricular activities.

Curricular (24 credits)

• 8-12 credits of honors general education
• 12-16 credits of honors coursework in your major

Co-curricular

• Attend, participate in and pass HON-110: Honors Symposium (0 credits)
• You must maintain a 3.25 GPA at GCU.

If you are joining the Honors College after your freshman year, you will need to complete three areas of coursework requirements, totaling 20 honors credits.

Curricular (20 credits)

Co-curricular

• Attend, participate in and pass HON-110: Honors Symposium (0 credits)
• You must maintain a 3.25 GPA at GCU

You will complete 8-12 credits in your major, usually two to three courses, depending on the college program. Please view our complete list of honors courses in each major to learn more. Students should make sure that they are scheduled for these courses as 'honors credit' (HN).

Honors general education options include:

• UNV-109HN: Introduction to Honors Education & Academic Literacies
• CWV-106HN: Christianity: Story, Theology and Mission
• HUM-201HN: Intersections Between the Humanities & the Sciences
• COM-211HN: Honors Public Speaking