RESOURCE MENU
Academics
Honors College
The Vision
Residing at the heart of Anderson University’s faith and learning endeavor, the Honors College invites students of exceptional ability to explore perennial human questions and the Western intellectual tradition in light of the Christian heritage. Small seminar style classes stress the integration of faith and learning, multidisciplinary connections, critical thinking, and persuasion.
The AU Honors College looks for academically gifted students who are interested in the intersection of faith and reason, Christianity and culture, spirituality and the liberal arts. You might flourish in the Honors College if you seek academic challenge along with Christian devotion, if you are naturally inquisitive, if you are comfortable wrestling with life’s most difficult questions, and you if desire to sharpen your skills in critical thinking.
Bringing together high-achieving students, outstanding professors, and a tailored curriculum, the Honors College creates an immersive, engaging learning environment that offers a unique college experience and allows students to contribute constructively to the most important issues in a society.
Residing at the heart of Anderson University’s faith and learning endeavor, the Honors College invites students of exceptional ability to explore perennial human questions in light of the Christian intellectual tradition. From the church fathers and Greek philosophers, the Renaissance and Reformation, to modernity and postmodernity, the College leads students to join life’s most important conversations surrounding God, the world, truth, beauty, and goodness. Small seminar-style classes stress the integration of faith and learning, exploration of the Christian faith, multidisciplinary connections, critical thinking, and persuasion.
Signature Elements
Unique Curriculum
Honors courses are created exclusively for Honors students, approaching perennial human questions about God, humanity, truth, beauty, and goodness. Students explore these questions from within the Western intellectual tradition and in light of the Christian heritage, perusing treasures from antiquity to the present day.
Unique Classroom
Instead of merely attaching more work to normal courses, Honors courses are designed as discussion-based seminars, emphasizing critical thought and inquiry-based learning. A selection of AU’s best faculty serves as mentors, building critical thinking through a pedagogy of discovery. Classes sizes are generally limited to sixteen students.
Unique Community
Students journey through the program in cohorts and enjoy full access to the Honors Commons. Additionally, they participate in a variety of intellectually invigorating, fellowship-building events including faculty forums, guest lectures, community service, travel opportunities, and more.
Admission Requirements
3.5+ high school GPA
Standardized tests scores required: 1250+ SAT or 27+ ACT or 82+ CLT
Prospective students should first apply to Anderson University and, if eligible, will be invited to apply to the Honors College. The Honors College application involves two 500-word essays.
Benefits
Priority Class Registration
Anderson University’s Honors students receive prioritized class registration that allows them to register for classes multiple days earlier than other students outside of the program.
Honors Signature Events
The Honors Programs hosts several opportunities for students to connect with professors and peers, serve those in need, and worship God, such as First Fridays, Service Saturdays, and Sabbath Sundays.
Research and Travel Opportunities
Instead of taking core requirements in Bible, students have the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. and visit The Museum of the Bible as they learn more about God’s Word.
Recognition at Commencement
As students earn their diplomas for their hard work during graduation, honors students are separately recognized for their achievements in prodigious and exceptional academics.
Enhanced Academic Resume
After graduating from Anderson University, honors students’ resumes are steps ahead. Their enhancements in learning stand out among employers in your future career path.
Coursework
The Honors College follows scaffolded progress, coordinates with the major, and satisfies several Core Curriculum requirements. Total credit hours: 19-20.
Years 1 & 2
HON 101, Foundations 1: Athens & Jerusalem (3 hrs), satisfies PHI 210 in the Core Curriculum.
HON 102, Foundations 2: Renaissance, Reformation, & Revolutions (3 hrs), satisfies ENG 102 or Historical Inquiry in the Core Curriculum.
HON 201, Foundations 3: Modernity & Postmodernity (3 hrs), satisfies Social Inquiry for most majors in the Core Curriculum.
HON 315, Christian Apologetics: Reason, Evidence, Revelation, & Faith (3 hrs), satisfies CHR 305 in the Core Curriculum.
Years 3 & 4
Two Interdisciplinary Electives (6-7 hrs), depending on offering, satisfies CON, CTI, Creative Inquiry, Intercultural Inquiry, or Scientific Inquiry in the Core.
HON 496, Senior Seminar (1hr)
Location
Honors Commons
The Honors College is housed in the Honors Commons, a historic residence situated on a picturesque corner lot on Anderson University’s main campus. The Honors Commons features a kitchen, living room, study spaces, faculty offices, and a dedicated classroom.
Contact
