GV Honors Program
What is the GV Honors Program?
The GV Honors Program is a selective, application-based opportunity to receive Honors recognition upon graduation. Students who capitalize on this program will undergo an exploration of humanity, society and life's purpose. GV Honors students will develop strong communication skills through discussions and collaborative learning opportunities - on and off campus. Begin learning in a completely new way, strengthen leadership skills and engage with peers and professors who share similar levels of intellectual curiosity.
Why Participate in the GV Honors Program?
By completing the program, you will develop deeply connected relationships with your classmates, both inside and outside of your major. These relationships are fostered through the Honors Program's unique ability to provide cohesive learning. Dive into intense discussions and learn through interactive small groups. Have fun exploring with other Honors members in the Logos After Hours class consisting of movies, theater and other Des Moines cultural opportunities. Furthermore, expand on your connections with professors for mentorship and leadership.
Bonus Benefits of GV Honors Program
- Distinguish yourself with an Honors designation upon graduation
- Engage in unique off-campus activities
- Gain an additional academic advisor
- Collaborate in a small learning environment
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Stand out to employers
- Become more involved on-campus and in the community
How Does the GV Honors Program Work?
GV Honors Program consists of six semester-long courses, ranging from one to four credits each. Three of these courses will fulfill requirements in the general education core:
Required Course Fulfillment
|
| Honors Course |
Traditional Core Course |
| Honors I: The Self and Meaning (4 Credits) |
Appreciation of Fine Arts |
| Honors II: Society and Global Citizenship (4 Credits) |
Core Seminar II |
| Honors III: The Human Condition (4 Credits) |
Faith and Meaning |
The remaining three courses are designed to branch into the Des Moines community and provide social, research and leadership opportunities. These additional courses include:
| Additional Honors Course |
Credits |
| Logos After Hours |
1 |
| Honors Thesis |
1 or 3 |
| Honors Activity (repeatable) |
1 |
What About Transfer Students?
The Honors Program at Grand View University was designed with all students in mind. The required courses will begin when you start at Grand View University and allow you to become familiar with your cohort. We also have an agreement with DMACC to allow transfer students who have completed the necessary honors courses to transfer seamlessly into Grand View University's Honors Program.
How to Apply?
Don't Just Take it From Us
| "Throughout my time being a part of the Honors program, I have gained new perspectives and understanding about the human experience and how that experience shapes the way we interact with every other human being. I have also made valuable friendships both with my classmates and professors. I have grown as a student and more importantly as a more well-rounded and compassionate individual." |
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-Chris Tran '23
Business Analytics Major, Theatre Minor
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| "I came to Grand View as a transfer and nontraditional student, who would’ve rattled off some generic definition of self, had I been asked when I first arrived. I’m not sure there is any number of quotes about personal experience or course descriptions that can fully prepare a student for the breadth and depth of this course. If you qualify for the program and remain open-minded, you should eagerly apply. Through this program, I formed a deeper relationship with myself and grew more empathetic toward the world around me. Due to the small learning environment, you get to know your peers well, and because they sought out this program to advance their degrees, their willingness to participate adds to the quality of the coursework. This program will help shape students’ interpersonal and intrapersonal skills by solidifying their sense of self and how they want to interact with their community. The information learned will likely not be found in core classes, and it will give you experience in humanities, a skill set that is essential to be a diplomatic leader. The knowledge taught within this program will help deliver successful, driven, inventive, and empathetic leaders into our world through reflective, theoretical, and critical thinking. Applying to the Honors Program should not be a consideration; it should be a confident action taken toward advancing your personal and educational goals. While I may still not have a definitive definition of self, I have a deeper understanding of all the moving parts that make us all uniquely human." |
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-Sam Wilson '21
English Major
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