GVU Honors Program
What is the GVU Honors Program?
The GVU Honors Program is an opportunity to receive Honors recognition upon graduation. Students who take advantage of this program will undergo an exploration of humanity, society, and life's purpose. GVU 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.
The program is open to all first-year students with a 3.6 high school GPA or transfer students with a 3.6 cumulative college GPA. Admission is limited to 30 new enrollments per year.
The first 30 students who meet these criteria, officially express their interest in joining the program, and commit to attending Grand View will be enrolled. After the 30 spots are filled in this way, we will start a waitlist and admit students as spots open.
Why Participate in the GVU Honors Program?
Incoming first-year students who quality and participate in the GVU Honors program and who have a 3.91 or higher high school GPA may compete for a $5,000 annually renewable scholarship by attending one of Grand View’s Scholarship Day events in November or February. The GVU Honors Scholarship is renewable for a total of four years if the student maintains full-time day enrollment status and continuous enrollment in the 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.
Bonus Benefits of GVU 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 GVU Honors Program Work?
The GVU 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 |
| Honors Activity |
1 |
What About Transfer Students?
The GVU Honors Program 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 Join if Your GPA is lower than 3.6
We realize that your GPA does not always reflect your ability to succeed in the GVU Honors Program. If you would like to join the program but do not have the required GPA to do so, please reach out to Honors Director KC McGinnis at kmcginnis @ grandview.edu or (515) 263-2997.
What Past Honors Students Have Said:
"Through this program, I formed a deeper relationship with myself and grew more empathetic toward the world around me."
"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."
"The honors program has prepared me for my life by expanding my horizons and allowing me to see many different perspectives."
"Honors has taught me a lot about reflecting on how I fit into society as an individual, what I owe society, and how I can make a positive impact."
"Honors prepared me for life by really helping me in thinking critically. It really helped me be open minded to different viewpoints and experiences or cultures people come from."
"Honors has given me a deeper understanding of who I am and who I want to be."