Honors Experience
Learn More About the Honors College at GCU
The Honors College at Grand Canyon University offers access to a variety of leadership and professional development programs, national honors societies, student clubs and organizations, global study experiences and mission-focused programs, including a community devoted to promoting excellence in all endeavors.
Signature Honors Programs, Events and Activities
The Honors College offers an extensive list of enriching opportunities for students in all programs. The following list is not all-encompassing but does include an overview of our most popular programs, events and activities.
National Collegiate Honors Council Recognition
The Honors College has earned first place in the National Collegiate Honors Council 2025 Publications Contest(See disclaimer 1) for its exceptional work on the Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research. Launched in 2023, the journal showcases student-led research across disciplines, emphasizing community impact, academic growth and mentorship.
This achievement reflects the dedication of Honors Director Dr. Marette Hahn and the journal’s talented editorial team, including Executive Editor Dr. Scott W. Greenberger, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Breanna Naegeli, Managing Editor Jenny Kuban, Associate Editors Dr. Marette Hahn and Dr. Tara Chavez, Assistant Editor Katalina Inzunza Herrera, Copy Editor Dr. Sandi van Lieu and Graphic Designer Billie Worth.
Congratulations to the entire team for advancing undergraduate scholarship and inspiring future researchers.
Embrace Adventure, Explore the World
The Honors College offers global studies programs, providing students an opportunity to engage in both their local and global communities. The Honors College collaborates with prominent global education partners that connect our students to international cities and programs around the globe. Whether pursuing an abbreviated global experience during your spring or summer break, or looking for an extended six- to 12-month experience abroad, the Honors College has partnerships established to support your venture. From Spring 2014 to Fall 2024, over 500 GCU students completed a study abroad program or an international internship.
As an honors student, you can customize your global experience with any combination of academic coursework, internship experience, ministry, community engagement or service-learning projects, vocational training by local professionals, language partners and more.
Additional Opportunities for Honors College Students
View our list of additional offerings for Honors College students at GCU.
National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS)
Alpha Chi National College Honor Society (AX)
Graduation with a Leadership Distinction (GLD)
Graduation with a Professional Development Distinction (GPDD)
Honors Symposium (HON–110)
Honors Student Leadership Positions
Student Worker Roles in Honors
Community Outreach and Volunteering
Canyon Emerging Scholars Program
The Honors College offers ample faculty-mentored, interactive undergraduate research opportunities across all majors, including the chance to publish in the Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research. Honors students can also compete for additional scholarships at the annual Honors Showcase and apply for grants to present their research at academic conferences nationwide. A key initiative is the Canyon Emerging Scholars program, which supports high-achieving students with structured leadership, research involvement and career preparation opportunities.
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION SCHOLARS LAB
One standout feature is the Leadership in Action Scholars Lab, which helps students grow as scholars and leaders.
Internship Opportunities and Resources
The Honors College encourages practical application through experiential learning opportunities, internships and project-based initiatives. Internships, part-time employment, fellowships, collaborative research programs, job shadowing and volunteerism are advantageous in preparing you for the workforce. Additionally, as an honors student, you can earn honors course credit for courses completed alongside an internship, global studies programs or professional service-learning activity.
The Honors College and Student Success Center (SSC) are here to help you during your practical experiences or internships throughout your program of study. Explore the career resources provided by Career Services, and access Career Connections, an online job and internship board for GCU students. As an honors student, you will also have exclusive access to private meet and greets, networking events and career fairs that can prepare you to engage with future employers and graduate programs.
Ways to earn honors course credit:
Take your academic journey to the next level with the Honors College experience.
- National Collegiate Honors Council. (n.d.) NCHC Honors Publications Contest Winners Roster. Retrieved October 2025.
- The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. (n.d.). Announcing The 2022 Diamond And Platinum Chapter Award Winners. Retrieved July 2023.
- Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. (2024). President’s Cup. Retrieved October 2024.