Honors Programs
Gordon is fortunate to have some of the best and brightest, and offers an array of advanced study and research opportunities to its students.
In addition to a diverse selection of majors, minors and concentrations, Gordon offers honors-level study within academic departments and through interdisciplinary seminars or scholarship programs. Each one values analysis and imagination, compelling communication and ethical discernment, and thrives within the context of a community where faculty and students share the quest for knowledge and understanding.
These include:
Kenneth L. Pike Honors Program
The Pike Honors program is an opportunity for exceptional students to design individualized majors or to meet unique academic goals beyond existing Gordon programs. Approved programs may be designed to be an individualized, interdisciplinary contract major with a special focus drawing from different departments; an existing major fulfilled with a unique concentration; or a major in a discipline not offered at Gordon.
The Jerusalem and Athens Forum
The Jerusalem and Athens Forum is a one-year great books honors program in the history of Christian thought and literature. In a small-seminar setting, students read and discuss classic texts from antiquity to the present, focusing on their implications for presentday living, learning and leadership. Additional activities of the program include retreats to explore questions of personal vocation and intellectual commitment, cultural activities in Boston and the North Shore, a public debate on an issue of pressing moral concern, roundtable discussions with Gordon's faculty and interaction with guest speakers.
The Elijah Project
The Elijah Project is a 12-month program in which a small group of students explores the broad questions of vocation and calling from biblical, theological, historic and philosophical perspectives. Students commit to two four-credit seminars, a summer internship within the student's field of study or of interest, and a community living arrangement for the final academic year of the program in which they will participate in fellowship, cultural events and field trips. Prerequisites: GPA of at least 2.75, approval of academic advisor and successful application to the program. Applications are available through the dean of the chapel office.
Gordon Presidential Fellows
Modeled on the highly competitive, highly effective White House Fellowship, the Presidential Fellows Program affords Gordon students the chance to work directly with one of the College’s Cabinet officers (known as the Fellow’s "Principal"), who mentors the student through a yearlong fellowship. Through their work assignments and special mentoring opportunities, the Fellows learn firsthand the process of leading a major institution. The Program aims to catalyze the leadership potential of a select group of students, equipping them to assume positions of major responsibility within ten to fifteen years of graduation.
Departmental Honors
Options to pursue departmental honors study is available in 21 program areas. These allow students to extend their learning in a way that fits their specific interests. Options range from independent or joint research projects, to practical applications within these areas of study. Contact an academic Department Chair to find out more about these offerings.