Classical Christian Honors College
Welcome to University of Northwestern – St. Paul’s Classical Christian Honors College, where your passion for learning meets your desire to deepen your faith through the study of Scripture.
What Sets Us Apart
At our Classical Christian Honors College (CCHC), we keep Scripture at the center of your journey while equipping you how to think instead of telling you what to think. You’ll engage with timeless texts and explore profound questions about life, faith, and leadership. Imagine discussing Plato and Augustine with peers who share your curiosity and commitment to understand the world of today, all through a Christian lens.
If you’re a high school student pursuing a traditional undergraduate degree who thrives on intellectual challenge and seeks a college experience grounded in Christian values, you’ve found your place. Discover how you can grow intellectually and spiritually in supportive Christian community. Join us in pursuing truth, wisdom, and service as we shape the future together.
CCHC at Northwestern
OUr STUDENT FOcus
The CCHC has four areas of focus for students. Developing your:
- Leadership Capabilities
- Responsibility Mindset
- Community Engagement
- Respect for Diverse Perspectives
These areas of focus are integrated into many aspects of our curriculum.
A Curriculum Designed for Thinkers
Our curriculum isn’t about memorizing facts––it’s about cultivating critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of Scripture. Through small, discussion-based, classes you’ll dive into the writings of influential thinkers and see how to apply their wisdom to contemporary issues.
Community and Support
Join a community of like-minded scholars who are passionate about making a difference. In addition to academic excellence, you’ll have opportunities for leadership development, community service, and spiritual growth. Our faculty and mentors are here to guide and support you every step of the way, ensuring you thrive academically, personally, and spiritually.
Prepare for a Purposeful future
Graduating from our program not only gives you a distinguished academic record but also equips you to lead with integrity and compassion in your career and community. Whether you’re called to serve in ministry, education, business or beyond, the skills and values you’ll cultivate at CCHC will empower you to make a meaningful impact.
Apply to the Classical Christian Honors College
Take the next step toward your future. Apply now and experience the difference of a classical Christian education at University of Northwestern – St. Paul.
A Classical Christian Honors College is an undergraduate liberal arts program that seeks to cultivate wisdom and virtue by pursuing the true, the good, and the beautiful in the Great Books. This pursuit ultimately leads us to Christ who enables us to integrate all knowledge for God’s glory (Col. 2:3).
The honors curriculum consists of six credits of unique honors courses each semester. Each honors student will ultimately complete a 36-credit honors second major. The honors courses replace many of the general education requirements, for example, English, Philosophy, Bible, and Leadership. Students will complete other general and major-specific education courses as required for their program.
The CCHC is designed for incoming undergraduate students who thrive on intellectual challenge and seek a college experience grounded in Christian values. Students can engage with significant ideas within a wide range of literature from the past 3,000 years. Honors students will grow spiritually and academically in community with a small cohort of other honors students and will be mentored by faculty members. A student’s participation in the CCHC will require a three-year commitment, and you will work with your academic advisor to customize the program with your first major.
Absolutely! This program is designed to foster participation in fine arts, athletics, student government, and other activities. CCHC students will work closely with advisors to plan a successful program of study with activities.
There may be opportunities for senior PSOC students to join the CCHC. Details on participation will be updated in September 2024.
The CCHC is a three-year program designed to work with any major consisting of general education courses such as English, Philosophy, Bible, and Leadership. For more time intensive majors, it will be important to work with your advisor to fulfill courses in both programs.
We consider your entire academic portfolio and encourage you to apply if you’re interested in the program. Historically, UNW honors students have had an average unweighted high school GPA of 3.92 or an average ACT score of 28.
The application process for the Classical Christian Honors College (CCHC) involves two main steps:
Apply to the University of Northwestern: First, complete the general application for admission to the University of Northwestern.
Complete the CCHC Supplemental Application: After your general application is submitted, you will have the opportunity to complete a separate, supplemental application specifically for the CCHC. This includes additional essays and questions tailored to assess your fit for the honors program.
You’ll receive further instructions and deadlines once you begin the general application process.
The CCHC is designed to be as transfer-friendly as possible. Students can transfer in a variety of general education courses, e.g., Math, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, History, Art, Music, Public Speaking, and Global Engagement. General education courses in English, Philosophy, Bible, and Leadership, however, will need to be completed through the CCHC.
The CCHC builds on the legacy of the Eagle Scholars Honors Program while also providing the opportunity for honors students to receive a classical Christian core curriculum. While the Eagle Scholars Honors Program is no longer admitting new students, any current Eagle Scholars, including the incoming Fall 2024 cohort, will continue in the program until graduation.
Find Out More
For more information about admissions to the Classical Christian Honors College (CCHC), please reach out to Kyle Peach, Director of Traditional Undergraduate Admissions, at [email protected].
Classical Christian Honors College Staff
Ryan Griffith, Ph.D.
Dean of the Classical Christian Honors College
Dr. Griffith earned a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in Biblical Exegesis, both from Wheaton College in Illinois, before earning a second master’s degree in Biblical and Pastoral Studies…
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