Honors Program

The Honors Experience

The Honors Experience

The Honors Program is an excellent opportunity for students to get ahead in their educational journey. Participating in the Honors Experience gives students the following benefits:

  • Honors designation (Honors) on your academic transcript next to all applicable courses.
  • Scholarship money each semester
  • Free attendance at special events
  • Opportunities to work one on one with faculty
  • Opportunities to qualify for Honors only scholarships
  • Opportunity to graduate with honors
  • Honors specific personnel to support honors students

How to Become an Honors Program Student

There are two paths to becoming an honors student:

How to Become an Honors Program Student

Path #1

Graduated from high school within the last three semesters.

Path #2

Student entering college more than one year from high school graduation.

Path #1: Graduated From High School Within the Last Year

Presidents Honors Scholarship (PHS)General Scholarship Information

The Presidents' Honors Scholarship covers in-state/in-county tuition up to 15 credit hours or $5 per clock hour (plus the $15 registration fee) per semester, but does not apply to credit summer sessions.  

Scholarship Eligibility:

  • Provide the necessary paperwork to show you are eligible to receive scholarship funds
  • Graduate from a High School in Maricopa county with an unweighted GPA over 3.25+.
  • Email an official copy of a transcript directly to our email: honors@gatewaycc.edu
  • Begin at GateWay within the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd semester after graduating from high school
  • It is possible to defer the PHS for up to two years, but you need to complete the necessary paperwork requesting a deferment. Contact our office for more information
  • Submission deadline: August 1st for the fall semester, and January 1st for the spring semester 

Apply Online

Scholarship Requirements

Renewal and Retention: For the President's Honors Scholarship to be renewed each semester (up to four consecutive semesters, excluding summer semesters), students must meet ALL of the following requirements.

  • Maintain continuous enrollment as a full-time student in the four consecutive semesters (excluding summers).
  • Enroll in and complete at least 12, letter-graded credits (at 100 level or above) each fall and spring semester. (Pass/Fail excluded unless degree specific, but must be verified with the College Honors Program before enrollment).
  • Enroll in and complete, with a grade of "C" or higher at least three credits of Honors coursework/contract each semester.
  • Maintain an MCCCD cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher, including co-enrollment and dual enrollment grades.
  • Complete required co-curricular activities as defined by the Honors Program.

Renewal and Retention: For the President's Honors Scholarship to be renewed each clock hour pay period, students must meet ALL of the following requirements.

  • Maintain continuous enrollment as a full-time student for the entire clock hour program.
  • Enroll in, and complete with a "P", all required courses for the program
  • Complete an honors project each pay period with a clock hour instructor (details to be determined by instructors). Check with the Honors Program to determine how many pay periods your program is.
  • Maintain good standing in your program.
  • Complete required co-curricular activities as defined by the Honors Program.

Path #2: Student Entering College More Than One Year From High School Graduation

Honors Achievement Award (HAA)General Scholarship Information Scholarship amount depends on the number of credits completed:

Enrolled Credit Hours Scholarship Earned
12+ $500
9-11 $325
6-8 $244
3-5 $0

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Provide the necessary paperwork to show you are eligible to receive scholarship funds
  • Have completed 12 or more credit hours of coursework within the Maricopa Community Colleges
  • Earn a Maricopa cumulative GPA of 3.25+
  • Submission deadline: August 1st for the fall semester, and January 1st for the spring semester 

Apply Online

Scholarship Requirements

  • You must take 1 course for Honors credit; it can be any class that is 3+ credits at the 100+ level
  • You may take more than 1 honors course if you wish.
  • You must complete 1 co-curricular activity per semester and submit your reflection to Canvas. (See module on co-curricular activities for detailed information)
  • You must earn a C in your honors class and/or on your honors project.
  • You must have a cumulative GPA at BOTH the start and end of the semester that is 3.25 or higher
  • You do not get the money until the semester ends.
  • If your cumulative GPA drops below 3.25+, you can no longer earn the scholarship money, but you can still take a course for Honors credit and get the honors designation on your transcript. 

GateWay Honors Courses

Credits: 3 

Interdisciplinary studies of selected issues confronting the individual, society, and the overall human experience. (GWCC theme: Comedy and Culture). Critical inquiry of specific themes from a wide variety of academic viewpoints. Comphrehensive and interdisciplinary review of global, historical, and culture trends, supplemented by readings and discussion. Varied content due to changing honors forum themes and issues.

Prerequisites: Admission to the college honors program or permission of Instructor. 

General Education Designations: HU

Credits: 3

Interdisciplinary study of leadership focusing on development of leadership skills.

Prerequisites: Admission to the college honors program or permission of Instructor.

General Education Designations: SB

Credits: 3

This class explores how narrative shapes culture and culture shapes narrative through the international study of a particular genere in multiple media (e.g. literature, film, television, computer games, etc.). Investigates how genre evolves, and how genre conventions influence narrative production and reception. Focus on analysis of key texts and their contexts.

Prerequisites: A grade of 'C' or better in ENG101 or ENG107. ENH110 or ENG200 suggested but not required.

General Education Designations: G, HU, L

Credits: 3

This course presents current knowledge about human diversity in behavior and culture using examples from a variety of context within Western and global societies. Highlights topics in cross-cultural psychology, such as intergroup relations, diverse cognitive styles, ethnocentrism, gender, personality, emotion, language, communications, work, and health. The role of enculturation throughout the lifespan will be explored to increase awareness of how behavioral and cognitive principles affect interactions in a multicultural world.

Prerequisites: None

General Education Designations: C, G, SB

Credits: 3

Theory and practice of communication skills which affect day-to-day interacions with other persons. Topics may include using verbal and nonverbal symbols, interactive listening, resolving interpersonal conflict, developing and maintaining personal and professional relationships.

Prerequisites: None

General Education Designations: SB

Honors Graduation

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Graduation Requirements:

Students must maintain a 3.5 Cumulative GPA, remain in good standing, and have at least 15 Honors Credits.

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Commencement Ceremony:

Once we have received your Graduation Application students will be issued an Honors cord that will be worn at the Commencement ceremony. 

Additional Scholarships

The following scholarships are available only to academically gifted honors students who are enrolled in the fall or spring semesters. These funds are to assist students in reaching educational objectives.

Additional Scholarships (Available Only to Honors Program Students)

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Chancellor's Scholarship

One year of in-county tuition of up to 18 credits per semester and $250 each semester for books and supplies.

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Maricopa Foundation Scholarship

$1,000 scholarship ($500 per semester).

For More Information, Please Contact Us

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Honors Program Contacts

Honors Program Coordinator
Dr. Lauren Yena

Honors Program Assistant
Carlos Apodaca

Frequently Asked Questions

Any student who maintains a high standard of academic work will benefit. Honors students are bright, motivated individuals who want to expand their personal and intellectual growth.

Students in any major who meet the minimum requirements mentioned above may participate in the Honors Program. Students generally have one thing in common—a desire to get the most from their educational experience.

Honors courses are challenging, and you can expect personal attention from a faculty mentor. When you graduate, your transcript will reflect your level of participation in the program, which could ultimately make a difference when seeking a job.

Your mentors are faculty members who are committed to excellence, offering modern, flexible methods of instruction in a small class atmosphere. This encourages lively classroom interaction. Fewer topics may be covered; however, subject matter is covered in greater depth. Independent projects allow students to pursue topics or areas not covered in class. Field trips and speakers play a role in formal and informal learning that take place.

Please Note: The goal of these classes is not to do more work, but rather to provide students with a different type of experience that makes them active participants in the learning process.