Honors Program

The Honors Program at Concordia University is designed for academically gifted undergraduate students who want to be challenged to their highest ability, and work with others who share the love of learning.

The program consists of a series of courses offered each semester. Students admitted to the Concordia Honors Program take an average of seven to eight hours in special Honors courses each year. Most of the courses in the Honors Program also fulfill the general education requirements of all baccalaureate-level programs.

Each of the honors courses is limited to 25 students to ensure close contact with the professor. All students in the Honors Program are selected based on a variety of criteria including prior academic achievement, evidence of critical thinking skills, and perceived ability to contribute to Concordia University’s mission statement.

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The Honors Scholarship

Qualifying freshmen admitted to the Honors Program receive an academic scholarship equal to half of their tuition per academic year. Eligibility for renewal of the Honors Scholarship depends on maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.25, full-time status as a Concordia University student, making normal progress towards graduation in 4 years with 24 credits of Honors classes, and completion of the Honors Capstone Seminar during the senior year.

Courses in the Honors Program

* Course is not offered every year

The City as Text

The Honors Program also includes a strong service component and opportunities to utilize the tremendous resources in Portland, expanding the classroom beyond the traditional building walls. Honors students, together with faculty members, use the city to connect theoretical learning to the real world.

Honors Program Admission Criteria

In order to be admitted to the Honors Program, you must:

  1. Select “Honors Applicant” designation as you complete the on-line application form for admission to Concordia University
  2. Submit official transcripts which indicate a minimum high school GPA of 3.65 on a 4.00 scale
  3. Achieve a 3-part SAT score (reading, writing, and math) of 1725 or composite ACT score of 26
  4. Submit a Personal Essay of 500 words which describes the academic, social and spiritual qualities of the ideal university you would like to attend
  5. Secure at least two letters of recommendation from academic referees

Once all of the above items are received, the successful candidate will be notified within two weeks of their approval by the Honors Program Advisory Committee.

For more information, or to ask a question, contact Michael Thomas, Honors Program Director, by e-mail mithomas@cu-portland.edu or by phone 503-493-6429.