McAllaster Honors Scholarship

“Learning is a joyous enterprise,” said longtime GU Professor of English Elva McAllaster, namesake of GU’s honors program. You will understand what she meant when you take part in this intimate learning community with its rich academic, social and spiritual experiences.

Program Opportunities

Unique coursework. As a Mac scholar, you’ll take intensive humanities courses and receive one-on-one instruction with professors throughout the semester.

Honors thesis.The departmental honors project demonstrates your growth in skills, learning, and confidence. Many students use their thesis as their writing sample in their graduate school applications.

Special events.Take part in an induction ceremony as you join other Mac scholars at GU; participate in monthly meetings with other Mac scholars at GU and yearly events with other leadership scholars on campus; interact with renowned scholars at the McAllaster Lecture; and attend receptions where graduating Mac scholars present their work.

“The program offers students an opportunity to take ownership of their education. From the humanities courses, honors electives, and the honors thesis, you have the opportunity to take classes that you are truly interested in and passionate about, as well as learn alongside others who feel the same. Being interested in medicine, I had the opportunity to take courses like medical ethics and focus my thesis on the doctor-patient relationship.”-Kellie Steele ’18 Biology, Chemistry, and Spanish

“Mac students get to take unique and challenging courses that I believe truly characterize the Christian liberal arts experience. From art philosophy to film analysis, I am certain that the skills and knowledge I gained from these classes will stay with me for a long time.” –Maci Sepp ’18 Chemistry and Public Relations, currently enrolled at Princeton Theological Seminary

Program Requirements

To graduate as a McAllaster Scholar, students must:

• Complete 21 hours of honors coursework. A variety of honors courses are offered each semester and during Interterm. All honors courses meet general education requirements. Typically, McAllaster Scholars will take much of their honors course-load during their first two years as they move toward more major-focused work during the Junior and Senior year.
• Write a Departmental Honors Project during the Senior year. The Departmental Honors Project is a capstone research experience within a major discipline. Students will select a research topic and assemble a faculty committee who will guide them in their research and writing. When completed, the project is presented and defended before the Departmental Honors Project committee.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Apply for this Scholarship Request Information

Eligibility

Admissions Standards:

• To qualify for the McAllaster Scholars program, students must have a high school GPA of 3.3 or higher.
• To apply, students must first be accepted by GU and then complete and submit a McAllaster Scholars application.
• Students are admitted to the program on a rolling basis. Typically, students will hear a decision on their application to the program within one week.
• The program is limited to thirty students per year.
• Must maintain residency on campus. Renewable annually.