Every student comes to college with different goals and expectations. Some are seeking a strong preparation in their field, while others are eager to ponder big questions and explore how faith informs every aspect of life and learning. The Cairn University Honors Program offers an environment for students who want both.
For students who love learning, value meaningful conversation, and desire in-depth study, the Honors Program provides an academic experience that is both challenging and formative. It invites students to engage ideas carefully and purse truth within a community guided by Scripture.
At its core, the Honors Program is about developing habits of thoughtful scholarship alongside a lifestyle of service. Central to this experience is the integration of all areas of students’ education, stretching them to think deeply while remaining grounded in a biblical understanding of truth.
A Distinctive Academic Experience
The Honors Program emphasizes the ongoing conversation between the Bible, great literature, and the ideas that have shaped the intellectual tradition. Through close reading and guided discussion, students develop the skills to analyze hard texts and engage in academic debate.
Rather than passive learning, students actively participate in discussion, analysis, and debate. This approach sharpens students’ reasoning skills and helps them develop strong oral and written arguments that serve them well in any major or career.
Dr. Adam Porcella, Director of the Honors Program and Provost at Cairn University, describes the vision behind the program:
“We must also commit to creating classroom environments that are both rigorous and relational—spaces where students can wrestle with hard questions, encounter new ideas, and receive encouragement and discipleship from trusted mentors. When done well, this kind of education not only informs students but transforms them.”
In practice, this vision informs the Honors Program’s emphasis on learning in community.
Learning in the Honors Program Community
Community is a defining feature of the Honors experience. Students form close relationships with peers who share a love of learning and a desire to pursue truth. Invested faculty members play an active role in the program, mentoring students both inside and outside of the colloquium environment.
Throughout the year, students gather twice a month for shared meals and discussions. These gatherings, along with frequent cultural outings, create space for thoughtful dialogue and lasting friendships. The result is a learning environment where students can engage challenging ideas while growing personally and spiritually.
Mentorship and Integrated Scholarship
A hallmark of the Honors Program is the six-credit capstone project completed under the guidance of a faculty member. This project allows students from any major to pursue a topic that interests them and aligns with their academic and professional goals.
Through sustained research, writing, and mentorship, students learn how to integrate their studies and produce meaningful scholarly work. The project culminates in a formal presentation and critique, offering valuable preparation for graduate study, professional work, and lifelong learning. For many students, this experience becomes one of the most formative elements of their time at Cairn.
In support of this work, the Honors Program includes an annually renewable $2,000 scholarship for participating students. This support reflects Cairn’s commitment to making deep, academic study more accessible throughout a student’s undergraduate experience.
Get Started Today with the Honors Program
At Cairn University, the Honors Program is not about prestige alone. We seek to form students who pursue wisdom, love truth, and are prepared to walk a different path in their academic and professional lives. Our Honors students develop the ability to think deeply, communicate clearly, and live faithfully in a complex world. While the study is rigorous, the mentorship and community make for a worthwhile and rewarding experience.
Students interested in learning more about the Cairn University Honors Program can explore additional details and next steps here or contact [email protected] for more information. Interested in depositing by March 1? Students who do receive a one time $1,000 award! Take advantage of this offer here!
