{"id":19481,"date":"2024-12-09T12:15:52","date_gmt":"2024-12-09T17:15:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/academics\/?page_id=19481"},"modified":"2026-03-26T12:18:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T16:18:31","slug":"honors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/academics\/honors\/","title":{"rendered":"Honors Scholar Program"},"content":{"rendered":"
Honors Scholar Program<\/span>Admission<\/span>Graduation<\/span>Honors Courses & Projects<\/span>Faculty Resources<\/span><\/div>
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The Honors Scholar Program<\/strong> at Greenfield Community College engages students in deeper research<\/strong> and learning experiences<\/strong> that will prepare them for advanced scholarship<\/strong> at a four-year college or university and for success in the workforce. The program provides opportunities for highly motivated students<\/strong> to reach their greatest academic potential<\/strong> at GCC.<\/div>\n

All prospective Honors Scholars must be enrolled in an associate degree program; entering high school graduates, transfer students from other colleges and current GCC students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2.<\/p>\n

Whether students complete the full program or take a single course, there are numerous benefits to being an Honors Scholar at GCC. In the classroom<\/strong>, students will have innovative, small-group learning experiences focused on interaction and exploration. Through honors-sponsored events and activities, students will also have the opportunity to build a sense of community<\/strong> with similarly-motivated peers. Honors Scholars will earn recognition for their academic achievements on their transcripts, which allows them to distinguish themselves when applying for transfer, internships and employment opportunities.<\/p>\n

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New for fall 2026!<\/strong> Two standalone honors classes in humanities and social sciences, open to any students eligible for the Honors Program. Email kapitulikb@gcc.mass.edu<\/a> or lopezy@gcc.mass.edu<\/a> for more info!<\/p>\n

SOC 101-H: Principles of Sociology<\/strong>
\nTuesday and Thursday, 9:30-10:45 a.m., Dr. Linda McCarthy<\/strong>
\nIn this honors section, students are challenged to look beyond individual explanations of human behavior and examine the hidden structural forces that shape our lives. Moving past standard textbook summaries, we will engage directly with foundational and contemporary sociological texts to analyze urgent issues like inequality, power, and social change. Through immersive field observations, data analysis and student-led discussions, students in this course will transition from passive observers of society to active sociological researchers.<\/p>\n

HON 203-A: Honors Seminar in Humanities and Fine Arts: The Rise and May Falls of AI<\/strong>
\nMonday and Wednesday, 9:30-10:45 a.m., Trevor Kearns<\/strong>
\nMany literary explorations of artificial intelligence end in disaster, either for humans or for their creations. But does a future exist where AI benefits both humanity and the natural world? This course surveys the landscapes of AI, both real and imagined, to identify benign uses that avoid malign outcomes, including tyrannical consolidations of power. Readings from computer science, philosophy, critical theory and other disciplines will inform our investigation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/i> Honors Project Proposal<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
<\/i> Honors Scholar Program Application<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Admission<\/h3>\n

GCC welcomes students with a variety of academic backgrounds to participate in our Honors Scholar Program. All prospective Honors Scholars must be enrolled in an associate degree program and must meet at least one of the following requirements to apply for admission:<\/p>\n

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  • Entering high school graduates: minimum 3.2 cumulative high school GPA<\/li>\n
  • Transfer students: a least six (6) college-level credits, minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA<\/li>\n
  • Current GCC students: at least six (6) college-level credits, minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    If you do not fully meet any of these requirements, you may apply to substitute other academic work or projects that indicate an ability to succeed in the Honors Scholar Program. Contact an Honors Scholar Program Coordinator to pursue this option.<\/p>\n

    Admission to the Honors Scholar Program is required prior to registering for Honors courses or proposing honors projects for regular courses.<\/p>\n

    Application<\/h3>\n

    To apply to the GCC Honors Scholar Program, please complete the form below. By submitting this form, you certify that all of the information entered is complete and accurate. Your application will be reviewed by one of the Honors Scholar Program Coordinators and you will be contacted within three business days. For questions, please contact one of the Honors Scholar Program Coordinators.<\/p>\n