An Honors Community that Illuminates Your Path

In Valparaiso University’s Christ College – The Honors College, your education goes deeper, illuminating a path of discovery through critical inquiry, thoughtful discussion, and learning in community. Here, you’ll find a supportive honors community that challenges you to grow intellectually, ignites lifelong curiosity, and helps you discover your true calling.
Since 1967, Valpo’s Christ College (CC) has welcomed intellectually curious students to an alternative path through their general education requirements. Emulating the Oxford-Cambridge model, students examine topics in engaging, discussion-focused seminar classes and receive close guidance from dedicated honors faculty. We bring together inquisitive students from every major in a unique, interdisciplinary environment that sparks new perspectives and bold thinking. No matter your field, a Christ College education prepares you for career success and so much more. When you become a Christ College Scholar, you embark on a transformative journey — one where you’ll engage with life’s biggest questions, forge lasting connections, and enrich your life with learning and purpose.
“ The most valuable part of my Christ College experience was the philosophical and literaturebased outlet that I had from my STEM classes. CC allowed me to engage on a deeper level and analyze the meaning of life and our purpose within this world. […] I will take this knowledge and understanding with me far beyond college.”
LIZZIE NOSEK ’23 METEOROLOGY
50+ years
SINCE CHRIST COLLEGE WAS FOUNDED. WE ’ RE PROUD TO BE ONE OF THE OLDEST AND MOST RESPECTED HONORS COLLEGES IN THE UNITED STATES.
75
CHRIST COLLEGE SCHOLARS ARE ADMITTED TO THE HONORS COMMUNITY ON AVERAGE EACH YEAR.
10-18
STUDENTS IN EACH COURSE, OFFERING INTIMATE CLASS SETTINGS THAT FOSTER DISCUSSION AND CREATE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY.
25-30%
OF YOUR COURSEWORK IS COMPLETED IN CHRIST COLLEGE, FULFILLING VALPO’ S GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS THROUGH AN ALTERNATIVE, INTERDISCIPLINARY PATH.
10
CHRIST COLLEGE FACULTY MEMBERS — EACH EXPERTS IN THEIR FIELDS OF STUDY, HOLDING TERMINAL DEGREES, AND DEDICATED TO INTERDISCIPLINARY HONORS EDUCATION.
3,000+
CHRIST COLLEGE ALUMNI WHO HAVE GONE ON TO SHINE AROUND THE WORLD. OUR ENGAGED ALUMNI NETWORK SUPPORTS STUDENTS WITH INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND CAREER ASSISTANCE.
The first step to applying to Christ College is to be admitted to Valparaiso University. Students who are eager to apply to CC can find the application link in their online admission portal or at valpo.edu/christ-college.
Students interested in learning more about Valpo’s distinctive honors college can schedule a visit with the deans through the admission visit portal.
“Do it. Christ College educates you in a way that goes beyond passing exams in your primary major; it stimulates important thought and conversation. No matter what you go into, the interdisciplinary concepts you explore and the students and faculty you work with will make you extremely well-rounded and capable of a meaningful vocation.”
ELIZABETH PARK ’23 CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY
Christ College admits students through a holistic process guided by the following criteria:
Intellectual creativity and curiosity
Strong academic record (GPA and challenging coursework considered)*
Leadership in extracurricular and service activities
Strong willingness and desire to challenge, analyze, and examine ideas and beliefs
Students are accepted into CC on a rolling basis until the class is full, after which a waitlist is maintained.
* Like Valpo, CC is test optional but will consider scores as part of the holistic review process.
In Christ College, you’ll explore an interdisciplinary honors curriculum that fosters critical thinking and sparks meaningful dialogue. Passionate discussions and debates are hallmarks of the CC experience, illuminating new perspectives on the world.
All Christ College classes are held in our dedicated building, Mueller Hall, located in the heart of campus. Here, CC students gather for vibrant seminar classes, connect with faculty mentors, and collaborate in welcoming spaces like our Commons.
Your journey as a Christ College Scholar begins with the First-Year Experience. Alongside your classmates, you’ll embark on a twosemester exploration of what it means to be human and how to approach questions of community, ethics, and justice — guided by some of the world’s most influential texts in history, literature, drama, philosophy, and religion.
Beyond the classroom, first-year students let their creativity shine in a cherished CC tradition: the First-Year Production. This memorable experience brings students together during the fall semester to write, stage, and perform an original theatrical production with music for the campus community.
In the spring semester, first-year students participate in the lively Oxford Debates, honing communication and public speaking skills. Taking a “research first, argue later approach,” students work in teams to articulate compelling arguments related to significant public issues in our country and world today, developing skills to empower them as future leaders.
The Christ College experience is one of the best choices you can make during your time at Valpo. Your classmates, the content, and the professors push you, but in ways that are meaningful for your entire college experience. Professionally, personally, and socially, CC is truly a valuable way to spend your time at college.”
DANIEL OWENS ’23
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
“I wouldn’t trade the four years here for anything because I feel like I’ve gotten such a great education. Being in Christ College, sports management, and accounting has allowed me to meet a ton of different classmates and faculty. I’m thankful to have gotten this experience.”
NIKKI CORYELL ’24
ACCOUNTING AND SPORTS MANAGEMENT
You’ll join a vibrant community in Christ College that connects you with bright students from all majors at Valpo. All CC students are concurrently enrolled in one of Valparaiso University’s four other undergraduate colleges, pursuing the major of their choice. Your Christ College education will prime you for success in your next step after college and in each step along your journey.
Christ College challenges you to think in new ways and tackle complex questions. You’ll engage with great texts throughout history and expand your worldview. Guided by expert honors faculty, you’ll learn to apply ethical reasoning to your field and express yourself confidently. No matter your career path, CC enriches your liberal arts education and illuminates the way to professional success and personal fulfillment.
ALUMNI SUCCESS
Students graduating from both Christ College and the College of Arts and Sciences have gone on to shine with careers in science, education, government, and more.
As a Christ College Scholar and business student, you’ll gain the skills and perspective to thrive in the business world while also discovering your vocation and calling. In CC, you’ll explore ethical decision-making, become a strong communicator, and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. The CC experience complements the College of Business’ focus on developing values-driven leaders, which will prepare you to lead with integrity in your career and beyond.
ALUMNI SUCCESS
Valpo graduates of Christ College and the College of Business have gone on to radiate their expertise at major companies and firms around the world.
“At Valparaiso University, I’m [able to be] a psychology student, study criminology and humanities, be in Christ College, and I’m already starting a master’s program. You can be an engineer and be on the Ultimate Frisbee team and in a fraternity or sorority. The opportunities are endless at Valpo.”
DREW ATTINGER ’25 PSYCHOLOGY
By pairing your engineering major with interdisciplinary honors studies in Christ College, you’ll sharpen your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and harness your creativity — preparing you to lead and innovate. As a Christ College Scholar and engineering student, you’ll collaborate across disciplines and blend technical expertise with a deep understanding of ethics and social issues, empowering you to build a brighter future for all.
With an education in both Christ College and the College of Nursing and Health Professions, you’ll develop critical thinking, cultural awareness, and communication skills — all essential for delivering compassionate, high-quality patient care. As you fulfill your general education requirements through Christ College, you’ll engage in meaningful discussions about ethical and philosophical questions, giving you a distinct perspective and shaping the approach you bring to your healthcare career.
Graduates of both Christ College and the College of Nursing and Health Professions have gone on to lend their light in healthcare careers and professional schools.
100% OF CHRIST COLLEGE GRADUATES WERE EMPLOYED OR ENROLLED IN GRADUATE SCHOOL WITHIN NINE MONTHS OF GRADUATION.
* Results represent an average based on information from 188 of 214 undergraduate degree recipients from 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024.
Physician Assistant Studies Program
Christ College graduates in the College of Engineering have gone on to shine with employers in a range of industries.
“I believe that Christ College and the healthcare programs both work together to make the best combination one could ask for! These experiences provide tremendous insight and different perspectives [that have impacted] how I look at life on a daily basis. Both faculties supported me in every way possible. Christ College is truly an eye-opening experience.”
SHIYA KAMRA ’24, ’26 MSPA HEALTH SCIENCE