In APU’s Honors College, honest conversations turn doubt into discovery.
Azusa Pacific University recently earned national recognition as the No. 62 university in the nation, according to The Wall Street Journal. But beyond academic excellence and rankings, what truly distinguishes APU is its commitment to nurturing both intellectual and spiritual growth, especially in the Honors College, where students are encouraged to ask deep questions about faith, doubt, and meaning.
At a Christian University, faith conversations are expected. But in the Honors College, these discussions go far beyond surface-level belief; they become spaces for honesty, questioning, and discovery. Students say this environment makes it easier to share doubts, explore challenging topics, and grow through conversation rather than conformity.
“Humanit[ies] discussions alway[s] get brought to faith,” said Mia Cantillo ’27, a political science and honors humanities double major.
For many students, these discussions provide opportunities to connect their studies with their spiritual journey.
Colloquy, the discussion portion of Honors, is designed to encourage meaningful dialogue and personal reflection, while also relating life experiences to course material.
“Colloquy made it feel like I could share more openly about my life and personal faith,” said Megan Chamberlain ’27, a history major with art and honors humanities minors.
This kind of environment allows students to engage in honest conversations about belief and doubt in a supportive space.
Two honors students read together before class. Photo courtesy of Gissel Lopez.
Professors in the Honors College also play a key role in guiding students through these moments of questioning. Their mentorship often helps students work through doubts while maintaining a sense of spiritual grounding.
“The biggest impact from APU on doubt was having conversations with my professors,” said Alexandra Chacon ’26, a psychology and honors humanities double major. “I recall having a conversation with one of my professors who comforted me and gave me Bible passages to read. This conversation was almost like my prayers were being answered.”
Students say that this kind of engagement helps them navigate uncertainty while still feeling connected to their faith. They find that asking questions can be a part of growth, rather than opposition to one’s beliefs.
“The Honors College offers the opportunity to go deeper in your faith from an outside perspective,” said Carter Mendes ’27, a kinesiology and honors humanities double major. “They do a good job of providing professors who have their own faith and give support when you’re wrestling with difficult topics; they bring it back to why our faith is still valid.”
Four of the texts Honors College students read as part of the Great Texts curriculum. Photo courtesy of Gissel Lopez.
For me, being part of the Honors College has helped me work through my own doubts about faith. I never feel judged or feel like I am an outsider. There have been times when I questioned what I believe and why, but the community in Honors has made those moments less isolating. Whether through class discussions or personal conversations with professors and classmates, I’ve found encouragement to keep asking questions and to see doubt not as failure, but as an essential step in understanding my faith more deeply.
In the Honors College, doubt is not dismissed but explored. Students are invited to examine their beliefs alongside great works of thought, history, and theology. Through these discussions, many come to see faith as something that grows stronger when tested and examined.
As APU continues to receive recognition for its academic excellence, the Honors College stands out as a place where both the mind and spirit are challenged to grow. It provides an environment where students can openly discuss challenging questions, seek guidance from professors, and form friendships rooted in honesty and understanding.
At APU, faith and learning are not separate pursuits. The Honors College shows that they can work together—helping students move closer to truth, one conversation at a time.