The Bush Center

Distinguished Scholars Program

The Distinguished Scholars Program at Houston Christian is a four-year academic journey designed to develop intellectually curious, academically advanced students into confident communicators, critical thinkers, and Christ-centered leaders. Rooted in original research, rhetorical training, and spiritual formation, DSP is rigorous in its expectations, robust in its curriculum, and deeply personal in its approach.

From the very first year, Scholars build essential skills in inquiry and communication, engaging with texts, mentors, and peers in ways that challenge and inspire. Modeled after collegiate honors and graduate-level experiences, students research topics of personal significance, culminating in a full written thesis and multimedia presentation by senior year. Along the way, they gain experience in ethical research, proposal development, rhetorical strategy, data evaluation, and public speaking, all within a purpose-driven learning community.

What sets DSP apart is not only the caliber of academic work, but the depth of its design and vision. There is no other program like it in the nation. Over four years, students undergo a transformation that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. They move from guided inquiry to independent exploration, from thoughtful conversation to public presentation, and from academic growth to spiritual maturity. Throughout this process, they are supported by a dedicated team of instructors, advisors, and the program director who walk with them through every milestone.

This is more than an advanced academic track. It is a community devoted to shaping scholars who know what they believe, understand why it matters, and are equipped to live it out with courage and clarity in the world God has called them to serve.

As a result of this holistic formation—intellectual, spiritual, and relational—students graduate from DSP not only with advanced skills, but with a compelling sense of purpose. They are prepared to thrive in competitive collegiate environments and stand out among the nation’s top applicants as individuals marked by insight, maturity, and conviction.

About Our Program

List of 5 items.

  • Our Mission

    Through a rigorous, research-based curriculum grounded in faith and rooted in purpose, Distinguished Scholars are challenged to: 
    • Discuss complex ideas and ethical questions through Socratic dialogue and a biblical worldview
    • Develop advanced writing, rhetorical, and research skills, including APA formatting and scholarly inquiry
    • Design original studies that incorporate meaningful methodologies and statistical reasoning
    • Demonstrate clarity of thought, academic integrity, and intellectual curiosity in every aspect of their work
    • Deepen their understanding of the world, their calling, and their role in God’s redemptive story
    • Discover the value of authentic community through collaboration, mentorship, and shared pursuit of truth

  • Teaching Model

    At the heart of the Distinguished Scholars Program is a collaborative teaching model that prioritizes mentorship, dialogue, and personal formation. Students are guided by a team of instructors, advisors, and the program director who work together to support each scholar’s academic and spiritual development over the course of four years. This shared investment allows us to challenge students meaningfully while also knowing them deeply.

    Our instructional approach is rooted in Socratic dialogue and inquiry-based learning. Rather than simply delivering information, we guide students to ask better questions, think critically, and engage deeply with complex ideas. Our goal is not to tell students what to think, but to equip them to think with clarity, courage, and conviction, always grounded in biblical truth and guided by a pursuit of wisdom.

    We also view DSP as a true pedagogium—a place to live and learn together. While many of our instructors hold advanced degrees in their fields of expertise, they also value intellectual humility and the shared pursuit of truth. In this community, instructors and students sit at the same table, asking big questions, exploring complex ideas, and growing alongside one another. The posture is never one of superiority, but of mutual respect and shared purpose.

    Because our scholars often pursue highly individualized research paths, we are also committed to helping them find support beyond the classroom. When appropriate, we invite professional mentors and external experts into the process to walk with students as they develop deeper understanding in their chosen fields. Whether in the classroom, in conversation, or through research, we believe teaching is most powerful when it invites students into discovery, reflection, and purpose.

  • Program Advantages

    • Deep personal growth through mentorship, reflection, and purpose-driven academic formation
    • Individualized support from a dedicated team of instructors, advisors, and the program director
    • A culture of intentional care where each student is known, guided, and thoughtfully challenged
    • Strong community built through shared learning, collaboration, and the spirit of pedagogium—a place to live and learn together
    • Socratic seminars and ethical discussions that help students learn how to think, not what to think
    • Opportunities to share their voice through formal writing, oral presentations, and TedEd Student Talks
    • A four-year research journey culminating in a college-level thesis and multimedia project
    • Personalized thesis topics that allow students to pursue areas of deep interest and calling
    • Access to expert mentors for students exploring specialized or advanced research topics
    • Faith-based worldview immersion that frames scholarship as an act of worship and service
    • Dual credit opportunities through Colorado Christian University (CCU)
    • Optional international travel experiences that blend academic rigor with cultural and spiritual enrichment

  • DSP Students Advance

    Our Scholars advance on to attend some of the most prestigious universities in the country, including:
    • Duke University
    • Harvard University
    • George Washington University
    • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    • Pepperdine University
    • Rice University
    • United States Service Academies
    • Vanderbilt University

  • Program Tuition

    The Distinguished Scholars Program tuition is $3,850, effective for the 2025-2026 school year.

Hear from Our Scholars

Samuel Johnson

Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.  
2700 W Sam Houston Parkway N Houston, TX 77043
P: (713) 580-6000  F: (713) 580-6001
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