EXP@CSC builds experiences into every part of the curriculum. Every student in every major acquires experience in their field before graduation. 

Our unique EXP@CSC academic calendar carves out three weeks every semester for you to focus on just one course, usually involving experience outside the classroom. Through study-abroad courses, students and faculty travel together for three weeks, studying culture from the inside – like Turkish history in Turkey or Dutch artists in The Netherlands.  But the 3-week short-term courses don’t stop there.  Some students pursue internships, clinical experience, or a practicum during the short term part of each semester.  Other short-term classes travel domestically as part of their studies in digital photography (learn by doing in the Grand Canyon or other national park), Midwestern authors (check out the towns that influenced their writing), or corporate experience courses (visit with CEOs in Chicago or Kansas City boardrooms).  The EXP@CSC 12/3 calendar opens up incredible opportunities for the C-SC student.

It’s OK if you don’t have a major yet.  At C-SC, we not only welcome students who didn’t make up their minds on a major while in high school, we work with you to help you figure out what fits your personality, your interests, your lifestyle.  Through our Guided Pursuit of Success (GPS) program, you will work closely with our Career Services Center and faculty advisors to explore yourself, our academic programs, and possible careers.  Our Common Experience program means you won’t lose any time re-taking required courses – which we keep common to all majors – and you are likely to pick your major and graduate within four years of your arrival at C-SC as a freshman.

EXP@CSC also works to ensure that freshmen (and transfer students with fewer than 24 college credits) make a smooth, successful transition to the C-SC campus and college expectations in general.  Each new student enrolls in a First-Year Experience course that targets acquisition of the basic study and “survival” skills needed for college success.  The subject matter is different in each FYE course, but the goals and objectives are exactly the same – mastering campus resources, building academic skills, strengthening life skills, and emphasizing communication skills (especially writing).