Premier Experiential Learning College in the Midwest
Committed to Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is the distinctive element of a Culver-Stockton College education. Our commitment to hands-on learning is woven into our mission and embedded throughout our curriculum. In fact, we do it so effectively that we're known for it!
Go Beyond "Hands-on" Experiences
At Culver-Stockton, experiential learning goes far beyond simple "hands-on" activities. It explores the why's and the how's of situations, emerging opportunities, and what's at stake. More importantly, it leads to solutions, and our students know how to find them.
Here, we set ourselves apart by empowering students to make a difference now. Evaluating problems with the purpose of designing meaningful solutions is at the heart of what you will experience at Culver-Stockton College.
Our students are provided with unique projects that yield marketable, practiced and applied skills; skills that employers are looking for, creating a distinct advantage for our graduates.
Distinct Experiences
Experiential Learning at Culver-Stockton College is comprised of seven distinct experiences. Together, these experiences develop students into change-makers, learners into leaders and thinkers into scholars who make an impact.
Leadership
We know leadership develops both inside and outside our C-SC classrooms. Our faculty regularly offer courses that help you strengthen your leadership skills and deepen your understanding of effective techniques and qualities. You will have countless opportunities to put those skills into practice through our 50+ student organizations, nine Greek organizations, and 19 varsity sports.
But leadership at C-SC is more than participation. Here, leadership is about identifying opportunities for improvement and taking the initiative to implement change. It's about understanding why a problem exists and designing a solution that makes things better. Leadership is personal. It is shaped by strategic thinking, responsibility, ambition, and the confidence to find your voice.
Being involved in leadership across campus has changed the way I carry myself. It taught me that leadership isn't about a title, it's about how you treat people, how you show up, and the effort you put into helping others succeed. Colleges need to offer these opportunities because they help students grow into leaders who are ready for life beyond the classroom.
-- Caleb Gardner '26
Creative Expression
Students at C-SC are encouraged to pursue projects tailored to their personal interests. Students can pursue their creative side in the fine arts, music, theater, and creative writing. They even have the ability to design their own majors. C-SC’s flexible and immersive curriculum allows students to thoroughly explore their interests. Students are allowed to apply these interests in creative ways with their studies, activities, and development. In such an ever-changing world, developing a creative mindset prepares students to be open-minded and think outside of the box. Exploring different areas of study during your time on “the Hill” isn’t just possible, it’s encouraged!
The encouragement at Culver-Stockton to express myself creatively--even outside of my major--has been genuinely transformative. This support isn't just about fun; it's about giving students the space to explore their unique voices, which helps develop essential skills like risk-taking and original thinking. I believe it is crucial for colleges to prioritize creative exploration because it directly cultivates the innovative mindset and adaptability we need to succeed after graduation.
-- Kelly Baccay '26
Service Learning
Students at Culver-Stockton learn the importance of improving the world through service learning, which starts during the first week of school with the annual Everyone Doing More project and continues throughout their time on the Hill. By working together to impact the community, students develop civic engagement skills, organizational and interpersonal skills, and gain important insights into building community. Within C-SC’s structure of service-learning, every individual’s contribution counts, and makes for a more meaningful educational experience.
The service learning that I have done at Culver-Stockton has allowed me to connect with my community and build relationships with those I wouldn't meet otherwise.
-- Libby Skaggs '27
Simulated Learning Experiences
Simulations have the potential to create lasting, sustainable imprints on understanding. Culver-Stockton recreates realistic situations under controlled environments for students to learn. Application of knowledge is where simulations make a difference. From nursing to business, psychology, and history, students are engaged with simulation-style courses.
Having experiential opportunities like participating in simulations in class is really a defining characteristic of C-SC, I believe. It means a lot to me because these simulations give you invaluable experience ranging from professional speaking skills, debating, relationship building, decision making, etc, all by pulling from material you have learned in class and really putting it into action. Sometimes it can be intense, but ultimately, you get closer to your classmates, understand the material better because you lived through it, and overall, it is really fun and exciting!
-- Samantha Wright '26
Travel Experiences
It’s a great big world out there! We are educating our students with global perspectives as our world becomes increasingly dependent on cross-cultural relationships and economies. Traveling forces students out of their comfort zones, exposes them to different food, cultures, and communities. Employers increasingly value graduates with educational travel experiences because it demonstrates a willingness to think beyond your own experiences. In an increasingly global society, experiencing different cultures and backgrounds is vital for personal and professional development. We believe in the value of travel experiences so much that we’ve built it into the curriculum!
My perspective has changed in meaningful ways after traveling through the Netherlands and Germany. Experiencing everyday life, especially through cultural and sporting events, showed me how communities connect and express their identity. I've gained a deeper appreciation for where I come from and a stronger commitment to understanding the stories of others. My trip to Germany and the Netherlands broadened my view of the world both personally and professionally.
-- Gabby Beffa '26
Research
Graduate-level research is available to C-SC students as early as freshman year. Research is essential to a student’s growth and critical thinking abilities. These opportunities challenge students and allow them to explore subjects that they otherwise would never have been able to study. Research is fundamental in many educational and professional fields and at C-SC students can be sure their research skills will be tested and improved.
Being able to conduct research during my time at Culver-Stockton gave me valuable hands-on experience long before entering my career. I had the opportunity to collect, analyze, and present my own data, which only strengthened my passion for Biology and Ecology. My project allowed me to start from the earliest stages of research and truly understand what my future field will demand after graduation. Through my classes, my research experiences, and the guidance of an incredible advisor, I feel more than prepared to succeed after my time at Culver-Stockton.
-- Matthew Reese '26
Internships and Professional Experiences
C-SC works with corporations, organizations, and community partners to provide students with internship possibilities that are available during the academic year and summer term. Students who work in a professional setting during their time at Culver-Stockton graduate ready to tackle challenges. Internships develop professional aptitude, strengthen skills, develop personal character, and open doors to future opportunities.
My internship had a huge influence on my professional and personal interests. Getting to learn the inner workings of an organization in a field I care about helped me develop career-ready skills and build meaningful connections as I prepared to graduate.
-- Faith Younce '25