Experiential Learning

Transformative Learning

At Houghton, we believe in providing you with opportunities to take what you are learning in the classroom and apply it in real time to solve real-world problems – readying you for your future career and vocation.

Experiential learning opportunities are built into the curriculum of every academic program at Houghton, and can include hands-on courses, research experiences, study abroad programs, internships and more.

My research experience has been exceptional in a number of ways … very few people receive the opportunity to work on such cutting-edge research at the undergraduate level, with experienced collaborators linked to major research facilities.

Micah Coats '18

`My semester in London, England was not only an exciting experience – it forced me to step out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to the wider world around me, and how God is at work beyond the scope of my own little world.`

Cana Roth '09

At Houghton, students are always encouraged to take their education beyond the classroom. … During my junior year, I was fortunate to have an internship on Capitol Hill where I got hands-on political experience, giving me the chance to learn skills that I now use on a daily basis in my career.

Michael Danylak '09

Study Off-Campus

Live in Rwanda, Africa for a semester and learn about community development and reconciliation in the wake of the 1993 genocide. Experience Thailand for a semester in southeast Asia and learn about social justice issues, such as human trafficking. Take a three- three-week class abroad in Central America, South America, or Europe.

Explore Off-Campus Studies

Internships

Houghton students apply their academic learning to real-world work settings through internships in local and global settings. These experiences allow students to explore career interests and build their professional network, sometimes resulting in jobs immediately following graduation.

View Recent Internship Opportunities

Research

Through collaborative research opportunities, students address the deep needs and issues of the world through firsthand, transformative experiences. Guided by faculty mentors, students are actively involved in the entire research process – from defining the problem, developing solutions, and even presenting their findings at regional and national conferences.

Explore the Shannon Summer Research Institute
Houghton student athlete standing by rock wall overlooking ravine in Nicaragua.

You Pay for the Trip, We Pay for the Credits

All Houghton students entering in fall 2024 will receive the Inspire Grant, which will allow them to complete an international experience, off-campus research or experiential learning opportunity, or select internship tuition-free. Such experiences might include studying bird migration in Portugal, art in Europe, or contributing to national security research on nuclear material detectors at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Houghton students gain a greater perspective through invaluable experiential experiences.

This one-time grant will cover the cost of tuition for up to 4 credit hours in a 3-week course in May after students have completed at least one full year of study at Houghton.

Data Science Meets NASCAR

The Houghton Data Analytics Team spend the weekend at ``ALLY 400`` NASCAR Cup Series Race at Nashville Superspeedway in Tennessee collecting data in real-time.
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Accounting at a ``Big Four`` Firm

Ella Osuzoka leapt at an opportunity to work for Deloitte after KPMG (Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler) came to one of her Houghton classes. KPMG and Deloitte are two of the “Big Four” accounting firms that spread their services to over 150 countries worldwide.
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Physics Research for Nuclear Safeguards

Timothy Ockrin ’24 joined Dr. Katrina Koehler ’11, assistant professor of Physics, for the second year in a row as a paid intern at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).
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Recent Internship Opportunities

A sampling of internships from Summer 2022 through Spring 2024.

Walt Disney Company

Texas Rangers

Global Partners

  • Aurora Veterinary Clinic
  • Belfast Central School District
  • Body Blocks Fitness
  • Bureau of Land Management - Idaho
  • Calvary Church
  • Camp Bayouca
  • Chesterfield Equestrian
  • CMERA
  • Compass Ministries
  • Cuba Patriot
  • Day Seven Ministries
  • Deloitte
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
  • Fillmore PowerHouse
  • GetFit Alleghany
  • Hartford Healthcare
  • Houghton Wesleyan Church
  • Huron Forest Camp Cedar Ridge
  • Kentwood Community Church
  • KPMG
  • Lakeshore Community Church
  • Lippert Components
  • Matt McLaughlin Dressage
  • Saint Joseph's Health Hospital
  • Seneca Healthcare District
  • Spruce Elementary School
  • StableStrides
  • Tiffany and Design
  • Ultimate Power Company, LLC
  • Victory Highway Wesleyan Church
  • Vince Wagner
  • Wood Family Wellness

Hands-on Learning For All Interests

See what students have achieved while still at Houghton.

For the Entrepeneurs

Let your ideas shine in a competition.
Agri-Tech Start-Up CompetitionAnnual Startup Allegany Collegiate Competition

For the Researchers

Present a paper or poster at conference.
Faculty/Student Pair Publish Research Review on Streptococcal InfectionsStudent/Faculty Pair Research at Los Alamos National Laboratory

For the Problem Solvers

Engage in a meaningful real world project.
Using Data Science In Bible TranslationStudent Participates in Tax Internship

For the Creatives

Display your talents on stage or in a gallery.
Student Participates in Conducting MasterclassStudent Exhibits at the Ortlip Art Gallery

For the Explorers

Immerse yourself in a cultural experience.
Explore London HonorsStudent Accepted to Prestigious Graduate Fellowship

Experiential learning prepares Houghton graduates to launch successful careers.

See Where They've Gone