Experiential Learning | Houghton University

Prepare for your calling, not just a career.

Imagine graduating not just with a degree, but with a clear vision of how your unique talents can serve God's purposes in your chosen field. Inspired by Christ's Great Commission, Houghton’s CO-mission approach transforms your college experience, sending you into the world as the hands and feet of Christ.

Discover Houghton's CO-Mission

Partnering with faculty who offer personalized guidance, this approach empowers you to embody your Christian witness. You’ll join a faith-filled community on CO-mission, united with a common goal of making a difference for Christ in their chosen field and beyond.

By integrating Christian values with academic excellence and real-world experience, you will:

Picture of Houghton H in an autumn setting

Gain Valuable Skills

Hone the essential skills employers value, including leadership to critical thinking, through the Highlander Pathways.

Houghton communication major, Ella Smith, wearing headset.

Grow Through Real-World Experiences

Dive into your field, gaining real-world experience that sets you apart through shadowing, practicum and internship opportunities.

Houghton students in physics classroom with professor.

Engage in the Latest Research

Tackle real problems alongside accomplished faculty, many who hold the highest degrees in their field and bring that knowledge to your classroom, field, and lab experiences, honing your expertise with cutting-edge research.

Houghton University Honors students sitting on fountain ledge looking through packets.

See the World

Expand your horizons with off-campus experiences during Mayterm where your tuition is covered, thanks to Houghton’s Inspire Grant. Recent adventures include art exploration in Europe, ornithology studies in Ecuador, and writing immersion in NYC.

Connect with Faculty & Staff

You will also accelerate your spiritual and professional growth through personalized guidance from Houghton’s committed faculty and staff. In addition, Houghton’s Transitions course for new students will encourage you to explore your strengths and God-given talents to help discover your calling. The Senior Transitions course will later help you prepare for life after graduation as you simultaneously document your involvement in educational experiences outside of the classroom with a co-curricular transcript.

Look Forward to a Bright Future

Houghton is so committed to your success that, if you are not offered employment or accepted into graduate school upon graduation, Houghton will offer a tuition-free bonus year of on-campus study. Because we know that you are looking for a high-quality education that puts God first and prepares you for the fast-paced and ever-changing world. That’s our promise to you, and we stand by it.

Ready to use your passion as part of a greater mission?

Discover how Houghton’s CO-mission can give you the skills and experience you need for Kingdom work.

Request Info

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.