Experiential Learning

Support Experiential Learning at CCS

Experiential learning is just a fancy term for learning by doing or “active learning.” Numerous studies have shown that “active learning” is the best way for students to retain information and it directly impacts success.

Art and design are inherently “active learning” activities. And because of our 120+ years of industry connections, we’re able to partner students with industry to provide them with project, competition, and internship opportunities that are in line with industry needs and will prepare them for their future careers.

By engaging students in hands-on experiences and reflection, they are better able to connect theories and knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world situations. These experiential learning activities can occur outside of the traditional classroom experience and/or be embedded as part of a course.

Types of Experiential Learning Opportunities at CCS

All CCS students graduate with hands-on learning experience through one of the experiential learning opportunities listed below.

Curricular Experiential Learning

Curricular experiential learning opportunities are embedded in academic programs and are credit-bearing. These types of opportunities are available as part of a course or program of study and allow students to apply the knowledge they are learning through educational projects, partnerships, and placements.

Educational Partnerships (Sponsored Projects)
Educational partnerships include projects that are highly conceptual and allow students the opportunity to participate in creative, research-based assignments within real-world design parameters, interacting with designers and staff from the partnering company. This is a great opportunity for students to make connections and experience a real-world art or design assignment. These partnerships can take the form of sponsored projects, community-driven projects, and service-learning opportunities.

Entrepreneurship
Students are able to develop a broad-based entrepreneurial skill relevant to any organization – start-up or established business, for-profit or not-for-profit. Entrepreneurship involves thinking and acting in ways designed to uncover new opportunities that are then applied to provide value, often developing each stage and facet of a new product, service or enterprise. This may include understanding and applying basic business principles as they relate to developing products, services and enterprises or in advancing one’s own studio practice. Examples of Entrepreneurship experiences at CCS may include related courses in the Liberal Arts Department, applied learning in departments where students develop business models or plans to sell their artistic work, products and services. Students may also participate in Design Core’s business education programs offered to the general public.

Global Experiences
Global experiences include study abroad and, international exchange programs. The content of which is enhanced by the location of instruction, by distinctive historic or cultural features available in the location, or by a unique approach to the subject matter that is specific to the locale.

Internships, Residencies, or Fellowships
The internship program allows qualified students to earn academic credit while gaining first-hand experience in their chosen fields with a partner organization. Non-credit internships are another option for students to pursue professional experience. Fellowships and Residencies provide additional opportunities for students to expand their creative practice and are usually immersive and may require the student to travel to another geographic location to participate.

Research
Research for the purposes of advancing a project in a professional context, or on behalf of a client, can be designated as Experiential Learning. This type of research embeds the researcher in a professional setting for the purpose of gathering user-related data to inform a design process. Examples vary, but may include studio projects, entrepreneurial projects, and sponsored projects.

Co-Curricular Experiential Learning