Experiential Learning

---

Your future begins today

---

A Thiel College education goes beyond just what you learn in the classroom. From engaging with the local community and exploring opportunities in the nation’s capital, to going on international cultural-learning trips, Thiel is dedicated to offering students unique experiences that help them grow.

Tomcats understand how valuable these hands-on learning opportunities can be for their success both in college and in their future careers. Our goal is to support each student in reaching these important achievements.

Tomcat Way

The Tomcat Way is Thiel’s proven approach to helping undergraduates succeed. It starts in the first year and builds each year as students dive deeper into what they’re most passionate about. This model focuses on important themes like mentorship, finding meaning, understanding identity and purpose, and developing career and professional skills.

First Year Experience

Designed to engage first-year students with one another and connect with the College as a whole, Thiel’s First Year Experience helps you to launch a successful college experience.

• Develop positive relationships with students, faculty and staff
• Identify campus resources
• Engage in opportunities that contribute to learning in and outside of the classroom

Excel Program

Kickstart your Thiel College journey with our Excel Program! This unique and immersive learning opportunity lets students dive into college-level work and get ready for the challenges they might face during their first year of college. Download the Excel Opportunities Program brochure!

Centers of Excellence

Thiel’s Centers of Excellence are experiential learning environments where students are challenged to accomplish ambitious goals and develop valuable leadership qualities. From the Dietrich Honors Institute to the Haller Enterprise Institute, our Centers cover a wide range of disciplines and potential career paths.

Student-Faculty Research

At Thiel, research is a key part of hands-on learning and an important aspect of the undergraduate experience. It offers opportunities for breaking down problems, exploring questions in depth, and developing new ideas.

Our students engage in research across various fields, including the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Since 2014, the annual Scholarship & Arts Symposium has been a popular event where students showcase their research projects.

Endowed Lecture Series

At Thiel College, we enhance the educational experience by inviting top experts from various fields, including CEOs, artists, marketing executives, educators, journalists, athletes, and leaders in non-profits.

We proudly sponsor a range of lectures and fine arts events for students, faculty, and community members to enjoy. The Thiel Lecture Series, which includes several endowed lectureships, offers events that bring new perspectives and ideas from around the world to our campus.

Study Abroad

Build on your college education with an academic study abroad experience. Studying abroad helps you grow both individually as a person and connect with our global world, discover new cultures, different ways of thinking, new methods of learning and build relationships along the way.

Thiel Forum

The Thiel Forum provides faculty, students, and staff an opportunity to share projects or publications and to discuss their work. Moreover, it provides a wonderful opportunity for collegiality and camaraderie while it is centered on the academic enterprise.