Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Learning outside the traditional classroom is about more than putting theory into practice. It’s also about discovering yourself — who you are now, and who you want to be.
Your Simpson College experience is uniquely your own. You’ll combine majors, minors, and concentrations to align with your aspirations. To that, you’ll add in extracurricular activities and leadership roles that complement your interests. And — if you’re like most ambitious Simpson students — you’ll choose one or several ways to extend your learning beyond the classroom.
Maybe that means trekking across campus to get involved with the Culver Public Policy Center, or perhaps it means trotting across the globe for May Term in Spain. Maybe you’ll intern 17 miles away in Des Moines, or perform 1,700 miles away in LA.
Whatever you do, wherever you go, we’ll be here to support you.
Simpson Students Are Highly Engaged Learners
complete a high-impact learning experience, such as research or study abroad
participate in our top-ranked speech and debate or mock trial teams
pursued at least one internship prior to graduation
present at our annual Research & Creativity Symposium each year
Beyond Comfort Zones. Beyond Borders. Beyond Expectations.
It’s no wonder our alumni continue to praise their time here for stretching them as individuals and opening them up to a world of opportunities. Here’s a closer look at what “beyond” looks like to Simpson students.
Internships & Career Development
Our proximity to the thriving capital city of Des Moines puts exciting internships within easy reach. And, throughout your four years, you’ll benefit from access to personalized career guidance.
Centers & Research
Ask big questions—and find answers—during a long-term independent research project. Or, collaborate with a professor on their on-going scholarly or creative work.
May Term Trips
Our 4-4-1 term is designed to reserve the final three weeks of the academic year for a deep dive into one course, either right here on campus or on a faculty-led trip, stateside or abroad.
Speech & Debate and Mock Trial
Our students are no strangers to the podium. Our nationally recognized teams form solid, logical arguments and speak eloquently and persuasively. Involvement in speech and debate or mock trial is incredibly valuable, no matter what your major.
Speaking Up: Meet Kylie Banouvong
A member of the reigning national champion speech and debate team and intern at the Polk County Attorney’s Office, Kylie is gaining valuable experience and transferable skills: “I’m on the shy side. But now I’m a lot more confident in the classroom because I know better what I’m talking about. Then I’m able to go back to my internship and utilize what I’m learning in class.”
Kylie Banouvong ’24
History major, psychology minor
Read More About Kylie