Hands-On and Applied Learning at Bright College
Experience is the most effective teacher. At Drake University’s Bright College, you’ll move away from traditional lectures and exams and dive into an innovative associate degree program centered on immersive, real-world learning.
Across cohort-based, project-oriented instruction, every element of your time at Bright is built to ensure you thrive in the workplace or as you continue your education. You’ll grow into a critical thinker, clear communicator, effective team member, and creative problem-solver. And regular exposure to diverse professional settings lets you gain the confidence you need for future success as you engage your developing abilities.
High-Impact Experiences
There’s no busy work here. Drake thoughtfully designs every component of your learning journey to fuel your growth, expand your horizons, and spark your passion. Activities are collaborative, challenging, and geared toward cultivating skills that matter in the workplace.
Real-World, Project-Based Learning
Project-based instruction integrated into your coursework introduces workplace-ready competencies. Exploring collaboratively, you’ll learn to manage the details, solve problems, and communicate in scenarios that mirror real-world responsibilities.
Client Consulting Course
During the last semester of your second year, a real-world organization will present one of the challenges it currently faces or involve you in one of its projects. You and your classmates will then develop a solution based on everything you have learned.
Optional Internships
Career-aligned, hands-on experience is a vital part of your education at Drake. Bright College students have the opportunity to accelerate their learning by participating in an optional internship with a local organization. Past placements have included Iowa Urban Media, The Ray Center, and Urban Dreams.
Career Development
Bright College students build the high-level, transferable skills every employer wants. Through Drake’s Career Services office, you’ll have access to the resources and expert guidance needed to connect those skills with opportunities that prepare you to put your best foot forward.
The Drake Experience
When you enroll, you’re not just joining Bright College. You’re also stepping into the wider Drake community, where you’ll find a warm welcome and an exciting array of ways to further boost your skills, form relationships, and make a real difference.
J-Terms
Change up the pace with a month-long course held in January of each year. These shorter, intensive learning experiences let you focus on specific topics that add practical, career-relevant context to your studies.
Student Clubs and Organizations
This is your community. Join any of Drake’s roughly 150 student organizations to connect, try new things, gain professional experience, and take on leadership roles.
Service Learning
Leveraging new knowledge and skills to uplift the city we call home is core to Bright College’s identity. Embodying this mission, our students engage with local businesses and non-profits through their coursework, internships, and involvement in on-campus organizations.
Leadership Opportunities
All Bright College students hone their leadership skills in and out of the classroom. Among the broader Drake community, you’ll find a range of opportunities from student government to service organizations to put these concepts into action and make an impact.
Take the Next Step
Experience a learning environment built from the ground up to equip you for real work in the real world.
