Experiential Learning

Where learning and doing are one and the same.

We believe experiencing is foundational to learning. So you’ll be applying what you learn right away—in class and out.

Female Butler student performing hearing test on young child.

Hands-on learning is in our DNA.

At Butler, education isn’t confined to classrooms and lecture halls. From internships to community service to research projects, learning by doing will be a fundamental part of your experience. In fact, don’t be surprised if it happens early and often! Whatever your major, you’ll find Butler’s emphasis on hands-on experiences will give you (and your resume) a tangible advantage after you graduate.

skyline of a city with office buildings and sky scrapers on a sunny day

Big city, bigger classroom

Indianapolis is big (the 16th largest city in the United States), but not too big. That means you can easily connect with growing organizations that are hungry for new talent like you. From start-ups and non-profits to global tech and healthcare giants, you’ll find plenty of open doors just outside our campus. Wherever you want to go, there’s no better city to get your start.

Male student intern at WISH-TV Indianapolis in news desk.

Internships

Put Your Lessons to Work

Here’s a secret: Employers love students with on-the-job experience because they get a head start on lessons that can’t be taught, like problem solving and bouncing back when things don’t go exactly to plan. (Free advice: Nothing goes exactly to plan.) More than 75 percent of Butler students hold at least one internship before they graduate—and if you’re a business student, you’ll have two. That pays off: Every year, more than 3,000 companies knock on our door seeking students for internships and jobs.

Students unpacking Gleaners food truck.

Service-Learning

Care Starts Here

There are colleges where you can spend four years and not know there’s a world outside campus. Butler isn’t one of those places. We’ve built community into the curriculum. Both our Indianapolis Community Requirement and Social Justice and Diversity courses give you a deeper look into your home in Indianapolis, and encourage connection with the people and places throughout the city. (Don’t be surprised if you find yourself volunteering long after these classes are done. When you get to know Indy, you’ll want to be part of it.)

Female student working in chemistry lab.

Undergraduate Research

Ask and Answer

The difference between reading about research and conducting it yourself is like the difference between taking a guided tour of a place and setting off on your own: Both are valuable. But one gives you a chance to go where your curiosity takes you. At Butler, exploration is part of the deal. Even as an undergrad, you’ll have a chance to work directly with faculty members as part of a small team, conducting primary research on topics that matter. Our students have asked big-impact questions, like how babies with hearing impairments interact with their parents and how feminist ideals are portrayed in the media. And you’ll get the chance to share your findings on campus and beyond, at conferences and in papers.

Study Abroad

Come to Indy, See the World

We love Indianapolis. But the world is a big place. And there’s no better time to see it than while you’re in college. So get your passport: We offer more than 300 study abroad programs in over 50 countries. Maybe you’ll work full-time in China. Or complete a leadership program in London. In fact, our Global Adventures in the Liberal Arts program is ranked among the country’s 50 best study-abroad programs.

The Butler Experience

At Butler, students benefit from a set of unique experiences designed to set them up for a successful career and a meaningful life after graduation.

We’re Student-Centered at the Heart Why We’re Known for Innovation

We’re known for providing students with numerous opportunities to experience new places and cultures.