Experiential Learning
Students are encouraged to complete some type of experiential learning experience at Northwest College:
- internship,
- cooperative education,
- service learning,
- independent study, and
- field studies.
These experiences enhance students’ academic knowledge and build employment skills. A number of NWC’s career and technical education programs require experiential learning components, and most of these opportunities are open to all students.
A maximum of 12 credit hours of independent study, cooperative education, and internship credits may be used to fulfill requirements for AA, AS, or AAS degrees at Northwest College. Not more than six of these hours may be in any one of the three areas.
Internships and Cooperative Education
Internships and cooperative education are experiential learning venues that allow students to apply classroom theory in the work place. Generally, internships are offered by a “call for interns” from an employer through a competitive process. They are also sometimes arranged by a student’s current employer. Cooperative education is typically a collaborative learning opportunity between a student, employer, and the college that can be initiated by any of the three.
Internships and cooperative education require a minimum of 30 hours in the workplace for each credit hour earned. Most experiences are 3-6 credits with occasional exceptions. Students register for internships and cooperative education through the Office of Work-Based Learning. Registration is open throughout the semester.
The Work-Based Learning Manager and faculty advisors are excellent resources for identifying opportunities. Get more information at the Office of Work-Based Learning or online:
 Visit the Work-Based Learning section of the NWC website for more information.
Service Learning
Service Learning encourages students to reflect on service activities/projects in such a way as to gain further understanding of course/program content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility. Get more information by visiting with the Dean of Instruction or the Work-Based Learning Manager.
Independent Study
Independent study courses allow students to design individualized academic courses in cooperation with a faculty member. Students may take up to four credits of independent study per semester and may apply up to a total of six credits of independent study toward an associate’s degree.
Students may obtain forms for independent study from the Academic Affairs Office.
Field Studies
Field-study courses enhance participants’ understanding of history, culture, arts, language, and the environment of another region or country. Courses are offered during weekends, Winter Holiday, Spring Break, and summer months. Sample courses include field studies in Paris, Equador, Italy, Spain, China, Hawaii and the American Southwest.
Visit the Field Studies section of the NWC website for more information.
Academic Activities
Northwest College supports co-curricular team activities and academic-based clubs and campus activities. For example:
- The Northwest College Forensic team has maintained top 10 national rankings for more than 30 years.
- Equine Judging teams have consistently earned individual and team awards at regional and national competitions.
- Livestock Judging and Livestock Showing teams have consistently earned individual and team awards at regional and national competitions.
- Academic-based clubs and activities include a variety of programs such as Block and Bridle, International Club, Phi Theta Kappa and Students in Free Enterprise.
Visit the Academic Activities section of the NWC website for more information.
Phi Theta Kappa – Honor Society
The purpose of the Phi Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is to promote scholarship, the development of leadership and service, and the cultivation of fellowship among qualified honor students at Northwest College. A number of universities offer scholarships to students who are in Phi Theta Kappa.
Visit the Phi Theta Kappa page of the NWC website for more information.
Extended Campus
Northwest College recognizes the need for education access and lifelong learning. The Office of Extended Campus provides educational opportunities in Park, Big Horn, and Washakie Counties.
Extended Campus credit courses have the same high standards and requirements as courses offered on the main campus. NWC offers interactive television courses in Big Horn Basin communities. On-site instruction is provided at the Cody and Worland Centers. Internet course delivery supplements site-based delivery.
Visit the Distance & Online Learning section of the NWC website for more information.
Dual/Concurrent Enrollment
Dual/Concurrent enrollment courses are college-level classes offered by Northwest College where qualified high school students earn both high school and college credit. Northwest College offers these courses to give high school students around the Big Horn Basin an opportunity for advanced placement, additional opportunities for growth and educational development, and encouragement to continue their education after high school graduation. See Admission to the College for eligibility requirements. Get more information at the Office of Extended Campus or online:
Visit the Distance & Online Learning section of the NWC website for more information.
Articulated Programs of Study
Northwest College has articulation agreements with high schools in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho to provide a seamless career pathway for students. Get more information at the Extended Campus Office. Also see Alternative Credit Charges in Costs.
Center for Training and Development
The Northwest College Center for Training and Development provides quality training programs for community members and businesses throughout the Big Horn Basin by offering business specific, customized training and open enrollment courses.
The center also offers Continuing Education Credits (CEU) for many of its courses. CEUs can be used for recertification and licensure renewal in many fields.
Visit the Center For Training & Development section of the NWC website for more information.
Developmental Courses and Study Skills
A strong foundation in math, writing, and reading is essential for college success. Students complete placement testing in these subject areas before they register for classes (see Student Placement Testing ). Students who do not score at the college level are placed in courses designed to support development of these important skills. Developmental courses carry college credit but do not count toward graduation requirements.
Study skills are another important element for college success. Northwest College offers two one-credit courses to help students acquire these critical skills. HMDV 1000 and HMDV 1010 are useful in helping students master use of the electronic library, computer labs, and other important academic success skills. These courses do count toward graduation and are highly recommended for all students.
Adult Education: Basic Skills, GED Prep, and English as a Second Language
The Northwest College Adult Education Program offers instruction in basic skills development (reading, writing, and mathematics), GED preparation, English as a Second Language, and citizenship preparation. Instruction is offered on-site in six communities across the Big Horn Basin — Powell, Cody, Lovell, Greybull, Basin, and Worland. This program meets a wide variety of individual educational needs and responds to a diverse population of adult learners. Instruction is provided throughout the year in small groups or by individual tutoring at no cost to participants.
Visit the Adult Education page of the NWC website for more information.
Faculty Advisors
Each degree-seeking student will be assigned a faculty advisor but a student may request an advisor from the Academic Affairs Office. Read more in Academic Advising .
Visit the Academic Advising page of the NWC website for more information.
Community Education
Powell Valley Community Education, supported cooperatively by Northwest College and Park County School District Number One, provides traditional and online enrichment programs. These courses cover a wide range of topics and carry no high school or college credit.
Visit the Powell Valley Community Education website for more information.
Cultural Programs
The college sponsors and hosts a wide variety of programs on topics of current interest. Performances, presentations, and exhibits are frequent. Many are free to the public.
Visit the College Calendar section of the NWC website for more information. |