Learning + Doing

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Peak experiences in high-impact learning

Beyond the Classroom

Take your education to new heights with a Peak experience. At Concordia, we believe learning + doing takes your knowledge beyond the classroom and prepares you to become the creative problem-solvers our world needs now. Through Peak, we guarantee you’ll receive two unique, hands-on learning experiences that will elevate your education and help you to build skills, gain confidence, and get ready to make a real impact. Whether you are studying abroad, completing an internship, conducting research, or working on real-world projects in the community, your Peak experience will help turn your passion into purpose.

“At Concordia, you will complete two hands-on experiences that elevate your growth — helping you think critically, build practical skills, and connect classroom study with meaningful engagement beyond campus.”
Dr. Lisa Twomey, Director of Community Engagement and Integrative Learning; Associate Professor of Spanish

FAQs

At Concordia, you’ll engage in many high-impact, hands-on learning activities. Twice during your journey, you will reach new heights with Peak experiences — focused, in-depth opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in the wider world. Through internships, research, leadership roles, community engagement, study away, and other meaningful real-world experiences, you will deepen your knowledge, sharpen your skills in critical thinking and problem-solving, and reflect on your vocation and purpose.
 
As you think about and plan your Peak experiences, remember: 
• You need two Peaks to graduate. 
• Your Peaks must be registered to count toward this requirement. 
• You cannot get Peak credit retroactively. 
 
Some programs require you to complete a Peak as a part of the major. The following programs have one or two Peaks integrated into the requirements for the major:
  • ▪️Education
  • Exercise Science
  • Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics
  • Healthcare Leadership
  • International Business
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Social Work

If your program does not require a Peak, we encourage you to explore Peaks in any discipline or through cocurriculars. Note that many programs have Peak courses or experiences as elective options. The following programs have Peak courses that are elective options in the major’s requirements, or the program has non-course experiences available to students:

  • Accounting
  • Art
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Communication Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • English
  • Environmental and Sustainability Studies
  • Finance
  • Global Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Neuroscience
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Religion
  • Theatre
  • World Languages and Cultures

Yes! There are many ways to complete a Peak. You might complete an internship, work on research, hold a campus leadership position, or travel abroad. A long list of approved Peak experiences — as part of a course or separately — can be found in the academic catalog. 

Yes, students are welcome to propose their own Peak! If you are interested in creating your own experience, contact the director of community engagement and integrative learning to start a proposal at communengage@cord.edu. 

To get credit for a Peak experience, you will need to register for PEAK 400 with a CRN that is specific to your experience. How you do this depends on the type of Peak you are completing (through a course, a cocurricular, an internship, etc.). Check with your advisor for more information.

“I studied abroad for an Exploration Seminar as a Peak. We were able to connect with locals. Once you learn how to build those relationships, you just become happier, honestly.”
Luke Wilts ’26 | Major: Healthcare Leadership; Minors: Accounting, Spanish
Peaks can include leadership as an assistant R.A. in Hallett like Sady Swiers ’27.
One Peak for Nick McGinley '23 was his role as director of marketing for SALT.
Carrie Voss '22 completed a Peak as the Homecoming chair.
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Contact

Dr. Lisa Twomey

Associate Professor of Spanish; Director of Community Engagement and Integrative Learning Academy 120C
P 218.299.3340
E twomey@cord.edu