Gustavus Signature Experience

Connecting classroom knowledge with real-world experiences – for every Gustavus student.

More making, inventing, researching, experiencing.

It’s time to reimagine higher education and refocus on building the skills and understanding you’ll need to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. The Gustavus Signature Experience (SigX) is that change.

  • Guaranteed experiential learning chosen by you
  • The edge you’ll need for your resume
  • Personalized guidance & mentorship
  • Up to $3,000 in additional aid for your SigX
A student in the sciences laughs while doing her work.
Gustavus students of the African Diaspora dance at a student event.
Learning by Doing
100%
of students will do research, intern, study away, or complete a community project.
A man sings in a jazz band.

Four Experiential Pathways to Choose From

Internships

A student in a Gustavus t-shirt stands in the outfield of a baseball stadium.

Leverage our alumni connections and gain valuable networking and career experiences—with faculty that mentor you throughout the internship. You'll learn how to be your best self, and how to take the next best step. 

 

Explore Internship

Research

Students examine plants in a lab.

Unparalleled access to research typically found at the graduate level. Two faculty members will be in your corner: one who's a collaborative research partner, and one who helps put your experience into the context of your life and future career. 

 

Explore Research

Community Projects

A young woman helps a client use resistance bands.

Immersed in your community, you'll apply your liberal arts education in real-world scenarios that impact those around you, with the core value of justice embedded into the experience. Faculty help you find your way and tell your story. 

Study Away

Students in front of a medieval castle.

Enrich your academic journey with a wide range of domestic and international study away programs. Under the guiding mentorship of a faculty member throughout, you'll expand both your personal horizons and professional prospects.

 

Explore Study Away

A student takes an object from a professor in the woods.

Connecting to your career

With SigX, we’re connecting classroom learning with hands-on, real-world experiences – giving you the time, and perspective, to transform your future.

Before


Prepare for SigX with a group of other Gusties, so you have the professional skills employers want.

During


Learn how to tell your SigX story. (Employers are asking for this, and it will give you an edge!)

After


Show off your SigX Digital Credential, so you can build your online presence.

    Get more with The Gustavus Advantage


    Inspired by student feedback, The Gustavus Advantage introduces academic program changes–like SigX–that give you more flexibility and choice.

      Reduced general requirements mean flexibility to focus on your interests and goals. Courses often cross majors and disciplines, so there's still plenty of exploration. 

      All introductory courses count as general education courses, so you can double major—and even switch majors—and still graduate in four years. 

      A scheduling grid reserves 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for sports, performing arts, and any other campus activities that interest you. 

      The academic calendar includes weeklong breaks during Fall and Spring semesters, plus three weeks between December and January. 

      Plenty of time for internships, student research, study away, music tours, additional courses, work opportunities, and all other future-forward plans. 

      Reach far. Dig deep.
      Go Beyond.