Redefining Higher Education
Thales College combines rigorous academics with one-on-one professor-student mentoring, internships and other work experience, and networking opportunities with community leaders.
By combining a classical liberal arts background and professional education with an engaged learning model and an emphasis on real world experience, Thales College students graduate in three years with a wealth of knowledge, critical reasoning abilities, and employable skills. This allows graduates to enter the workforce and begin contributing immediately, far ahead of their peers exiting from traditional colleges and universities.
Scientia et Sapientia
The motto of Thales College is “Scientia et Sapientia,” which means “knowledge and wisdom.” By integrating classical Liberal Arts and professional education, the Thales College curriculum helps students acquire the wisdom (sapientia) and professional knowledge (scientia) for a life well-lived and work well-done. There are schools elsewhere which allow students to graduate quickly by teaching only employable technical skills. Conversely, there are classical colleges that offer a traditional approach to studying “the Classics” without gaining practical skills. But what makes Thales College special is the marriage of the technical with the classical, without compromising on either—and all in an affordable three years.
The Thales College Experience
Thales College is designed as a unique education model. Students attend class each morning, with afternoons are kept free of class commitments to allow the opportunity to intern at local companies and organizations.
Classical Academics
Every Thales College student’s course of study is paired with their professional development. The Liberal Arts sequence develops the wisdom, thinking skills, and theoretical framework for success in work and life. The professional major sequence in Entrepreneurial Business provides the career-specific content knowledge needed to excel in a variety of fields.
Our course sequences have been carefully curated to provide a comprehensive, ordered curriculum from Term 1 through graduation. As a result, all courses have been “pre-selected” for students, with a set path. This approach ensures that every student receives a high-quality education, with no risk of a piecemeal degree that can often be found at other institutions. At the end of their three years, Thales College graduates emerge with a well-formed knowledge base and skill set developed from intensive academic formation
Class Cohort Discussions
Each morning, students convene on campus for lectures and professor-led class discussions, following the Socratic Method of discussion-based learning. These seminars allow students to ask questions, expand their learning, and come to a greater understanding of the topic through interpersonal dialogue.
Students are encouraged to challenge each other, in a lifelong effort of discerning the truth and improving their knowledge and character.
Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and the ability to excel in a safe and welcoming environment.
One-on-One Mentoring
Weekly, students meet with a professor one-on-one for mentorship and a unique teaching style modeled after the University of Oxford’s “Oxford Tutorial.” Professors push students to expand their learning, come to new conclusions, and more deeply understand the content being studied. This teaching style is rigorous but is well-known for fostering student self-confidence and robust critical reasoning abilities.
In addition, professors offer personalized mentoring and advising to assist students in developing a fulfilling career path tailored to their unique interests and abilities.
Internships & Work Experience
Every afternoon, beginning in Term 3, Thales College students have the opportunity to participate in paid internships and work experiences throughout their time at TC. Developing real work experience and career skills is critical to success in the workplace following graduation. In addition, internships provide a low risk opportunity for students to explore a variety of careers before committing to a specific role or industry.
“Interning while I was in school felt like earning a second college degree—It gave me the opportunity to learn new skills every day. I was able to take part in projects that were truly important and useful to the company. These experiences provided me with a fantastic opportunity to grow into an independent critical thinker and the confidence to take on any project. If there’s one thing I learned while interning, it was how to learn. I was expected to be a self-starter and to chart my own course. Help was always available if needed, but continuous learning was the name of the game. I learned to challenge the status quo. ‘Good enough’ was never enough. There is always room to improve goals, processes, and results.”
– Former Student Intern turned Corporate Professional
Networking Opportunities
Throughout each academic year, Thales College hosts successful individuals from a variety of backgrounds and industries. These individuals spend time teaching students the wisdom they have learned over the years in their respective fields, and this experience allows students to ask questions and receive guidance as they navigate their own paths in life.
Thales College’s goal is to provide all of the necessary skills and knowledge needed to be an excellent contributor in the workplace and the broader community. We are continually improving our curriculum to serve our students and help each individual fulfill their unique potential.
