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Start with
No loans
End with
No debt
Gain hands-on
experience
in the field of your choice
Education is not just theory
In the Practicum phase, we help you discover your passions, gifts, and strengths while you get hands on experience in the field of your choice through an apprenticeship, internship, or self-directed research study.
Learn how to
thrive in the context of community
Grow deeper with God and His Body
Learn to thrive in real homes (not dorms), prepare and eat real meals (not cafeteria food) and build real, lifelong friendships in a community of like-minded people following Jesus into a life of flourishing.
Become wise, mature, and productive...
...through Holistic Education & Discipleship
We’ve cultivated an environment that encourages growth in every aspect of life – intellectually, spiritually, practically, professionally, and missionally.
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Graduate with
a Bachelor's
in 3 years
2 Phases. 36 Months
In Phase 1, build a foundation for the rest of your life as you come to understand our common human calling. In Phase 2, discover and pursue your personal kingdom calling through hands on experience in the field of your choice.
The Excel College Bachelor's Program
The Excel College Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies, Integrated Economy, and Critical Thinking allows you to gain hands on experience in the field of your choice while providing you with the context to grow intellectually, spiritually, practically, professionally, and missionally.
components of learning
months of
growth
The Core
Discover Our Common Human Calling
As carriers of the “Imago Dei,” each and every one of us is called to represent God to the world and bring His Kingdom to Earth. In The Core Program, we study one subject at a time in the flow of the biblical narrative, beginning and ending with God, to lay a foundation for this common human calling – a foundation from which to build your life.
In the current system, knowledge is fragmented. But our modular, sequential curriculum restores the unity of knowledge through the flow of the biblical narrative. From Theology to Biology, on to Anthropology and Fine Arts, and back through again, our unique Core Curriculum walks you through what has traditionally been called “the Liberal Arts” in a way you’ve never experienced before. In Phase 1, students embark on the pursuit of Wisdom through each module of the Core Curriculum. In Phase 2, they'll go through the same curriculum in the pursuit of Virtue - getting to know God as Alpha and Omega.
The Practicum
Discover Your Personal Kingdom Calling
In the Core, you discovered our common human calling and built a framework to understand God's story. Now it's time to play your part in it. In the Practicum, you will discover your passions, gifts and talents and craft a plan to build marketable skills through hands-on experience in the field of your choice.
Our unique approach empowers you (in collaboration with our team of mentors and coaches) to create your own customized path into the marketplace, all the while becoming a wise, mature and productive adult. Students begin the Practicum component in Phase 1 by learning the soft-skills necessary to succeed in the marketplace. By Phase 2, you're ready to choose an industry to hone your skills in, and receive specialized training from experts and professionals in that field. At the end, you'll graduate with a resume. Scrolling below are some of the existing practicum tracks our students have done or are currently doing. You can choose from one of our extensive list of programs or add to our ever-growing network with a practicum track that YOU pioneer. Don’t see the field you are interested in? We are constantly adding new partnerships as we help students build out their practicum track. Talk to our admissions team to see if we can help you pursue an emphasis that is right for you! Contact admissions.
The Practicum is a
3-Step Process
That Helps You...
Discover
Our team will help you identify your unique callings and understand how they could be exercised for the benefit of the marketplace and community around you.
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Plan
After discovering your calling, we'll walk alongside you to craft a personalized plan to achieve proficiency in your field of choice. The focus is on achieved outcomes — not test scores.
Advance
The most important part of any plan is execution. In the Advance Stage, you’ll grow through hands on experience, accountability, and one-on-one coaching all the way through. Below are just a few of the employers and ministry partners in our network that make experiential learning possible for Excel students.
Throughout Your Time, You Will...
Live Within Community
Phase 1 and, for many, Phase 2 takes place on our Excel Black Mountain campus in the beautiful mountains outside of Asheville, North Carolina. You’ll learn to thrive in real homes (not dorms), prepare and eat real meals (not cafeteria food) and build real, lifelong friendships in a community of like-minded people following Jesus into a life of flourishing.
For many, our community has been the biggest part of their growth journey. Whether it’s hiking or visiting waterfalls, playing soccer and grilling out on the weekends, interacting with the faculty and staff who live on campus, worshipping together and getting to know God deeper in one of our community gatherings, or experiencing the eclectic culture of Asheville, your time here will be full of moments that help you come to life.
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Flourish Through Discipleship
Discipleship is at the core of what we do. From the classroom to the marketplace, the home, and our community gatherings, we’ve cultivated an environment that encourages growth in every aspect of life – intellectually, spiritually, practically, professionally, and missionally. Our team of coaches and mentors lives and works from Excel Black Mountain, and it’s our joy to walk with students through each step of their journey. You’ll be encouraged, challenged, and strengthened as you learn what it’s like to participate in a healthy, flourishing community focused on discipleship.
Grow by Experiential Learning
True education must go beyond the classroom. That’s why experiential learning is a key component in BOTH phases of the program. You’ll discover truth together in a unique classroom experience, learn to manage and take care of a home, and build practical, marketable skills in your place of work – all while building the character and characteristics needed to be a flourishing member of a community. Below are just a few of the employers and ministry partners in our network that make experiential learning possible for Excel students.
Testimonials
Excel college is such an amazing community full of wonderful, godly people. The program is like no other, and I can say without a doubt that I’ve grown so much as a person since the start of the school year. My transition from Challenge IV to the Core was everything I hoped it would be. I especially love the Socratic discussions that we’ve had, as they remind me of the many meaningful conversations that I had with my fellow Challenge students. I would absolutely encourage graduating C.C. students to consider Excel College as an option for their future education! The adventure awaits!
Natalie
Kabazzi
I am currently a student at Excel College working towards my Bachelors degree, and it is the best decision I have ever made! I have so much gratitude for this community, curriculum, and discipleship-hearted leaders. God is in every inch of this place, from the warm smiles of the people you encounter to the rich materials and teachings in and out of the classroom. Excel is so much more than just a degree, this place has shown me what it means to be the Church, to be a people of love, family, and Kingdom. This is abundant life; it is life to the fullest. I have been greatly challenged, inspired, and encouraged. Most of all, I have been loved by every single student and staff member on this campus. None of this can even begin to describe how incredible this program is. It is something that can only be experienced, that's how transformative this curriculum is.
Keturah
Manwaring
At Excel College, I experienced challenge and growth like I could never have imagined. The Core Curriculum led me into a newfound love for God and His Creation as I learned to see him and His world rightly. I came to see life as a WHOLE instead of a collection of PARTS and this laid a foundation for wisdom that will guide me for the rest of my life. My life is fueled by a passion to see and relate rightly with God, his creation, myself and my neighbor and has led me into a position where I get to partner with His Spirit in leading the next generation into the same revelation.
Isaiah
Schmidt
The Excel College Program is exactly what I have been looking for over the last few years in regards to completing my degree. I have been able to use my previous experience as a Squad Leader for the World Race and Intern with G42 Leadership Academy to begin to fulfill my Phase 2 requirements for my emphasis in Community and Program Development. I have already had the opportunity to work alongside leaders at Excel in developing and refining programs for youth and young adults. Excel College’s holistic approach to education and living has already made an impact in my life and I look forward to the growth I get to continue experiencing here professionally and personally.
Nicole
Murray
I came for community, and found family. I came for discipleship, and received a network of people who poured into me. I came for a place to live, and found new life. Hands down the most educational, loving, and excellent place to learn how to flourish. I'm now in the Practicum phase, with an emphasis in product development and finding myself hungry to learn more and engage in deep conversation with those who are equally hungry. Nonetheless,my time in Excel has been and continues to be a once in a lifetime experience.
Stephen
Barton
Summer Missions:
Help Us Rebuild WNC
Come and serve with Excel College and our partners in helping Western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene. You'll make a difference in the Swannanoa Valley by working with disaster relief teams while also having the opportunity to grow in your faith through experiencing the vibrant Christian community at Excel.
For who?
Ages 17+
How much?
$1,000/mo
When?
May-August (you can sign up for the duration or individual months)
*If a student attends one of the Excel summer camps, they may attend the rest of the calendar month of a disaster relief summer experience at only an additional $250 charge (50% discount for that month).
What's Happening
Listen
Read
A Reflection on Honor
C8 student, Madi, shares her reflections on the virtue of Honor throughout her practicum.
Come serve with Excel College and our partners as we rebuild WNC!
The Debt Dilemma
Why we created a debt-free college model.
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PO Box #190
Ridgecrest, NC 28770
admissions@theexcelcollege.com
Newsletter Coming Soon