Experiential Learning
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree are strongly encouraged to participate in a structured experiential learning program, particularly if they do not have relevant work experience. These opportunities—referred to in various departments as “Authentic Involvement,” “Internship,” or “Practicum”—typically take place during the senior year, most often in the final semester.
Experiential learning allows students to apply academic knowledge in a professional setting under the joint supervision of a faculty member and an on-site supervisor. Each experience must be guided by a pre-approved, written plan outlining the student’s responsibilities and learning objectives, along with a formal process for evaluating performance.
Students generally enroll in 2–3 semester credit hours of experiential learning, which corresponds to approximately 5–10 hours of work per week over the course of a semester or the equivalent.