Experiential Learning
Experiential learning involves a process of learning, doing, and reflecting and provides Stevenson students with the opportunity to acquire first-hand experience. Experiential learning empowers students to connect ideas and experiences from a variety of contexts, synthesizing and transferring what they have learned in the classroom to situations beyond the classroom. Stevenson offers students a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including internships, practicums, clinicals, undergraduate research, service-learning, and study abroad.y.
International and Off-Campus Study
Stevenson University offers exciting international and domestic study opportunities for academic credit. Students can choose from a variety of SU faculty-led travel courses or approved affiliate programs in one of 50 countries around the world, including the United States. Internships and service-learning options are also available. Terms include fall and/or spring semester, Winterim, summer and Spring Break. Participation requires an application be submitted by stated deadlines. Costs vary, with many options allowing financial aid and scholarships to be applied. Additional scholarships are also available (see
www.stevenson.edu/academics/study-abroad/scholarships). It is recommended that students confer with their academic advisors early on in their time at SU to plan an international or domestic study experience into their overall academic program. Engaging in off-campus programs directly enhances Stevenson’s mission to graduate students with the competence and confidence needed to address creatively the opportunities and problems facing their communities, the nation, and the world.
Questions regarding international and off-campus study should be directed to the Associate Dean, Study Abroad. For more information, please see the Office of International and Off-Campus Study's
portal page.
Internships
Internships are academic courses offered either as electives or requirements by the majors. Consult each program section in the Fields of Study section of this catalog for more detailed information.
Students can also explore internship opportunities through Handshake, an online employment database maintained by Career Services. The Career Services staff is available to assist students with resume and cover letter writing and interview preparation skills, as well as techniques for searching for internships. Internships.com is another resource available through Blackboard. All credit-bearing internships must be approved by the appropriate program coordinator, department chair, associate dean, or school dean. Students must secure an internship and register for the coordinating course prior to the semester in which they plan to complete the internship.
Service-Learning
Service-learning is an intentional teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful service with academic instruction and reflection. Through service-learning, students, faculty, and community partners collaborate to address real-life needs, locally, and globally. Through service-learning courses, students gain a deeper understanding of subject matter as well as complex social issues. Service-learning allows students to become skilled in relating theory with practice while building connections with the community and enhancing their future employment opportunities.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research provides an opportunity for students to conduct original, independent research in their academic field under the mentorship of Stevenson faculty or an off-campus mentor. Students apply the knowledge gained from course work to original research questions and hone their critical thinking, technical, and communication skills in the context of a professional research setting. Undergraduate research allows students to experience what it means to be a scholar in their field, working at the forefront of a discipline and advancing knowledge.
Many opportunities exist for students to engage in undergraduate research in many programs, including independent research courses, capstone research experiences, summer research experiences, work study, and research assistant positions. The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research also offers information on many off-campus and summer research opportunities.