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What is the Experiential Learning Requirement?

Experiential Learning at Puget Sound allows our students to bridge the gap between knowing and doing. By applying knowledge in the field in real time, they can develop a deeper understanding of self, others, and the world.

All Puget Sound students will complete at least one form of Experiential Learning before they graduate by choosing between an internship, study abroad, summer research, or community-based learning. Robust campus resources ensure that students understand the scope of their Experiential Learning options, make the most of their opportunities, and receive the support they need throughout the experience.

Through their chosen experiential learning opportunity, students will:

  • apply learning through direct experiences outside the traditional classroom,
  • add skills and experiences to their resume,
  • take ownership of both the process and products of their work,
  • cultivate a deeper understanding of self, others, and the world, and
  • learn more about what motivates and inspires them.

Experiences must be approved by the university or be a part of a university sponsored program. For a complete description of the Experiential Learning Graduation Requirement, please see the University Bulletin.

Approved Experiential Learning Courses


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The Experiential Learning Graduation Requirement will first apply to the incoming undergraduate students in Fall 2022 and to all future University of Puget Sound undergraduates.

Undergraduate students will be required to engage in at least one experiential learning activity paired with an approved course during their time at Puget Sound. Students have flexible experiential learning options that fit into two main categories outlined below.

  • Option 1: Engage in an approved experiential learning activity and take the corresponding EXLN course.
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    • EXLN 295 - Community-Based Learning Experience
    • EXLN 296 - Internship Experience
    • EXLN 297 - Study Abroad/Off Campus Study Experience
    • EXLN 298 - Summer Research Experience
    • EXLN 301 - Experiential Learning Seminar 
  • Option 2: Take an experience-based course that has been approved for the graduation requirement.

To see the complete list of courses that meet the Experiential Learning requirement and the details for those courses, please visit the Available Experiential Learning Courses page.

Use myPugetSound to view the full list of approved courses in a given semester. Select Class Search » Term » Core classes » Class Attribute » Core 2024/Experiential Learning.

  • Community-Based Learning
    Many community-based learning opportunities like volunteering and community projects are unfunded. However, some grant funding is available through the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI).
  • Internships
    Students are always welcome (and encouraged) to secure a paid internship to be approved by the university. Students can also apply for the Summer Fellowship Internship Program which hosts paid internships in Tacoma or a grant from the Puget Sound Internship Grant.
  • Study Abroad 
    Financial aid (other than work study) and scholarships apply towards fall, spring, and academic year study abroad. If the summer study abroad program is worth 2 or more academic units, students may be eligible to borrow up to 1/3 of their federal loans for the academic year. No institutional aid is available for summer study abroad. You may also explore the list of study abroad scholarships to find other funding opportunities.
  • Summer Research 
    Grants for Summer Research projects are available by application through the university. Funding for research supplies is also available through the University Enrichment Committee (UEC) for both summer research projects as well as projects conducted during the fall or spring terms.