Skip to main content
Home
Slater Home

Utility Menu

  • Stories & News
  • Events
  • Library
  • Athletics
  • Graduate Programs

Utility CTA Menu

  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Give

Slater Top Utility CTA Menu

  • Contact
  • Visit
  • Give

Search

Search
  • About
    About Puget Sound

    Founded in 1888, University of Puget Sound is an independent, residential, and predominantly undergraduate liberal arts college.

    • Mission & Values
    • Facts & Rankings
    • Location & Community
    • Leadership
    • History & Traditions
    • Media Coverage
  • Academics
    SOMETHING YOU DO

    Part of a Puget Sound education is the opportunity for a wide variety of experiential learning options, including internships, studying abroad, and more.

    Read about student experiences
    • Undergraduate Programs
    • Graduate Programs
    • Experiential Learning
    • Curriculum & Graduation Requirements
    • After Puget Sound
    • Academic Resources & Support
  • Admission
    OPENING DOORS

    Create your own path and pursue a life of purpose and impact.

    Request Admission Information
    • Apply
    • Visit & Events
    • Group Visits
    • Experience Puget Sound
    • Cost & Aid
    • Graduate Admission
    • Connect With Us
  • Student Life
    We look forward to seeing you!

    Learn about our weeklong orientation program that immerses you in campus and the community while preparing you to tackle your academic studies.

    Read about student experiences
    • Housing
    • Dining
    • Activities
    • Orientation
    • Diversity & Belonging
    • Health & Safety
    • Student Life Resources
  • Alumni
    Once a Logger...

    Always a Logger! Just because you're not still living on campus and visiting the Cellar for pizza doesn't mean you have to be disconnected from what's happening on campus! 

    Sign up for the weekly Hatchet newsletter!
    • Events
    • Volunteer
    • Stay Connected
    • Affinity Groups
  • Resources For...
    • Undergraduate Students
    • Graduate Students
    • Parents & Families
    • Faculty
    • Staff
    • Community
    • Top Resources
      • Webmail
      • my.PugetSound.edu
      • login.pugetsound.edu
  • About
  • Collections & Research
  • Education & Outreach
  • Biodiversity
  • Exhibits

Push Navigation Toggle

  • Mobile Search Form Toggle
  • Push Menu Toggle

Push Navigation Toggle

  • Mobile Search Form Toggle
  • Push Menu Toggle

Main navigation

  • About
    • Mission & Values
    • Facts & Rankings
    • Location & Community
    • Leadership
    • History & Traditions
    • Media Coverage
  • Academics
    • Undergraduate Programs
    • Graduate Programs
    • Experiential Learning
    • Curriculum & Graduation Requirements
    • After Puget Sound
    • Academic Resources & Support
  • Admission
    • Apply
    • Visit & Events
    • Group Visits
    • Experience Puget Sound
    • Cost & Aid
    • Graduate Admission
    • Connect With Us
  • Student Life
    • Housing
    • Dining
    • Activities
    • Orientation
    • Diversity & Belonging
    • Health & Safety
    • Student Life Resources
  • Alumni
    • Events
    • Volunteer
    • Stay Connected
    • Affinity Groups

Slater Main Menu

  • About
  • Collections & Research
  • Education & Outreach
  • Biodiversity
  • Exhibits

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Experiential Learning
  4. About the Experiential Learning Requirement

About the Experiential Learning Requirement

In this section

  • About Puget Sound
    • Mission & Values
      • Institutional Equity & Diversity
        • Programs & Resources
          • Access Programs
          • Access Scholars Cohort Program
        • Diversity Strategic Plan
        • Title IX & Equal Opportunity
      • Sustainability
    • Facts & Rankings
      • Accreditation
    • Location & Community
      • Campus Map & Directions
        • Places & Spaces
      • Tacoma
      • Seattle & the Pacific Northwest
      • Community Partnerships & Initiatives
    • Leadership
      • Strategic Plan
        • Overview
        • Goals
        • Educational Outcomes
        • Planning Committees
          • Goal Team One
          • Goal Team Two
          • Goal Team Three
          • Goal Team Four
          • Goal Team Five
      • Campus Master Plan
        • Mission & Goals
          • President's Charge
          • Scope
          • Sacred Spaces
        • Development & Drawings
        • Projects
          • Athletics & Aquatics Center
          • Commencement Walk
          • Science Center
            • About the Project
            • Science on Display
              • Juvenile Gray Whale
              • Analemma
              • Brown Family Courtyard
              • Foucault Pendulum
              • Mosaics
              • Sierpinski's Carpet
              • Puzzles
              • Exterior Facade
            • Architects & Contractors
            • Building Views & Floor Plans
              • Elevations
              • Floor Plans
            • FAQ
          • Thomas Hall
          • Welcome Center
            • Interior Designs
          • Weyerhaeuser Hall
            • Project Overview
            • Inside the Center
            • For Journalists
            • Steering Committee
            • FAQ
          • Student Center Renovation & Expansion
        • Timeline
        • Committee
          • Master Plan Workshops
    • History & Traditions
    • Media Coverage
  • Academics
    • Undergraduate Programs
    • Graduate Programs
    • Experiential Learning
      • Study Abroad
      • Summer Research
      • Internship Programs
      • Community-Based Learning
      • Careers & Employment
      • Available Courses
      • Graduation Requirement
    • Curriculum & Graduation Requirements
      • Knowledge, Identity, & Power Requirement
      • Course Descriptions
      • Search Classes by Term
    • After Puget Sound
    • Academic Resources & Support
  • Student Life
    • Housing
      • Halls & Houses
        • Campus Houses
        • Themed Living
          • Themed Houses
          • Trans & Non-Binary Housing
          • International District
        • Greek Houses
      • Policies, Rates & Refunds
      • What to Expect
        • Housing Selection Process
          • Transfer Housing
        • Residence Hall Association
        • Animals in Campus Residences
        • What to Bring to Campus
        • FAQ
    • Dining
      • Meal Plans
    • Activities
    • Orientation
    • Diversity & Belonging
      • Intercultural Engagement
      • Spirituality & Religious Life
      • Accessibility & Accommodations
    • Health & Safety
      • Counseling, Health, & Wellness Services
        • Doctoral Psychology Internship
        • Practicum Counselor Training
          • Application
          • Position Description
          • Practicum Counselor Agreement
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Security Services
      • Sexual Misconduct Prevention
      • Student Rights & Responsibilities
      • Title IX
    • Student Life Resources
  • Annual Events
  • Lecture & Performance Series
    • Art | Sci Salon
      • Previous Art | Sci Events
        • Art, Ecology, & Community
        • Biology + Art
        • Eco-Mandala
    • Brown & Haley Past Lectures
    • Clapp Past Artists
    • Dolliver Professors, Guest Lecturers, & Residencies
    • Jacobsen Series
    • Pierce Past Lectures
    • Redford Past Lecturers
    • Regester Past Lecturers
    • Swope Past Lectures
    • Thompson Hall Science & Mathematics Seminars
      • Information for Speakers
      • 2021-22 Seminars
      • 2020-21 Seminars
      • 2019-20 Seminars
      • 2018-19 Seminars
      • 2017-18 Seminars
      • 2016-17 Seminars
      • 2015-16 Seminars
      • 2014-15 Seminars
      • 2013-14 Seminars
      • 2012-13 Seminars
    • Weyerhaeuser Colloquium Series
      • Past Events
        • Applying Behavioral Research to Entertainment
        • Evidence, Knowledge, & Decision-Making in Occupational Therapy
        • Exercise Science/Psychology Poster Session
        • Physical Therapy Graduate Student Poster Session
        • Reconciling Work & Play
        • Returning Children to Play & School After Concussion
        • Headstrong
        • How to Succeed at Losing
        • Neural Swatches
        • Nourishing the Whole Person
  • Academic Calendars
  • Emergency
    • Security Alerts & Emergency Communications
    • Quick Guide to Incident Response
      • Reporting Crime
      • Lockdown
      • Power Outage
      • Violent Act or Threat
      • Fire
      • Hazardous Spills or Leaks
      • Emergency Medical Care
      • Earthquake
      • Inclement Weather
      • Personal Safety
    • Questions & Answers
    • Emergency Response Plans
      • On-Campus Incident Response Plans
      • Emergency Response Management Plan
        • Emergency Operations Center
        • Emergency Gathering Areas Map
        • Primary Emergency Response Departments & Staff
        • City of Tacoma & Pierce County Plan
    • Inclement Weather
    • Outbreak Prevention
      • COVID-19
        • Dashboard
        • Campus Communications 2022-23
        • Ask Us
      • Monkeypox (MPV)
    • Training Video: Shots Fired on Campus
  • Sustainability
    • At the Diner
    • In Tacoma
    • In the Residence Halls
    • On Our Grounds
    • On the Road
    • FAQ
    • Contacts
      • Sustainability Advisory Committee
  • Digital Humanities
    • What are the Digital Humanities?
    • Gallery of Student Work
    • Gallery of Faculty Work
    • Resources
      • Digital Essays
      • Digital Mapping
      • Network Visualizations
      • Presentations
      • Text Analytics
      • Timelines
        • Timeline Examples of Student Work
    • Meet Our Team
    • Request a Consultation
    • FAQ
  • For the Media
    • Press Photos
  • Program Review
    • Committee & Charge
      • Subcommittee Membership
    • Resolution
    • Schedule
    • Messages
    • Feedback
  • Communications
    • Brand & Tools
      • Brand Guide
        • Messaging
        • Our Look
      • Social Media Guide
      • Style & Inclusive Language Guide
      • Website Guide
        • About the Website Design
        • Approved Content Editor Training
        • Policies
        • Resources
          • Google Analytics
            • Basic Report
            • Glossary
            • More Analytics
          • Search Engine Optimization
            • SEO Resources
            • Social Media & Linking
            • Usability
            • What We Already Do
            • What You Can Do
    • Channels
      • Arches
        • About Arches
        • Archive
      • The Hatchet Weekly
      • Social Media
      • Website
    • Contacts
  • Instructions for Requesting Changes to Existing Courses
    • Connections Course Proposal Instructions and Rubric
    • Artistic Approaches Course Proposal Instructions and Rubric
    • Humanistic Approaches Course Proposal Instructions & Rubric
    • Seminars in Scholarly Inquiry Course Proposal Instructions and Rubric
    • Mathematical Approaches Course Proposal Instructions & Rubric
    • Natural Scientific Approaches Course Proposal Instructions & Rubric
    • Non-Core (with KNOW) Course Proposal Instructions & Rubric
    • Non-Core (without KNOW) Course Proposal Instructions
  • Archaeology
    • Chersonesos Project
    • Khirbet Qana Project
    • Galilee Survey Project
    • Related Links
      • Archaeological Technology
      • Nabonidus database
      • Fieldwork Opportunities
      • Related Websites
      • Redford Conference In Archaeology

What is the Experiential Learning Graduation 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.

  • Community-Based Learning
    Engage with local organizations through projects or volunteering for 30+ ho...Learn More
  • Internship
    Programs
    Spend 60+ hours in a semester pursuing individual goals and professional gr...Learn More
  • Study Abroad
    Choose from over 100 programs in 40 countries with both short-term and seme...Learn More
  • Summer Research
    Work closely with a faculty member on a full-time research project for 10 w...Learn More

Engage with local organizations through projects or volunteering for 30+ hours over at least 6 weeks.

    - Get started with our Community-Based Learning Roadmap document.
    - Browse current Community-Based Learning options.
    - Questions about Puget Sound’s CBL Programs? Contact Experiential Learning Programs and Support.

Spend 60+ hours in a semester pursuing individual goals and professional growth in a field of interest with mentorship from a supervisor.

    - Get started with our Internship Programs Roadmap document.
    - Connect with Career and Employment Services for support in finding an internship.
    - Questions about Puget Sound Internship Courses? Contact Nicole Kendrick.

Choose from over 100 programs in 40 countries with both short-term and semester-long options.

    - Get started with our Study Abroad Roadmap document.
    - Browse Study Abroad programs.
    - Questions about Study Abroad? Reach out to International Programs.
    - Schedule an appointment with the Study Abroad Coordinator to begin planning.

Work closely with a faculty member on a full-time research project for 10 weeks in the summer.

    - Get started with our Summer Research Roadmap document.
    - Learn more about the Summer Research at Puget Sound.
    - Questions about the Summer Research Program? Email Summer Research.

Which student population will the Experiential Learning Graduation Requirement affect?

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.

How do I satisfy the Experiential Learning Graduation Requirement?

Undergraduate students will be required to engage in at least one approved experiential learning activity and enroll in the one of the following approved EXLN courses during their time at Puget Sound.

The following courses currently meet the Experiential Learning Graduation Requirement. To see full course details visit the Available Experiential Learning Courses page.

  • 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
  • EXLN 350 - Internship Seminar

Additional courses may apply to satisfy the Experiential Learning Graduation Requirement.

Are there funded opportunities available to me?

  • Community-Based Learning
    Many community-based learning opportunities like volunteering and community projects are unfunded. However, some grant funding is available through the Civic Scholarship Initiative (CSI).
  • 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.
  • 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.

Footer Top Quick Links

  • Back to the top
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Give
Home
University of Puget Sound

1500 N. Warner St., Tacoma, WA 98416

Contact Us
facebook Instagram linkedin twitter Youtube flickr

Footer Menu

  • Campus Map & Directions
  • Security Services
  • Emergency
  • Title IX & Equal Opportunity
  • Employment
  • For the Media
  • Consumer Information & Disclosures
  • Offices & Services

© 2023 University of Puget Sound

Copyright Buttons Menu

  • Slater Museum of Natural History
  • Race and Pedagogy Institute