University of Puget Sound is committed to creating opportunities for every student to complete at least one form of experiential learning before they graduate. Students will engage in an internship, study abroad, summer research, and/or community-based learning paired with an approved course. The list of eligible courses is below.
Experiential Learning Requirement Courses
Engage in the community through volunteer work or community-based projects.
In this course, you will receive support as you find and engage in community-based learning opportunities that interest you. As you engage in your work in the community during the semester, you’ll also connect with peers in similar opportunities as you reflect on your experiences, values, and the importance of community-based learning.
Course Logistics:
- EXLN 295 fulfills the Experiential Learning Requirement
- Involves 30+ hours of community-based learning
- Available in the fall, spring, and summer semesters
- Students must have secured and begun an approved community-based learning by the fourth week of the semester
- Offered for variable credit: 0 to 1 academic unit
- Please contact Tiffany Williams for questions
Navigate your internship experience within a cohort model.
In this course students who have secured an internship will make connections between their academic learning, workplace experiences, and future goals. You will receive coaching and guidance from the instructor, reflect on your journey and growth, and learn alongside peers engaging in their own internships.
Course Logistics:
- EXLN 296 fulfills the Experiential Learning Requirement
- Involves 60+ hours of career related experiences in an off-campus setting
- Students must have secured an approved internship by the start of the semester
- Offered for variable credit: 0 to 1 academic unit
- Available in the fall, spring, and summer semesters
- Please contact Nicole Kendrick for questions
Get the most out of your experiences abroad while you connect with Loggers around the world.
In this course, you will reflect on your study abroad or off-campus experience, making connections between your experience and your academic work and developing a narrative to articulate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes you have gained as a result of your experience.
Course Logistics:
- EXLN 297 fulfills the Experiential Learning Requirement
- Students must be admitted to a university-approved study abroad or off-campus program in order to enroll in EXLN 297
- Puget Sound faculty-led study abroad or off-campus opportunities may involve a prerequisite course the semester before travel
- Offered for .25 academic units in Fall/Spring, and 0 units in Summer
- Available in the fall, spring, and summer semesters
- Please contact the Office of International Programs for questions
Take a deep dive into an area of interest through your summer research project.
This course establishes a cohort of research students leading independent projects and helping to shape the future of their field. You will examine your research journey in dialogue with peers, share project milestones with the campus research community, identify examples of individual growth and skill development, and use that experience as a stepping stone toward your future goals.
Course Logistics:
- EXLN 298 fulfills the Experiential Learning Requirement
- Involves 10 weeks of full-time research
- Students must have secured an approved summer research project by the start of the semester
- Available in the summer semester
- Offered for variable credit: 0 to 1 academic unit
- Please contact Elize Hellam for questions
Build on a completed experiential learning activity as you pursue your next goal.
In this course, you will reflect on your prior experience, development, and accomplishments to share narratives from your experiential learning journey with peers. You will engage in continued career preparation, professional development advice, and support as you prepare for your next internship, job, volunteer, or leadership experience.
Course Logistics:
- EXLN 301 fulfills the Experiential Learning Requirement
- Students must have already completed an approved experiential learning activity (e.g., internship, community-based learning, independent research, or study abroad)
- Available in the fall and spring semesters
- Academic credit: 0.25 units
- Please contact Nicole Kendrick for questions
There are a variety of departmental courses that meet the Experiential Learning requirement.
Experiential Learning Career Development Series
The Career Development Series offers an intentional pathway that connects the phases of career development. This pathway prepares students as they pursue experiential learning opportunities, including internships, undergraduate research, community-based learning, and study abroad. It supports students as they move strategically forward in the career planning and development process, and thoughtfully engage in experiential learning during their time at Puget Sound. The course series consists of the three parts outlined below.
EXLN 101 – CAREER AWARENESS
Explore your interests and career possibilities. Best for students who are early in their career journey or seeking direction, this course introduces you to different strategies to explore career paths and working environments that align best with your values, interests, and personality. You will work to enhance your communication skills and increase your confidence while building connections, crafting a resume, and conducting informational interviews. .
Course Logistics:
- Available in the fall and spring semesters
- Academic credit: 0.25 units
- Please contact Maya Herran for questions
EXLN 201 - EXPLORING YOUR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPTIONS
Gain support applying to career-related experiences through the lens of reflective learning. In this course, you will be introduced to tools and pedagogy that will support goal setting and preparation to take the next step along your career journey. You will reflect on your strengths, define your interests, and gain individualized support in finding an experiential learning opportunity that is right for you.
Course Logistics:
- Available in the spring semester
- Academic credit: 0.25 units
- Please contact Nicole Kendrick for questions
Engage in an experience and take the corresponding EXLN course from the list below:
- 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 – Telling Your Experiential Learning Story
All of these courses meet the Experiential Learning Graduation Requirement. Please refer to their course descriptions above for more information.
EXLN 401 – CAREER LAUNCH
Take active steps toward networking and pursuing a position after college. In this class, you will reflect upon yourself, refine your career options, and take active steps toward a future career choice. Explore how to utilize skills, strengths, and interests in pursuing opportunities after graduating from Puget Sound. Develop a professional presence on paper, online, and in-person. Hone professional skills that include resume writing, building online profiles, networking, interviewing and salary negotiation.
Course Logistics:
- Available in the fall and spring semesters
- Academic credit: 0.25 units
- Enrollment requirement: junior or senior standing
- Please contact Sara Winland for questions