2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Experiential Learning Certificate



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Program Coordinator/Contact

Kathie Erdman Becker, Coordinator and Advisor
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Wagner Hall 124
605-688-6296

Program Information

The Experiential Learning Certificate provides students with high-impact educational activities to produce deeper learning outcomes – mastery of academic content and transferable skills – needed for success in the 21st century workplace and beyond. Students learn by engaging in meaningful, hands-on activities, including service learning, applied learning, field-based learning, integrative learning, research/scholarship/creative activity, and travel studies. EXPL students reflect critically upon how to apply what they have learned in the classroom to experience-based activities on campus and in the community.

Student Learning Outcomes

Through completing the Experiential Learning Certificate, students will:

  • Apply academic theories and concepts to practical problems in real-world settings.
  • Respect individual and cultural differences when communicating within teams and with project partners.
  • Generate a new meaning, structure, process or product integrating diverse elements.

Academic Requirements

The following are required of all students enrolled in the experiential learning program:

  • Successful completion of 15 hours of experiential learning coursework in at least three different types of experiential courses;
  • Successful completion of at least one activity outside of a campus setting through the program coursework;
  • Successful completion of at least one campus-based activity through the program coursework;
  • Document completion of certificate requirements via an electronic portfolio;
  • Participation in all assessment activities and surveys associated with the certificate.

Course Delivery Format

Program courses are taught on campus, online, and in field-based settings appropriate to the course content.

Requirements for Experiential Learning Certificate: 15 Credits


Integrative Capstone Experience


Complete a three credit capstone related to the field of study. Credits: 3

Electives


Select a minimum of 12 credits from at least 3 categories below. Contact the Experiential Learning Coordinator to review the current list of approved courses for each category. Other Courses may be contracted for EXLN credit with approval of the EXLN Coordinator and the course instructor. Extra-curricular activities, volunteer experiences and regular paid employment may not be used for credit to fulfill certificate requirements. Qualifying courses will be noted on the student’s official transcript. Credits: 12

Applied


Comprehensive course projects in partnership with businesses, agencies and organizations. Credits: 0-4

Creative Activity


Producing a creative work, performance under guidance of a faculty member requiring innovation and appropriate application of the design, build or performance principles of the discipline. Credits: 0-4

Field-Based, Internship and Practicum


Development of new knowledge and skills unique to a particular professional setting actively engaged in innovation or service. Credits: 0-4

Service Learning


Active community engagement and service integrating civic responsibility and cultural differences. Credits: 0-4

Travel Studies: Domestic and Abroad


Travel Studies/Study Abroad: Appreciate cultural diversity and globalization. Credits: 0-4

Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity


Research or scholarly work conducted under the mentorship of a faculty member utilizing research conventions of the discipline. Credits: 0-4

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