Experiential Learning

Own your learning. Shape your future.

What is experiential learning?

Experiential learning connects academic study to action. It allows you to customize your learning experience based on your personal goals and interests. Do you think you’ll get the most out of studying abroad? Or would you rather focus on an internship close to home? Maybe you’re interested in learning how to conduct a rigorous research study and present your findings. All of these signature experiences qualify as experiential learning, and they’re available to you at the College of Health Solutions.

Two women interacting with exercise equipment in a modern, industrial-looking room.

Take your education into your own hands

When you participate in experiential learning, you take your education into your own hands. The result is a transformative experience of your own design.

But don’t worry — we’ve got your back for the questions along the way.

Why it matters

Set yourself up for career success and set yourself apart. Experiential learning means practical experience that you can add to your resume and to professional school or medical school applications. Students who engage in experiential learning through an internship are 25% more likely to secure a full-time position within six months of graduation, according to LinkedIn data reported by Forbes. You can learn professional workplace etiquette (employers love this!) plus practical skills for your chosen field. Feel better prepared for your future career by gaining workplace skills with our support. Experiential learning can make you more competitive in your medical, professional and graduate school applications. Hours spent volunteering, doing research, undertaking internships and other experiential learning opportunities increase your chances of acceptance.

Design your experience

Experiential learning opportunities

Tailor your education to your individual goals and career interests. Think about more than what you need to do to complete that major requirement – also consider what will get you closest to your goals. No two paths are the same, and every experience is an opportunity for growth. Learn about the experiential learning opportunities available to you as a Health Solutions student.

Experiential Learning at ASU

Get support and make it happen

Experiential learning is for everyone — not just for some. It’s always an ideal time to undertake experiential learning, but students who plan things early have more options and are better prepared to craft the experience that suits them best. There’s no need to wait until you’re a junior or senior — in fact, you might find that’s too late for some options! When in doubt, ask early.

How to get started depends on what you’re interested in. The first step for most students starts with Academic Advising. Make an appointment with your advisor to discuss the requirements according to your major.

Academic Advising

Your academic advisor is here for you. Get guidance on degree requirements, planning your courses, tracking your academic progress and more.

Experiential Learning

Whether you are planning ahead for a future opportunity or looking to enroll in an experiential learning course for the upcoming semester, we have a variety of resources to help you get started. The experiential learning team also facilitates undergraduate research opportunities including the Undergraduate Research Initiatives Program and the annual Student Research Symposium.

ASU Career Services

Explore a wide range of resources designed to support students through career exploration, preparation and connection to opportunities.

ASU Pre-Health Advising

Your pre-health advisor can help connect you with health profession pathways available to you through ASU, including volunteer roles, student groups and mentorship.

ASU Pre-Health Internship Program

PHIP is open to all undergraduate students across all ASU programs and is designed to develop high-quality activities, giving students the practical experience needed to be competitive in post-graduate degree programs and careers.

Faculty

Faculty can be a great asset for your career growth. Get started by taking part in office hours and taking advantage of the opportunities they share with you. Getting to know faculty can lead to teaching assistantships, research opportunities or introductions to industry partners.

Academic Advising

Your academic advisor is here for you. Get guidance on degree requirements, planning your courses, tracking your academic progress and more.

Faculty

Your faculty are your mentors during your program. Make sure to engage with them by taking part in office hours and taking advantage of the opportunities they share with you. Getting to know faculty can lead to teaching or graduate assistantships, research opportunities or introductions to industry partners.

ASU Career Services

Explore a wide range of resources designed to support students through career exploration, preparation and connection to opportunities.

FAQs

Experiential learning is for everyone! The earlier you start your experiential learning journey, the more opportunities you will be able to explore. To get started, meet with your academic advisor to discuss academic credit options and timing with your course plans.

Students pursuing a bachelor's degree must complete three credits of experiential learning to graduate. Talk with your academic advisor about what options are available to meet the experiential learning requirements for your degree.

Students pursuing a graduate degree may have experiential learning built into their program, including through field rotations, capstone projects or internships. Connect with your academic advisor to understand your course plan and available opportunities.

Attending a Getting Started information session is a great place to get started. These undergraduate-focused info sessions occur throughout the semester. You can check the student activities calendar to find the next session.

Questions about financial aid and other funding methods for experiential learning opportunities should be directed toward your academic advisor.

Talk with your academic advisor about what options are available to meet the experiential learning requirements for your degree. Students can also take experiential learning courses for elective credit or pursue non-credit opportunities.

The number of hours during the academic semester depends on how many credits you will receive. Hours must be completed during the academic semester. Visit our Internship Credit Hours Calculator and reach out to your academic advisor to confirm the credit hours required for your degree.

This depends on your degree area. Talk with your academic advisor to understand the experiential learning requirements for your major. Many of our undergraduate programs offer flexibility in how the experiential learning requirement can be fulfilled, including through online service-learning courses.

Check out our interactive search tool to explore experiential learning requirements based on your degree program. Additional questions regarding degree requirements can be directed toward your academic advisor.

Experiential Learning

On This Page:

What is experiential learning?

Take your education into your own hands

Why it matters

Design your experience

Experiential learning opportunities

Get support and make it happen

Help for undergraduate students

Help for graduate students

FAQs

Who can participate and when should I start

Am I required to do experiential learning?

What if I’m not sure where to begin?

How do I fund my experiential learning journey?

How do I get academic credit for participating in experiential learning?

What is the time commitment requirement for an experiential learning journey?

Do I have to do an internship?

What are the options to fulfill the experiential learning requirement for my major?