Experiential and Advanced Learning opportunities allow Honors students to pursue their
intellectual interests by tackling big questions with practical implications
Experiential and Advanced Learning opportunities allow Honors students to engage in
thorough academic exploration of topics of high interest to their intellectual lives.
Working closely with faculty mentors, students delve deeper into issues than possible
in a seminar classroom. These opportunities mimic the type of work a student should
expect to undertake in graduate school or in their professional lives, and provide
stellar evidence of the student's writing, research, and critical thinking abilities.
After applying through the Honors College for credit, students can earn Experiential
and Advanced Learning credit through the following opportunities:
- Directed Readings*
- Independent Study/Independent Investigations*
- Internship*
- Thesis project*
- Study Abroad programs*
- Approved Service-Learning Courses*
- Upper-Level Honors Seminars
*Honors students can also earn Experiential and Advanced Learning credit for departmental
versions of these courses.
Syllabi templates for Directed Readings, Independent Investigations, Independent Studies,
Internships, and Theses are updated each year and are available at the Forms, Syllabi & Online Resources page. These templates must be also be used for courses taken under a departmental
code.
In order to earn credit for Experiential and Advanced Learning opportunities (other than Upper-Level Honors Seminars), students must consult with
the Faculty Director prior to undertaking the course. Students must then complete
the appropriate Experiential and Advanced Learning Approval Form and submit all required material prior to the end of the Change of Schedule period
for the academic term of enrollment. Honors credit cannot be earned for internships, research projects, and other experiences which have already
been completed.
Students can earn a maximum of three units for any Experiential and Advanced Learning course, with the exception of study abroad undertaken in the fall or spring term
for 12 or more units. Courses can be connected as part of a larger project, e.g. a
Directed Reading in the fall term and an Thesis in the spring term.