A relative of the internship, this form of experiential learning usually is a course or student exercise involving practical experience in a work setting (whether paid or unpaid) as well as theoretical study, including supervised experience as part of professional pre-service education. This could be something like coursework for the major or observing in the field.
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What are the benefits?
Practicum experiences are generally required in teaching/professional social science disciplines. Students will be immersed in their future career program and will prepare them for the future.
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Opportunities
Opportunities for practicums are only available for upper classmen in specific majors. To get started, students should enroll in a practicum course and/or speak with their academic advisor.
For More Info Contact your academic advisor for more information on taking a practicum course.
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How do I start?
Practicum experiences are provided through departments/specific majors. Majors including education majors require students to do a practicum. This is part of the coursework required for graduation, and students can work with their academic advisors if they have any questions. Other majors offer practicum courses but do not require them. In such cases, the practicum serves as an opportunity for students to get in-field work experience while receiving credit, similar to an unpaid internship. Practicum courses, however, are more rigid in their structure and curriculum than internship courses.
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Can I receive credit?
Students enrolled in a practicum course will receive credit.
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Student Spotlight
Learn more about student experiences with practicum here.