FACULTY of ARTS and SCIENCE

Experiential Learning

The Faculty of Arts and Science has nearly 7,000 students enrolling in over 2,000 courses annually. Both experiential learning and work-integrated learning (WIL) play vital roles in enriching our academic programs.

Experiential learning encompasses a broad range of hands-on educational experiences designed to deepen understanding and support skill development within our faculty’s academic disciplines. These include, among others:

• Lab and classroom work: Developing technical and applied skills through hands-on activities.
• Field schools: Immersive opportunities to study and apply knowledge in real-world settings, locally and internationally.
• Community-engaged learning: Partnering with local organizations to address community and societal challenges.

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)

Work-integrated learning takes experiential learning a step further by integrating academic studies with authentic workplace experiences. WIL involves a partnership between a Faculty of Arts and Science program or course, a partnered organization and a student. Throughout that partnership, meaningful, supervised learning occurs in a professional context and emphasizes the development of employable skills and the cultivation of professional identity.

Examples include:

• Field placements and internships: Supervised individual work placements that allow students to apply academic knowledge to workplace tasks that align with specific academic or professional objectives.
• Course-based WIL projects: Partnered organizations engage groups of students in completing projects that connect their course theory to the work and challenges of their organization.
• Community/Industry research projects: Students participate in community or industry-engaged research focused on advancing innovation and discovery in various fields.

Partnering for Impact

We place great emphasis on our partnerships with over 100 community organizations that offer an array of experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities for our students. These collaborations provide opportunities for students to:

• Contribute valuable skills and insights to community and industry projects.
• Gain practical experience that bridges the gap between academic learning and career readiness.

We are proud and excited to work with organizations of all sizes—whether in the private, public, government or non-profit sectors. Together, we strive to maximize our relationship with our community and participation in our experiential learning programs.

For more information or to explore collaboration opportunities between your organization and the Faculty of Arts and Science, please contact the FAS Office of the Dean at fasofficeofthedean@macewan.ca.