Experiential and Interdisciplinary Learning

Experiential Learning Requirement (EL)

Experiential learning is a way to learn by doing, or learn by experiencing. Instead of acquiring information from a classroom lecture or book, experiential learning gives you active, hands-on experience in the real world. Examples of experiential learning options within CFANS include: study abroad, field-based research, service-learning classes, internships, volunteer work related to your studies, and more. 

CFANS requires undergraduate students to do at least ONE high-impact experiential learning activity before graduating.

The experiential learning (EL) requirement can also be fulfilled by taking a class that has been certified. For APEC and AFBM majors, you may take one of the following courses to fulfill your experiential learning requirement:  APEC 3551 - Concept Design and Value-Added Entrepreneurship in Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource SciencesCFAN 3096 - Making the Most of your Professional Experience, or CFAN 4096 - Reflecting on Your Professional Experience.

Experiences can also be used to satisfy the experiential learning requirement, but students need to do some legwork in order for these to count. Before the experience starts, students must review the requirements for experiential learning and complete an agreement with the major coordinator. Upon completion, the major coordinator will certify that the student has satisfied the EL requirement. Experiences that could be used in this category would be learning abroad, student research, and service learning in the community. See the Proposal for an Experience to Satisfy the CFANS Experiential Learning Requirement for more information.

Interdisciplinary Learning Requirement (ID)

An interdisciplinary (ID) course addresses issues from at least two different academic disciplines (two fields/departments within the university). By integrating two disciplines into one class, students have the opportunity to develop integrated problem-solving skills.

CFANS undergraduate students are required to take one interdisciplinary course (2 credits or more) that counts toward their major.

The interdisciplinary learning requirement can be fulfilled by taking classes that have been certified by the college.  For APEC and AFBM majors, there are 7 interdisciplinary courses that can satisfy this requirement. View the full list in the University catalog or on student APAS reports.