What is experiential learning?
Experiential learning is how you connect your work experiences to the knowledge and skills you learn in the courseroom. At Capella, there are different opportunities to earn credit toward your degree while getting real work experience. Explore Capella’s experiential learning opportunities: workplace learning, experiential partnerships, internships and Credit for Prior Learning.
Experiential learning opportunities
- How you’ll learn
- Why enroll in a course
- Examples of projects
Questions about experiential learning? Start here
- Immediately apply what you’ve learned to solve real-world challenges
- Access coaches and feedback from experts and fellow students in real time
- Practice soft skills like communication and teamwork
- Develop reflective practice habits to accelerate your progress as an expert in your area
- See your growth and accomplishments as you progress
At Capella, online learning can complement experiential learning in important ways. Where online courses provide new knowledge, experiential learning helps reinforce course content to make the material relevant. In the online courseroom, students can ask questions, give feedback and reflect on their real-world work. And new work skills – such as communication, leadership, time management and conflict resolution – can be a focal point for engagement and a sense of community in the courseroom.
Experiential learning means learning by doing – and reflecting on that experience to grow. At Capella, it means leveraging practical work experience to enhance what you’re learning in the courseroom. It’s a hands-on introduction to skills and knowledge that you could use in your career today or tomorrow. Capella’s experiential learning opportunities include workplace learning, experiential partner learning and internships. Whether you are developing new capabilities or transitioning into a new field, experiential learning can help you in expanding your skills.
Experiential learning provides an opportunity to gain relevant experience. Below are examples of ways you could potentially earn credit through experiential learning at Capella.
- Internships
- Case studies or stretch assignments at your current job
- Work projects with a Capella partner organization
How does experiential learning help students?
Experiential learning – and the reflection process – affords you many opportunities to grow. Learn to examine your thoughts, actions and emotional responses in real work situations. Gain insight into your own skills and career interests. Practice professional behaviors. And build the self-confidence that can help with your transition to your next career move.