Types of applied learning

Student getting hands-on experience in the Robotics lab

When it comes to bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience, nobody offers more opportunities than Wichita State. Thanks to our location in Kansas' largest city, Shockers in every major can gain the skills, connections and confidence needed for career success—before graduation—with employers in virtually every industry.

 

Suzie Garcia interning at the Child Development center on WSU's main campus.

Cooperative education and internships

Through WSU's Career Development Center, Shockers have access to more co-op and internship placements than they'll ever find in the typical college town.

Co-ops are paid, multi-semester jobs, related to your major, where you ­earn academic credit.

Internships are paid or unpaid work experience in professional settings, with academic credit and zero-credit options, completed full time or part time.

 
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Types of applied learning

Social work major with a child.

Practicum and clinical placements

Practical experience in professional settings that is tied to specific degree programs (such as nursing or social work) and required for graduation.

Miranda Roland at Heartspring.

Service learning and volunteering

Classroom learning combined with public service that benefits your educational goals while also meeting community needs. Create your own project or work with local public agencies and nonprofits.

Student doing research

Student research

Investigation and experimentation within your academic area. Conducted on or off campus, independently or in collaboration with faculty, peers and industry professionals.

Graphic design student intern

Mentorships

Connecting with a professional in your future area of employment. Mentors provide expertise, guidance and industry contacts—helping you discover and achieve your dream career.

Student outcomes

 Where can a Wichita State education take you? Just ask our current students and recent grads who've taken advantage of our unmatched opportunities to discover their dream careers, conduct groundbreaking research and, ultimately, make a positive impact on their futures—and the world.

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Applied learning impact

Students earned $4.9 million in wages in 2017-18
Co-ops and internships at 500 employers
1102 students worked 373,000 hours outside the classroom
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