Experiential learning at University of Idaho

Discover applied education that prepares you for career success

At University of Idaho, experiential learning is central to your academic journey. From your first semester, you’ll apply what you learn through fieldwork, research, internships and community engagement. These high-impact opportunities, including our Co-Op programs, build the skills and confidence you need to lead in your field and contribute to society.

Try out your future

At U of I, learning goes beyond the classroom. With on the ground experiences like internships, research and service-learning, you’ll apply what you learn in real-world settings. It’s a powerful way to explore careers and build your resume — before graduation.

What is experiential learning?

Experiential learning combines academic study with practical application. At U of I, it means learning by doing — in labs, forests, communities, research centers and workplaces across Idaho and beyond.

Ways you’ll learn by doing

Apply your education in real-world environments, from experimenting in scientific labs to working in the community.

• Environmental science majors begin fieldwork their first semester at sites like U of I’s Experimental Forest and fish hatcheries.
• Wildlife students gain summer field experiences, linking classroom knowledge with professional impact.
• Teacher education students engage in classroom practicum experiences.
• Animal and veterinary science students work with animals starting their very first day on campus.
• Architecture students bring their designs to life through the Design-Build program, gaining hands-on construction experience that sharpens their skills as thoughtful designers.
• Engineering students collaborate across disciplines at the Engineering EXPO to design, test and present creative prototypes.
• Science students explore the weird, wild and profoundly challenging frontiers of science and use tree rings to solve crimes, harness the fascinating properties of yeast for better beer, learn from bacteria, and discover groundbreaking clues to the evolution of life on earth in the DNA of snails.
• Entrepreneurship students identify a need, design and pitch products to stakeholders, and transform ideas into a startup experience.
• International studies majors travel to New York City to visit the United Nations, engage with diplomats and participate in the National Model UN Conference — gaining firsthand experience in international diplomacy and policy.

Ellie Thomson | Finance, ’25

Drawn to the practical experience of the Barker Trading Program, Ellie Thomson chose University of Idaho for its applied approach to business education.

Undergraduate research

U of I has more researchers ranked in the world's top 2% than the rest of the state combined. Work alongside faculty on groundbreaking projects across STEM, humanities and justice.

• Gain mentorship, support and leadership experience through research programs like Research Experiences for Undergrads, focused on food, agriculture and natural resources.
• Collaborate with faculty members on cutting-edge AI and robotics research in labs like the Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics.
• Develop interactive media designs of virtual worlds to assist visualization for science, education and social interaction research applications.
• Design and present classroom-focused research projects during methods courses to build skills and confidence as an education student.
• Explore archives and community narratives through applied research with organizations like the Latah County Historical Society and the Idaho Black History Museum as a history student.

Career Services and experiential learning

University of Idaho Career Services empowers you to translate academic learning into real-world success. Through a variety of high-impact experiences, both on and off campus, we help you explore career paths, develop critical skills and build a competitive edge.

We support your career readiness through a broad range of experiential opportunities, including:

• Paid and unpaid internships with employers across the region and country that align with your major, interests and long-term goals.
• Job shadowing and industry exploration experiences that give you a window into the day-to-day realities of various professions.
• Mock interviews, resume development and career coaching to help you articulate your skills and present yourself confidently.
• Cooperative Education (Co-op) programs where you alternate semesters between full-time classes and full-time, paid work in your field, earning income and experience before graduation.
• Work + Initiative, a nationally recognized model that transforms on-campus jobs into structured, career-connected learning opportunities with intentional supervisor mentorship, reflection and development of NACE career competencies.
• Student employment across campus units, including research assistantships, peer mentorship and ambassador roles, all designed to grow your leadership and workplace readiness.
• Micro-internships and project-based work that connect you with short-term, skill-specific opportunities for real employers and community organizations.
• Alumni and employer mentorship programs that provide valuable insights, connections, and career navigation strategies.

Learn more about U of I Career Services.

Megan Biggs | Content designer, ’21

Eager to learn. Megan Biggs completed internships throughout her college education. By graduation, she had three years of experience and landed a job at Capital One.

Capstone projects and senior design

As a senior, you’ll tackle real problems through in-classroom student teaching, design challenges, research projects or service partnerships. Many are sponsored by regional and national industries.

Global experiences and language immersion

All international studies majors spend a required semester abroad, but any Vandal can have an education abroad experience to deepen your global perspective.

Learn more about education abroad opportunities.

Creative and civic learning

Theater, art and music students perform, exhibit and create work for public audiences. Others engage in service-learning to build leadership and social impact skills. 

Attend a student theatre or music performance.

Gain professional experience before graduation

The Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program is more than a job. It’s a bridge between your academic coursework and your future career. Through a co-op you’ll alternate semesters between classes and full-time, paid work in your field — earning $16,000 to $25,000 in six months while building real-world experience. Supported by a co-op coordinator and faculty advisor, you’ll reflect on your experience, present your work and graduate with a stronger resume and professional network. 

Why experiential learning matters

U of I students get the chance to test-drive careers and gain skills employers want — like leadership, problem-solving and communication. You’ll build confidence, make connections and find the path that fits you best. You’ll graduate with more than a degree.

Experiential learning helps you become a career-ready professional. According to data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE):

Employers highly prioritize core competencies:

• 96.3% of employers rate critical thinking/problem-solving as essential.
• 91.6% prioritize oral/written communication, while 90% emphasize teamwork/collaboration

Real-world learning transforms early careers:

• Gen Z professionals who completed internships, co-ops or other experiential activities not only receive more job offers — they also report an average $15,000 higher starting salary compared to peers who didn't participate

Career-readiness gap exists — and experiential learning bridges it:

• While nearly all employers say communication, critical thinking and teamwork are essential, fewer than 60% of new graduates rate themselves as highly proficient in these areas
• Experiential opportunities like internships and projects have shown clear gains, especially in professionalism, communication and critical thinking

In addition to traditional industry placements, Career Services works with nonprofits, startups and government agencies to ensure Co-op pathways exist across all disciplines — from engineering and business to agriculture, education, liberal arts and science.

Whether you’re a hands-on learner, a first-generation college student looking to gain early momentum, or an aspiring leader ready to expand your network, the Co-op program helps you build confidence, financial stability, and professional credibility before you even walk across the stage.

University of Idaho’s commitment to experiential education means you leave here ready to make a mark.