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Experiential Learning

Did you know that 79% of employers we surveyed expected students to complete an internship or field project to connect what they learn in class to the real-world?

It’s a statistic confirming what recruiters for national and global companies keep telling us: experience counts when it comes to your career.

Co-op: Work for a Year; Graduate In Four

If your major is business, engineering, or computer science, you can apply for a co-op opportunity where you can get paid to work for up to one year, while still graduating in four. For example, as a major in the School of Hospitality Management, you can complete a one year paid co-op and still graduate on time.

Take note: 75% of students who participated in a Widener co-op graduate in four years compared to the national rate of 45%.

Experience Your Major

35% of our students in various majors have studied abroad in China, Switzerland, Australia, Italy, Peru, Germany, Bolivia, Japan, and England.
Over 1,000 organizations in a single year provided experiential learning opportunities for Widener students in co-ops, internships, clinics, or public service.
43% of hospitality management grads and 41% of engineering grads reported using a campus-related source or referral to find their jobs.

Experience That Counts

Because experiential learning is one of the core values of a Widener education, our students have access to coaching, mentoring, co-curricular programming, internships, and leadership opportunities, through civic engagement projects, campus service activities, and athletics that provide practical hands-on insights and skills. The majority of our undergraduate students find a course or fieldwork experience related to their major.

Challenging, relevant coursework combined with hands-on, real-world experience provides you with an impressive resume that you can count on.

Difference makers

Program Highlight

The 1821 Experience
In this pre-orientation program, you will explore how multiculturalism adds to the college experience and connect with other students on campus.

Program Highlight

Summit Widener
This multi-day backpacking trip, led by members of the Outdoor Adventure Club, offers incoming Widener students a chance to build self-confidence and a social network of like-minded students on campus while having fun in the Appalachian Mountains.

Program Highlight

ELEVATE
This student life leadership program, Enhancing Leadership Experience Via Activities, Training, and Engagement, aka ELEVATE, allows you to build or hone your leadership skills with learning tracks for emerging student leaders.

Program Highlight

Oskin Leaders
The Oskin Leaders program inspires and equips Widener undergraduates to courageously leverage their passion and leadership skills to create significant, positive change.

Program Highlight

PSC/Bonner Leaders Program
This program connects Widener students with a service movement of college students around the country. Students in the Presidential Service Corps/Bonner Leaders Program complete 300 hours of community service and a variety of leadership activities.

Difference Makers

Continuing Studies
University College student Dale Kerns Jr. established the Little Angels Foundation, which provides financial and emotional support for children suffering from cancer, tumors, and other deadly diseases.

Difference Makers

College of Arts & Sciences
Chemistry Major Anna Miller ‘12, from East Prospect, PA, served as site team leader at CityTeam International in Chester, where she coordinated the efforts of 10 other PSC students.

Difference Makers

College of Arts & Sciences
Anthropology Major Sara E. McManus ’13 has been named a 2012 Newman Civic Fellow, an award that recognizes inspiring college student leaders who have worked to find solutions for challenges facing their communities.

Difference Makers

Alternative Spring Break
Anthropology Major Jess Viscuso ’12 and Nursing Major Devin Weesner ’13 coordinated Alternative Spring Break efforts for 87 students and faculty and staff chaperones at six locations throughout the U.S.

Difference Makers

Institute of Physical Therapy Education
Doctoral Student Scott Cheney serves on the board of the Society for Student-run Medical Clinics, where he is one of five national directors charged with planning the society’s international conference.

Difference Makers

Widener University
President James T. Harris III has been appointed chair of the Board Directors for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) for 2012–13. Harris has served on the AICUP Board of Directors since 2007, most recently as vice-chair.

Difference Makers

Widener Observatory
Dr. Harry Augensen, associate dean of science and professor of physics and astronomy, helped alumnus Dominic Liberto ’08 arrange a private moment during a public viewing at the Widener University Observatory to propose to his girlfriend, Jenn. She said yes!