Experiential Education

Experiential education is a hands-on learning model that connects classroom knowledge with real-world practice. Through internships, co-ops, job shadowing, service learning, applied research, and other career-related experiences, students gain meaningful exposure to professional environments. These programs foster student growth, industry awareness, and engagement with organizations like yours.

By offering experiential learning opportunities, employers gain early access to emerging talent, contribute to workforce development, and build relationships with motivated, career-focused students. These partnerships help shape the future workforce while meeting short-term project needs and long-term recruitment goals.

 

Academic Integration

Why Should I Care about Credit?

Students receive meaningful academic credit for experiential learning, such as internships, research, service-learning, or co-curricular projects. By aligning real-world experiences with academic goals and learning outcomes, students deepen their understanding, reflect critically, and connect theory to practice—enhancing both their education and professional preparation.

Individual Academic Program Requirements by Major:

Internship and co-op credit eligibility requirements are determined by individual colleges and departments. Academic credit for an internship is based solely on the standards set by each academic unit and the student’s eligibility to receive credit.  

Students begin the process by reviewing their eligibility guidelines with their Experiential Education Advisor and submitting an Experience Request application on Handshake. The Experiential Education Team oversees the processing of internships and co-ops. For more details, email experientialed@kennesaw.edu.

Academic Credit Requirements by Major

Resource Toolkit

Your Guide to Creating Meaningful Student Work Experiences:

  • Creating a successful internship starts with intention. By clearly defining roles, setting achievable goals, and offering mentorship, you provide students with a structured environment to apply their classroom knowledge. Use our step-by-step guide to design an experience that supports student growth while meeting your organization’s needs—ensuring a win-win for both parties.

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  • KSU offers multiple pathways for integrating real-world learning into a student’s academic journey. Whether through internships, alternating or parallel co-ops, each program type is designed to align with a student’s major and career goals. Understanding these options helps you choose the right structure for your opportunity—maximizing impact and ensuring compliance with academic standards.

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  • Internships and co-ops are more than just job experiences—they’re high-impact educational practices that foster deep learning and career readiness. When thoughtfully designed, these experiences promote critical thinking, collaboration, and reflection. By participating, you help students build professional networks, develop essential skills, and gain confidence in their chosen field.

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  • When students earn academic credit for experiential learning—like internships, research, or service projects—they engage more deeply, reflect critically, and connect theory to practice. By aligning your internship with academic goals, you help students grow professionally while gaining motivated, purpose-driven talent.

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  • Offer letters help set clear expectations and provide a strong foundation for a successful internship or co-op. They formalize the opportunity, outline important details, and contribute to a positive, professional experience for both students and employers.

    Below are sample offer letters to help you craft one that works for your organization.

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  • Explore Careers with O*NET OnLine:
    • Discover job duties, salary info, and future outlook by searching any title or keyword.
    • Use this powerful tool to connect your interests with real-world career paths.
    O*NET ONLINE O*NET TRAINING VIDEOS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • We welcome employers to campus in line with our three semester periods:   

    • Spring: Late January - End of April 
    • Summer: Mid May - Late July 
    • Fall: Late August - Mid November
  • Yes, students are welcome to participate in multiple semesters of experiential learning. While it can be highly beneficial for both the student and the organization, academic credit may not always be available for subsequent terms. This depends on the student’s academic program and institutional guidelines. However, continued engagement can still offer valuable professional development and contribute meaningfully to your organization’s goals. 
  • Internships and co-ops should align with the academic calendar and span the full duration of the semester. This structure ensures students can fully engage with the experience while meeting academic requirements. 
  • A well-crafted job description should clearly outline the student’s responsibilities, the skills they will develop, and any systems, tools, or software they will be expected to use. This helps students assess their fit for the role and prepares them for success from day one. 
  • Yes, international students are eligible to participate in internships and co-ops. However, we recommend employers and students consult with the university’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) to ensure compliance with visa and employment regulations. 
  • Please see our internship/co-op guiding principles. A downloadable PDF will be available soon.
  • Compensation is highly encouraged to attract top talent and support student success, internships and co-ops are not required to be paid.
  • Most internships and co-ops are eligible for academic credit, though some may be approved for audit credit depending on the program. Employers and students should refer to the university’s experiential learning requirements to confirm eligibility.
  • Most internships and co-ops are eligible for academic credit, though some may be approved for audit credit depending on the program. Employers and students should refer to the university’s experiential learning requirements to confirm eligibility.