Student Centered. Innovation Driven.

Today, WSU is internationally recognized as a model for applied learning and research. Every university initiative is rooted in a commitment to being student-centered and innovation-driven. Our degree programs are steeped in the belief that learning by doing is the most effective way to prepare our students for the complexities of the modern workforce. Our students apply classroom knowledge in practical settings, developing critical skills and gaining real-world experience. Applied learning encompasses a variety of activities including service learning, undergraduate research, theses, dissertations, and other creative (e.g., live performances) and professional services (e.g., practicums, internships, clinical rotations and cooperative education). By offering applied learning opportunities, such as those championed on WSU's Innovation Campus with on-campus industry partners, students not only gain valuable experience but also build career networks, minimize student debt, and launch successful careers -- even before they graduate.

Shockers enjoy a wide range of applied learning opportunities designed to enhance their education and prepare them for their future careers. These opportunities include:

  • Student Employment
    • Applied Learning Placements: paid, WSU-facilitated jobs with local industry partners that build skills that go beyond classroom learning.
    • Co-ops: paid, multi-semester positions directly related to a student's major. Students can earn academic credit.
    • Internships: gain hands-on experience in professional settings through paid or unpaid internships. These can be completed full-time or part-time, with options to earn academic credit or participate for zero credit.
  • 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.
  • Service Learning and Volunteering: classroom learning combined with public service that benefits educational goals while also meeting community needs. Students can create their own project or work with local public agencies and nonprofits.
  • Student Research: engage in individualized research projects under faculty supervision, culminating in a presentation of work as a thesis, project or dissertation. Student research at WSU may be conducted on or off campus, independently or in collaboration with faculty, peers and industry professionals.
  • Mentorships: connecting with a professional in the student's future area of employment. Mentors provide expertise, guidance and industry contacts.

Want to know more? Visit the Applied Learning website1 or visit the Shocker Career Accelerator in the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, call us at 316-978-3688, email us at SCA@wichita.edu.

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Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an academic program designed for undergraduate and graduate students looking to combine classroom studies with academically related, paid employment. This program provides valuable local and national work-based learning opportunities, allowing students to connect academic knowledge with practical experience.

Co-ops offer an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world. By partnering with businesses, government agencies, industries and social organizations, students gain hands-on skills and meaningful insights while working alongside experts in their fields.

Program Details

  • Course Enrollment: Students in co-op positions must enroll in designated co-op courses and work closely with a faculty advisor from their academic department. A faculty advisor reviews each co-op position to ensure it provides relevant learning experiences that align with the student’s professional and educational goals.
  • Co-op Work Options
    • Parallel Positions: Students work part-time in co-op positions while carrying at least 6 credit hours of coursework. Parallel co-op positions may span consecutive semesters, allowing students to gain consistent, ongoing experience.
    • Alternating Positions: Students alternate between full-time coursework and full-time co-op employment. Students must complete a semester of full-time coursework before beginning their alternating co-op position. Alternating co-op participants retain their status as full-time students.

Eligibility Requirements

Co-op participation requirements vary by college and department; check with your college’s advising office for details. 

General eligibility includes:

  • Completion of at least 24 credit hours, with 9 credit hours completed in the student’s major.
  • Good academic standing as defined by the student’s program.

Get Started

Visit the Shocker Career Accelerator in the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, call us at 316-978-3688, email us at SCA@wichita.edu, or check us out online at our website1.

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Internships

Internships are for undergraduate and graduate students looking to combine classroom studies with academically related, paid or unpaid employment. This program offers students valuable local and national work-based learning opportunities, allowing students to connect academic knowledge with practical experience.

Internships provide an exciting way to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world. By partnering with businesses, government agencies, industries and social organizations, students gain hands-on skills and meaningful insights while working alongside experts in their fields.

Program Details

  • Course Enrollment for Academic Credit Internships: Students in internship positions must enroll in designated internship courses and work closely with a faculty advisor from their academic department. A faculty advisor reviews each internship position to ensure it provides relevant learning experiences that align with the student’s professional and educational goals.
  • Course Enrollment for Zero Credit Internships: Students who have already fulfilled academic credit co-ops or internships may choose to participate in zero-credit internships, which are noted on their transcript, without requiring tuition payment. Zero-credit internships are subject to completing all program requirements for a transcript notation.

Eligibility Requirements

Internship participation requirements vary by college and department; check with your college’s advising office for details. 

General eligibility includes:

  • Completion of at least 24 credit hours, with 9 credit hours completed in the student’s major.
  • Good academic standing as defined by the student’s program.

Get Started

Visit the Shocker Career Accelerator in the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, call us at 316-978-3688, email us at SCA@wichita.edu, or check us out online at our website1.

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