Applied Learning Model

WSU Student getting instruction in manufacturing setting

At Wichita State, applied learning is not confined to traditional classrooms. It flourishes in diverse settings, including real-world industry involvement, internships and experiential projects. This comprehensive approach empowers students not only to apply their academic knowledge but also to gain fresh perspectives and valuable insights from their hands-on experiences.

At Wichita State, applied learning is not confined to traditional classrooms. It flourishes in diverse settings, including real-world industry involvement, internships and experiential projects. This comprehensive approach empowers students not only to apply their academic knowledge but also to gain fresh perspectives and valuable insights from their hands-on experiences.

Steering Committee   Partners   Glossary

STUDENT CENTERED. INNOVATION DRIVEN.

Applied learning is a new concept at many universities -- but not at Wichita State. For decades we have been engaging students in cooperative education and internships. Our students have long gained applied learning experience through clinical placements, practicums, service learning, community service, civic engagement, creative works, research, entrepreneurship programs / projects, field studies, international and domestic travel/exchanges.

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. By focusing on paid 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 -- sometimes even before they graduate.

Applied learning at Wichita State is transformative, and is a key differentiator between us and most other universities. It's one of the reasons Wichita State's enrollment has grown more than 20 percent since 2016. We recruit and retain students who understand the competitive advantage Wichita State provides them.

Definition of 'Applied Learning'

Applied learning at Wichita State is the application of learning to authentic situations. Applied learning occurs when students develop knowledge, skills, and values from personal direct experiences that go beyond the traditional lecture or lab. This synergistic relationship between classroom and applied learning experiences fosters critical thinking, reflective practices, and supports deep understanding of new knowledge, all while providing students with a heightened learning experience to support career readiness.

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