Experiential (“hands-on”) learning

On this page: IPR Courses | IPR Petition Form | IPR Tips

Experiential learning means learning by doing. It describes activities that allow you to take what you learn in class and apply it in real-world settings through internships, research, community projects, study abroad, and more. These hands-on learning experiences help you build practical skills, explore your interests, and gain confidence so you’re ready for what comes after college.

The Interdisciplinary Practice & Reflection (IPR) requirement

All IAS degrees are grounded in the belief that hands-on practice should be a central element of learning. For undergraduate students in our majors, hands-on experiential learning is built into the Interdisciplinary Practice & Reflection (IPR) requirement. Every quarter we offer a variety of IPR options for students to explore. IPR credits can be earned through elective courses or in courses that overlap with major requirements.

IPR Courses

IPR courses allow students to complete a project that draws on their academic interests and furthers their professional or career ambitions. The project might be a seminar paper in a particular area of study; an academic internship in a relevant field; a service-learning project that builds on the student’s academic work; a study abroad opportunity; an art and media project or production; or independent study in collaboration with a faculty member.

Explore courses: Research | Seminars | Internships | Peer Facilitation | Study Abroad | Media Workshops

Advanced Research Opportunities

An IPR option for students who want to conduct research or work independently on a project under faculty mentorship.

  • BIS 492 Senior Thesis
    – 10 credits required
  • BIS 498 Undergraduate Research
    – project proposal form and faculty permission required
  • BES 492/493 Capstone Research in Environmental Science
    – 10 credits total required over AUT/WIN quarters
  • BES 498 Independent Research in Environmental Science
    – project proposal form and faculty permission required

The courses BIS 498 and BES 498 require a project proposal form. More details can be found on the Research Opportunities webpage.

Advanced Seminars

An IPR option for students who are curious about exploring a specific topic in-depth while gaining research experience in a small group setting.

  • BIS 403 Washington, D.C. Seminar on Human Rights
  • BIS 408 Critical Physical Geography
  • BIS 438 Prevention and Promotion
  • BIS 451 Multicultural Counseling
  • BIS 456 Climate Anxiety, Grief and Resilience
  • BIS 490 Advanced Seminar
    – multiple sections offered every quarter with a variety of topics
  • BISAES 465 Advanced Seminar in American Ethnic Studies
  • BISPSY 489 Projects in Psychology
    – has prerequisite
  • Any graduate course offered in IAS
    – requires faculty permission

Many of the courses listed above have prerequisites, application processes, priority registration for specific majors, or other requirements for enrollment. Please check the IAS website and course catalog for details.

Internships & Community-Based Learning

An IPR option for students who are interested in gaining hands-on professional experience and building your career network through work placements or on-site learning opportunities.

Peer Facilitation

An IPR option for students who are passionate about helping others learn by leading discussions, tutoring, or facilitating peer learning activities.

Global Learning and Study Abroad

An IPR option for students who are excited about gaining a global perspective through travel and studying other cultures.

  • BIS 480 International Study Abroad
    – see petition webpage for info about earning IPR credit for non-IAS study abroad courses
  • BIS 418 Global Scholars: Global Citizenship in Context

Please check the IAS website and course catalog for details about application processes or other requirements for enrollment.

Advanced Arts and Media Workshops

An IPR option for students who are drawn to creating and producing art, media, or digital content, or who want to develop skills in a creative field.

  • BISIA 401 Literary Journal Editorial Board
    – CLAMOR literary arts journal
  • BISIA 410 Advanced Creative Writing Workshop
  • BISIA 440 Advanced Visual and Media Arts Workshop
  • BISIA 444 Video Installation Art
  • BISIA 450 Image and Imagination
  • BISIA/BISMCS 475 Global Media Lab
    – 10 credit experience
  • BISIA 483 Advanced Arts Workshop
  • BISMCS 402 Community Media Practice
  • BISMCS 472 Advanced Media Production Workshop

Beyond IPR courses, also check out the Husky Herald newspaper, UWAVE radio station, and other campus media or art clubs for opportunities to start producing work right away.

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IPR Petitions

Many courses offered in the School of IAS are purposefully designed to satisfy the Interdisciplinary Practice & Reflection (IPR) requirement, but students may also request that IAS evaluate other learning opportunities to count as IPR.

Refer to our petitions webpage to learn more.

IPR Tips

The following tips can help you prepare for and optimize your participation in IPR courses:

  • Talk with faculty in your major for help deciding which IPR option best fits with your academic or career goals.
  • Don’t save your IPR for senior year! Start in your junior year, or earlier. And consider taking more than one IPR course to satisfy electives or IAS coursework!
  • Combine IPR courses to maximize your learning! You can satisfy the 5-credit IPR requirement with one course or multiple smaller-credit courses.
  • IPR options are available every quarter, including summer!
  • Enrolling in an IPR course can be a powerful way to highlight your skills, knowledge, and readiness for internships, graduate school, and careers. Visit our Career Resources page to learn how to explain your experiential learning experience to future employers.