Experiential Learning

Don't just sit there. Get out there.

At Baldwin Wallace University, your education goes beyond the classroom. Through hands-on experiences — like internships, study abroad, service, leadership and research — you'll build the skills and confidence that set you apart with employers and graduate schools. In fact, BW requires every student to complete at least one experiential learning opportunity (what we call "EXP") before graduation.

Stack your EXPeriences to boost your resume and transcript! Each EXPerience you complete adds value and opens doors to what's next.

Why Experiential Learning (EXP) Matters

Coursework provides the academic foundation for your degree, but it's the practical, hands-on learning that truly prepare you for life after college. These opportunities help you develop real-world skills, expand your perspective, and show your readiness for new challenges.

How to Fulfill Your EXP Requirement

You can complete your EXP requirement in several ways. Explore your options below.

Study Abroad

Earn BW credit while traveling the world. You can take courses, complete independent study projects or participate in field experiences in another country. Studying abroad lets you immerse yourself in new cultures, gain a global perspective and develop skills that employers value — all while making progress toward your degree.

Internships

BW's active, well-established internship program connects students with businesses of all sizes, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Each year, students complete around 400 internships for credit. Some majors require internships, but most students choose to participate because internships provide valuable, real-world experience and professional connections that can lead to future opportunities.

Research Opportunities

BW faculty understand the importance of real-world experience and actively mentor students by involving them in research projects and business activities. You might work alongside your professors to present collaborative research at a professional conference or join a team advising local businesses through the Business Plan Clinic. The faculty-student collaborative scholarship program encourages you to tackle unscripted problems and develop creative solutions, building both your skills and your resume.

Service

Service-learning combines meaningful community service with your coursework. BW's Center for Community Engagement coordinates many opportunities for you to serve, reflect, and make a difference. Through service, you’ll enrich your learning, develop civic responsibility and build lifelong connections with your community and the world.

Leadership

Leadership at BW means more than holding a title. By taking on leadership roles, you'll guide teams, make decisions, and solve challenges in real time. These hands-on opportunities help you grow as a leader and count toward your EXP requirement.

X or S Courses

Some courses at BW are designated as Experiential Learning ("X") or Service-Learning ("S"). "X" courses include hands-on projects where you learn by doing and reflecting on your experiences. "S" courses engage you in meaningful service with a community partner, connecting your service to what you’re learning in class.