Experiential and Interdisciplinary Learning Requirements

These are the Experiential Learning (EL) and Interdisciplinary Learning (ID) requirements. To determine which of your major classes fulfill the EL and ID requirements, see your APAS report. (APAS is the Academic Progress Audit System. Log in with your U of M user name and password.) If you have questions, talk to your academic adviser.

See the full list of CFANS approved Experiential Learning (EL) and Interdisciplinary Learning (ID) courses at the bottom of this page. Please note that not all of these courses are taught every semester.

Experiential Learning Requirement (EL)

What is experiential learning? Experiential learning is a way to learn by doing, or learn by experiencing. Instead of acquiring information from a classroom lecture or book, experiential learning gives you active, hands-on experience in the real world. Examples of experiential learning options within CFANS include: off-campus study programs, field-based research, service-learning classes, internships, volunteer work related to your studies, and more.

CFANS requires undergraduate students to do at least ONE high-impact experiential learning activity before graduating. To help students fulfill this requirement, CFANS offers multiple classes with an experiential learning component.

Why does CFANS have this requirement? Experiential learning greatly benefits students. It helps you gain skills, deepen your knowledge, and broaden your personal development. This results in graduates who are more prepared to be highly-skilled employees and scientists. In a competitive job market, employers seek students whose education includes real world experience.  If possible, CFANS students are encouraged to do multiple experiential learning activities before graduating.

Interdisciplinary Learning Requirement (ID)

What is interdisciplinary learning? An interdisciplinary (ID) course addresses issues from at least two different academic disciplines (two fields/departments within the university). By integrating two disciplines into one class, students have the opportunity to develop integrated problem-solving skills.

CFANS undergraduate students are required to take one interdisciplinary course (2 credits or more) that counts toward their major.