Experiential Learning

To graduate, all UGA students must engage in hands-on, experiential learning within a domestic or global setting. Although experiential learning became a university requirement in 2016, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has always prioritized enriching students' academic careers with experiential learning opportunities. In fact, it’s an integral part of our Deans’ Promise initiative.

The experiential learning requirement allows students to gain real-world experience, broaden their horizons and become more marketable to employers through several curricular options. CAES offers a range of courses and activities that support internships, research, service-learning, study abroad, field study, and other hands-on specialty experiences.

CAES students should visit the website of the Office of Experiential Learning for a full list of approved EL courses and non-credit activities. Students should also discuss their EL options with their academic advisor.


CAES Experiential Learning Opportunities

CAES Ambassadors
While student recruitment is the ambassadors' main goal, CAES Ambassadors also assist at College and University sponsored events and are available to speak on topics related to agriculture, the environment, or student opportunities.
Experiential Learning Courses
Students may fulfill the EL requirement by successfully passing any approved experiential learning course.
FABricate Entrepreneurial Initiative
FABricate is an entrepreneurial pitch contest where students develop their idea for a new food product, new agricultural technology, new food or agricultural-related business or new environmental or sustainable business.
Internship & Career Resources
An internship is one of the best ways you can gain practical skills in your field and secure a job after graduation. Participate in one of four CAES sponsored internship programs or find an internship through your department, Handshake or attend our career and internships fair.
Service Learning
There are over 300 service learning courses available at UGA. Each service learning course is denoted with an "S." Any service learning course will fulfill the experiential learning requirement.
Spring Break Tour through Georgia Agriculture
UGA students have the rare opportunity to spend spring break traveling and exploring the vast industry that is Georgia agriculture, while earning three hours of UGA credit.
Student Philanthropy Council
The mission of the Student Philanthropy Council is to elevate student awareness about the importance of philanthropy at UGA, to educate students on the impact of private giving at our college, and to promote student involvement in philanthropic initiatives at CAES.
Study Abroad
Any CAES faculty-led study abroad program or any UGA exchange program will fulfill the experiential learning requirement.
Undergraduate Research Initiative
The CAES Undergraduate Research Program allows students the opportunity to conduct research under the direction of a CAES faculty member, giving them hands-on research experience at an undergraduate level. Students must be enrolled in an approved research course or compete in the CURO symposium.

Experiential Learning Courses

Students may also take ANY course that is approved to fulfill the experiential learning requirement for CAES. For a full list of approved courses, visit the Office of Experiential Learning's website.