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Applied Learning
Learning at William & Mary doesn’t stop when class ends — it comes to life through hands-on experiences. Applied learning connects your academic coursework to the real world through opportunities like research, internships, study abroad and community-engaged learning. Along the way, you’ll work closely with mentors, supervisors and a dedicated career team to receive meaningful feedback and reflect on what you’re learning so you can grow academically, professionally and personally.
The result? You don’t just learn concepts — you use them. Applied learning helps you test your knowledge beyond the classroom, build valuable career-ready skills and make a real impact in communities near and far. It’s all about turning curiosity into experience and preparing you for what comes next.
What is Applied Learning?
Applied learning experiences (ALEs) engage students in hands-on, mentored activities that activate their W&M education, sparking reflection and promoting academic, professional and personal growth. ALEs take place beyond traditional learning spaces and are framed around four key criteria:
- Clearly defined learning outcomes
- Systematic and structured supervisor/mentor feedback
- Opportunities for ongoing reflection
- Synthesis and/or application of learning
