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Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning

In the College of Arts and Sciences, discovery-oriented learning is the norm. We don’t ask our students to just sit and listen—we invite them to get involved, gain experience, and explore the greater world. From internships and research projects to creative collaborations, our hands-on learning opportunities will prepare you to succeed in your academics and your career after college.

UO student working in a lab

Support the CAS Experiential Learning Fund

The CAS Experiential Learning Fund provides support for students pursuing hands-on learning opportunities, such as campus internships, lab experiences, community-oriented volunteer—and more. 

Give Today

Abundant Undergraduate Research

Undergraduates across the arts and sciences have the opportunity to take part in research teams or conduct individual research projects.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Rich Experiential Learning

Hands-on learning emphasizes the knowledge and skills gained through experiences beyond the traditional classroom format.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Experiential Learning Scholarship

The College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to invite undergraduate students to apply for scholarships to support them in pursuing experiential learning opportunities. The scholarship will provide financial support of $500 to $5,000 to assist students in completing an unpaid internship, research opportunity, or service-learning experience. Preference will be given to applicants with financial need, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships. We will consider assistance for paid internships where the case can be made that the compensation will not be adequate to cover living expenses.

Experiential Learning Scholarship Deadline Calendar

Apply

 

Participants stand in group photo

Prison Education Program

The Prison Education Program was established in 2016, building on collaboration between the University of Oregon and the Department of Corrections to offer credited classes through the Inside-Out Program beginning in 2007. We work in an interdisciplinary academic framework, and with a broad range of students, campus organizations, community groups, and national organizations working to improve educational opportunities in prisons. We are now active in offering classes, not-for-credit opportunities, and in working to advance educational opportunities for people who are incarcerated statewide. 

UO Prison Education Program

 

 

Take Your Education International

In partnership with Global Education Oregon, the College of Arts and Sciences sponsors a world of opportunities to study abroad.

Gaining Real-World Experience

Ashia Wilson kayaking
“My research focused on the relationship between dams and methane, which alone promotes and creates so many detrimental impacts on our ecosystems, public health and the global warming crisis.”
–Ashia Wilson, 2021 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship recipient
Sanjana Basak working in a lab
“The excitement and responsibility of being an active collaborator motivated me to tackle more scientific papers and initiate more discussions with my mentors.”
–Sanjana Basak, 2021 First Year Research Experience grant recipient and biochemistry major
photo of vials and microscope

Students of Color Opportunities in Research Enrichment

SCORE (Students of Color Opportunities in Research Enrichment) is an academically based hands-on research club designed for students who are underrepresented in the life sciences. The program involved weekly workshops designed to teach students basic laboratory techniques, with the primary goal being to enable each student to gain confidence with a scientific skillset. These skills aid in students perusing undergraduate research and professional development opportunities.

Explore SCORE

students cheering during gathering

First-year Interest Groups (FIGs)

Find your path, find your people. Each FIG is unique and tailored to explore an exciting academic theme while helping students acclimate to campus both academically and socially. There are seven themes to choose from, and with over 50 FIGs offered each fall there is something for everyone!

 Learn More About FIGs

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Academic Residential Communities (ARCs)

Academic Residential Communities are programs created by University Housing to help students find a community based around shared interests and passions for inquiry. Students living in ARCs take classes together and connect with professors and advisors who offer social and academic support.

Learn More About ARCs

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Student Organizations

Looking for opportunities to connect with peers, network around common interests, and make an impact outside of the classroom? At the UO, you have your choice of more than 400 student organizations, societies, and clubs you can join.

Explore Student Organizations

School of Global Studies and Languages

Special Facilities for Learning

Our network of research facilities, centers, and institutes provides students with enhanced access to technologies, capacities, training, and projects that expand the boundaries of inquiry and skills development.

Explore Affiliated Centers and Institutes

Liberal Arts for Real-World Careers

CAS has countless opportunities for students to increase their skillsets and portfolios with meaningful learning experiences. To prepare our students for life beyond college, we challenge them to examine our society’s most important questions, developing and honing their skills in questioning critically, thinking logically, communicating clearly, and collaborating with others.

Our students and alumni constantly surprise and inspire us with the professional paths they have blazed — journeys that begin with study of the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences.

CAS-to-Careers Connection

Ready to arrive at UO? Whether you're applying as an undergraduate, a graduate student, or just looking to visit, find out how.

Events

POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
Feb16
POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive Feb 16 Miller Theatre Complex
Black Studies Presents: "Black Pasts/Black Futures:  Lessons from Octavia E. Butler"
Feb17
Black Studies Presents: "Black Pasts/Black Futures:  Lessons from Octavia E. Butler" Feb 17 Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Physical Chemistry Seminar – Research in the Guenza Group
Feb17
Physical Chemistry Seminar – Research in the Guenza Group Feb 17 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours
Feb17
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours Feb 17 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Feb18
Department of History Coffee Hour Feb 18 McKenzie Hall
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Open House
Feb18
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Open House Feb 18 Hendricks Hall
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodivergent Graduate Student Time Together
Feb18
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodivergent Graduate Student Time Together Feb 18
Unmaking the Bomb: Environmental Cleanup and the Politics of Impossibility
Feb19
Unmaking the Bomb: Environmental Cleanup and the Politics of Impossibility Feb 19 Lillis Business Complex
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours
Feb20
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours Feb 20 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
UO Women in Economics: Margaret Hallock Guest Lecture
Feb20
UO Women in Economics: Margaret Hallock Guest Lecture Feb 20 Anstett Hall