Experiential Learning

Undergraduates can earn course credit for approved job/internship/professional experiences (BSC492), research (BSC493), and teaching (BSC494). Some curricula require you to get Experiential Learning Credit; for others it can be an elective. Please consult with you academic advisor about degree requirements, and whether BSC 492, 493, or 494 works for you.

• Genetics students: Please talk with your advisor about getting research experience – the requirements are different for GN undergraduates.

Receiving Course Approval:

You must get the experience approved using the departmental forms linked below in order to enroll. See more information below on how to find an experience.

• Step 1: Complete the form, including your ELE supervisor’s signature
  • BSC492 – Professional experiences, internships, etc.
  • BSC493 – Research experiences
  • BSC494 – Teaching experiences
  • If you are not sure which form is right for you, ask your advisor.
• Step 2: Send the signed form to your advisor
• Step 3: Your advisor will sign the form and get approval for you to enroll
• Step 4: Student Services will enroll you in the correct course 

VERY IMPORTANT!

• You must work 135 hours after approval in order to receive 3 credits (1 credit per 45 hours).
• If you complete your experience over the summer, you are encouraged to complete the reflective questions on Moodle during the summer to receive credit. 
  • Please speak with your advisor for more information.
• At the end of the semester your supervisor will be contacted to confirm that you completed your hours.

Looking for an experience?

• Our department has a number of listservs to help students learn about ways to get involved. If you do not already receive these emails, sign up here:
  • Undergraduate Research listserv
  • Student Involvement listserv
  • Jobs/Internships listserv
• The Office of Undergraduate Research also has a listserv with that includes information about funding, research opportunities, and more.
  • Checkout the OUR website to learn more about their resources and opportunities.
• Our departmental website has an excellent page about various ways to get involved in undergraduate research, including CURiOuS.
  • The Comparative Medicine Institute Summer Interdisciplinary Research Initiative accepts applications through CURiOuS.
• NC State’s Vet School has opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in research.
• This website lists various undergraduate research opportunities external to NC State.
  • Check out Pathways to Science for Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) and internships
  • Check out the NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) Scholars Connect Program
  • Check out the National Science Foundation‘s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)
• A group of BioSci undergraduates created a STEM Journal Club as a way for students to stay involved in research during the pandemic.
• NC State has a number of citizen science opportunities.
• You can also apply for undergraduate research positions via work study (if applicable), the NC State Jobs site, and ePack.
• Our departmental website also has a page dedicated to internship and professional opportunities.
• You can make an appointment with Lindsay Veros, the Career Counselor for the College of Sciences, through ePack.  The Career Development Center puts on regular professional development and career-specific events.