Experiential Learning for the Department of Human Ecology

The Department of Human Ecology has a 3 credit requirement for experiential learning. It is through this requirement that you learn through putting into practice new knowledge and skills.

EPIB offers many ways for you to fulfill your experiential learning in our department. The three major categories are:

• experiential learning-based classes you sign up for where you get assigned a project internship through a class-based or arranged internship or project
• independent study with a professor doing readings and research
• an outside internship for credit with oversight from a Human Ecology faculty member

There are also additional ways that you can earn experiential learning credits through options outside the Department of Human Ecology including some HE undergraduate program director study abroad classes, Aresty research program, and George H. Cook Scholars research program.

1) Experiential Learning Classes

Experiential learning classes are ones you register for and enroll and then you work on a project through a class-based project or arranged internship. To register for 374:481 or 374:482, contact the professor of record on the schedule of classes to request a special permission number.

• 11:374:399 Practicum in Sustainability
  In this class, students will identify a problem relating to sustainability, identify stakeholders, develop objectives and plan; collect, analyze and interpret data, report findings, and marshal resources. As part of this, students must (through the practicum and other relevant courses) develop the professional skills to be an effective leader for the achievement of sustainability.

• 11:374:481 Internship in Watershed Management (Raritan Scholars)
  The course incorporates two distinct but integrated components. First, all students will undertake internships in the water resources field with organizations and agencies that have programs and activities focused on the Raritan River Basin. Students must expect to work a minimum of 125 hours in the internship, plus maintain a journal and present project conclusions to the class. Internship opportunities will be identified for student consideration and applications, but each student is responsible for receiving approval from both the internship sponsor and Dr. Van Abs prior to the first week of class, resulting in a signed internship contract. Internships will provide opportunities for real-world engagement with water resources issues, using field work, research, communications or other substantive activities. Internships are professional development experiences, and are not intended as opportunities for sponsoring organizations to acquire inexpensive office help. Second, students will participate in one 60-minute class per week. The class will incorporate a combination of guest presentations and class discussions regarding the internships and water resource management concepts. The class will provide a structured understanding of water resources management issues that are being addressed through the internships and more generally by the sponsoring organizations. The class will focus on Raritan River Basin issues, but will relate those issues to broader water resources issues in New Jersey and beyond.

• 11:374:482 Internships in Climate Action
  Internship with the Rutgers Office of Climate Action where students will work on a project related to developing and implementing the Rutgers climate plan.

• 11:374:483 Internships in Science Communication
  The science communication internship course provides students with an opportunity to learn how to communicate about formal scientific findings to various publics. Internships will provide opportunities for real-world engagement with science communication, involving a range of activities that may include research, writing, visualization or other substantive activities. All students will undertake internships in science communication with internship mentors from Rutgers University, sponsoring organizations and agencies.

2) Independent Study with Department of Human Ecology Faculty

Independent study is a chance to work with a professor to investigate a human-environment topic of interest to you. The best way to do this is to contact a professor who does research related to the topic of interest to you and see if they will oversee your research. You may know about their research from a class you’ve taken with them, or you may look through the faculty list and their research interests. After having talked with the professor, you will then get a special permission number to register for the appropriate number of credits (generally 1 credit is equal to 3 hours of work).

• 11:374:490 Readings & Practicum in Human Ecology
  Advanced interdisciplinary reading and independent research in human ecology under the guidance of a faculty member.

3) Internships for Credit (Paid or Unpaid)

Internships are a great way to build your networks, get professional experience, and fulfill your experiential learning credits. To get credit for your paid or unpaid internship you need to first find a faculty member to oversee your internship. Any Human Ecology faculty can serve as your faculty advisor, but finding one with some overlap in interests with the area of your internship can be helpful. Once you ask a faculty member to oversee your internship and you agree, then you will fill out a contract that will explain the work you will do and serve as an agreement between your Rutgers faculty sponsor, internship mentor from outside organization, and yourself that helps guarantee you are reaching the experiential learning goals. There is a form for a paid internship (paid internship form) and unpaid internship (link to unpaid internship) that you will need to fill out and have signed and then you will be given a special permission number to register for 492.

You may also earn 1 to 3 internship credits per semester by editing, writing and designing for the Department of Human Ecology newsletter, The Trail. The Trail is a student-run monthly newsletter, created in 2008 to provide the Rutgers community with current environmental news, faculty highlights, and eco-friendly ideas. Its mission is to create an opportunity through which young people can hone their written voice by developing a better understanding of outstanding or historical environmental issues and topics through research and experience. This is a great opportunity to develop and showcase your communication skills for future employers. For more information or to register, please contact  epibtrail@gmail.com .

• 11:374:492 Environmental Studies Internship
  Internships involving environmental research and policy with faculty at Rutgers and other institutions, with public agencies, with non-governmental organizations, or with businesses.

Other Ways outside the Department That You May Fulfill Your Requirements

First Year Interest Group Peer Instructor (FIGS)
George H. Cook Scholars Program
Study Abroad
SEBS International Summer Study Abroad Program
ARESTY (Research Assistant Program)
Field Study
Laboratory Research