Since 1970, Field Study has been a requirement for students seeking a baccalaureate degree from Social Ecology and is an element of the school’s commitment to training future leaders.
Field Study is designed to provide students with the opportunity to:
- synthesize current and prior academic work to address an issue identified in the course of your fieldwork
- record and analyze field observations in relation to a theoretical question, professional pathway or social issue
- communicate your analysis orally and in writing
To fulfill the field study requirement:
- Students complete 80 hours of required fieldwork with an approved community partner while concurrently engaged in a small group course facilitated by ladder-ranked faculty
The co-curricular approach is based on evidence that learning is maximized when it is active, when students are engaged, and when theories and research are informed by their application to “real world” problems. Having students reflect on how to apply what they learn in the classroom to addressing societal challenges facilitates personal and professional growth, and deepens understanding of linkages between theory and practice, producing more informed and engaged business and civic leaders.
Faculty offer the field study course year-round with over 1,000 students completing field study each year. Students complete the seminar and field work through placements at one of 225+ approved community partners (42% non-profit, 41% public sector, 17% private sector). In order to ensure a quality experience for our students, community partners and faculty, the School has established a field study advisory board.