Experiential Learning
Exceptional opportunities for experiential education are a strength of a 91次元 experience. All students at the 91次元 are encouraged to take advantage of the rich educational opportunities available outside the classroom, including study abroad, domestic field-based courses, internships, and undergraduate research.
Students in the Davidson Honors College are required to engage in one experiential learning opportunity during their undergraduate education at UM.
In order to satisfy the honors requirement, these outside-of-classroom experiences must carry at least two academic credits and students need to submit the appropriate proposal and reflection materials. Consult with your Honors College academic advisor to learn how these experiences can be counted for Honors course credit.
Explore this website to learn more about the extraordinary outside-of-classroom experiences available to students in the Davidson Honors College.

Ryan Fleetwood
“The DHC’s emphasis on experiential learning has allowed me to grow academically and professionally. Through courses like QUEST, internships with the Department of the Interior, and research with the Montana Climate Office, the DHC has connected me with opportunities and provided support along the way.”
Internships
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Because the Davidson Honors College is committed to student engagement in learning, we offer the opportunity for students to earn credit for internship opportunities by collaborating with a mentor in developing an academic plan to augment the internship experience. Any DHC student in good academic standing may design an academic internship course for a variable 2-or 3-credit experience.
to register for either HONR 198, 398, or 498 or use an internship course in their major (e.g., BGEN 398, WILD 498, PSYX 298) during the term of their internship. Students should not register for HONR X98 credits if they are registered for a major specific internship. When students register for HONR X98 credits, they will need to adjust the number of credits (100 hours=2 credits; 150 hours=3 credits). Students can update the number of credits by clicking on the 1 in "schedule and options" in registration portal.
We permit students with summer internships to register for credit and turn in assignments to the faculty mentor in the fall following the internship experience, but all arrangements must be made with a faculty mentor and forms completed for the DHC before starting the internship experience.
The faculty mentor must be willing to evaluate and grade the student’s work, and the student must complete any assignments discussed with the mentor (such as reading, writing, fieldwork, research, or community service) to earn credit. Your mentor will provide the discipline-specific criteria necessary for your work. Generally, it is a good idea to devise coursework that will complement or supplement the material covered in a regular course, major, intended profession, as well as the internship experience.
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- The should be completed by you with support and approval from the mentor and will include a description of the proposed project prior to starting your internship. The completed form should be submitted before your internship starts, and no later than the end of the third week of the semester in which you are completing your internship. For summer internships, your experiential learning form must be completed before starting your internship, even if you are registering for fall credits.
- The online form will ask for your information, your mentor's information, and a 300-400-word description of the work you propose. Be sure that the description includes learning objectives, specific assignments, and the requirements for completion. If you have a project title, please include it. The description should include any scheduled meetings and due dates for materials as discussed between mentor and student.
- If the proposed mentor for the internship course is not a tenured or tenure-track faculty member at The 91次元, then a department chair’s approval is required. The department chair’s approval certifies that the mentor is appropriately qualified to supervise the proposed Honors internship credit. The DHC will request approval when necessary, however, it is your responsibility to speak to both the mentor and department chair prior to submitting the for
- When completing the form, select the appropriate HONR level to complement your existing course. For example, if you are a freshman or sophomore and the internship is an entry-level position, select the HONR 198 option, if you are more advanced in credits and are generally taking 300-level courses, then the 398 or 498 would be better options.
- If you are taking internship credits in your home department or major, you will not register for HONR credits. Please indicate what credits you are using on the form.
- Once the Honors Experiential Learning Opportunity Approval Form has been submitted a DHC staff member will email you with either a registration override (for HONR X98) or a plan to submit a Degree Works petition (for major internships, e.g., BGEN 498). All internship courses must be taken for a traditional letter grade to satisfy the honors experiential learning requirement.
- At the end of the semester in which you are registered for credit (fall semester for most summer internships), the DHC will contact the mentor to request the grade. The letter grade will then be recorded through GrizPortal. If the internship coursework has not been completed by the end of the semester, the mentor should still submit an appropriate letter grade (either “I” incomplete or “N” in progress), to be followed by a final grade when the work is complete.
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Are you interested in completing an internship for an honors experience? Follow these steps!
Step 1: Review the Submittable Form
Visit dhc.submittable.com and review the "." Identify and meet with a UM faculty mentor in your discipline about your internship plans. Note: if your internship takes place during the summer, most students will register for credit in the fall semester following their internship.
Step 2: Meet with Your Mentor
Start a conversation with your faculty mentor about your intended learning objectives (what you will be graded on) and deliverables of your internship. You will co-construct these with your faculty mentor/internship supervisor. Please note that your internship supervisor must be able to give you a traditional letter grade and that the internship should be for 2 or 3 credits (100-150 hours total).
Step 3: Fill out the Submittable Form
Students should ask their advisors whether their department requires a major-specific internship. This affects which course you will register for and put on Submittable form -- either a HONR X98, or MAJOR X98. Either way, you can be eligible for an honors experience.
Step 4: DHC Gives an Override
Submission of the form will prompt DHC staff to either issue an override (if taking HONR credits) or enter a petition in Degree Works (if registering for an internship in another department/college). You will receive an email via Submittable and then register for the appropriate course in the correct semester.
Step 5: Complete Your Internship
The student will complete their internship under the guidance of their internship supervisor and UM faculty mentor. Options for internship assignments may include journal entries, readings, or reflections.
Step 6: Complete DHC Reflection
Each student will submit a 2-3 page reflection, "" to the DHC elaborating upon your internship experience and its connection to your other educational and professional goals. This is due before the end of the semester in which you are registered for credits. More details can be found on Submittable.
Step 7: DHC Requests a Grade (if you are registered for an HONR X98 course)
At the end of the semester in which you are registered for credit, the DHC will reach out to your UM faculty mentor and ask for your grade. This letter grade will be based on your completion of the agreed-upon learning objectives. If the internship coursework has not been completed by the end of the semester, the mentor will submit an "I" incomplete or "N" in progress to be followed by a final grade once the work is complete.
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- Think critically. Identify, evaluate, and integrate available information and arguments; develop logical and reasonable positions across a wide range of issues.
- Communicate. Express ideas and arguments through oral and written strategies; develop strong listening skills.
- Collaborate. Contribute to, and lead if necessary, a diverse team in pursuit of a shared goal.
- Solve problems. Employ rigorous quantitative and/or qualitative analysis to identify informed solutions to complex challenges.
- Design and execute an original project. From initiation to manifestation and public presentation.
- Act ethically. Make decisions based on the 91次元’s four guiding principles: innovation and creativity, openness, partnership, and impact.
- Engage as a citizen. Strengthen commitment to meaningful service and community.
Study Abroad
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The Davidson Honors College encourages students to study abroad to satisfy their honors experiential learning requirement. Students interested in studying abroad should begin by exploring the Global Engagement Office’s website and our honors course offerings. If you are a student in the Franke Global Leadership Initiative (GLI), make sure to check out their resources too.
The DHC offers a limited number of course-based study abroad experiences which rotate, annually. Past trips include:
- Climate Change Studies to Vietnam
- Communication Studies on food and family to Spain and Portugal
- Communication Studies’ strengths and virtues to Eastern Europe
- UM Humanities and Sciences Honors Classics trip to Greece
- DHC Teaching Research and Mentoring Fellow-led trip to Ireland to study folk music
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The DHC does an annual call for scholarships each spring semester for funding for summer and the following academic year. Scholarship applications open in February with applications due March 15. Students will receive the link to apply in the Need-to-Know Newsletter.
If funding is available, there will be a smaller experiential learning scholarship call in the fall semester for funding for the following spring semester. Applications will be due October 15. This is a great opportunity for students who are studying abroad in the spring semester only.
We encourage all students to complete the UM general scholarship application and check any apply-to awards in the UM Scholarships Portal.
Experiential & Field-Based Courses
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provide unparalleled opportunities to learn and practice wilderness medicine and rescue skills offered in both a Spring and Fall Term. Both of our programs allow students to build a robust certification portfolio that focus on rescue skills, outdoor leadership, and emergency medical services.
Our Fall Semester begins in the beautiful located near Big Sky where students live, study, and certify as Emergency Medical Technicians. Students then travel back to Missoula to complete line qualification for Wildland Fire Operations. Our Montana section ends on a high note with the in Alberton where students engage in high angle ropes rescue training.
Students and instructors travel to the located in the Indian Himalaya to trek high in the mountains while focusing on outdoor leadership. You will be working towards a Wilderness EMT certification while becoming a Leave No Trace Trainer all while leading your cohort through the rugged terrain of the greatest mountain range on earth. To complete the program you will work alongside Indian doctors, nurses, and paramedics in the hospital setting.
Aerie's Spring Semester provides unparalleled opportunities to learn and practice wilderness medicine and rescue skills in both the lush Costa Rican rainforest and the snowy Montana Rockies. The setting of , a sustainable education center near San Jose is where you will work towards your National Registry of EMTs Certification. You will learn to engage with the community of Mastatal and offer home visits and health clinics to this population with Aerie’s clinical staff.
Travel back to Montana to dive into wilderness medicine where you will earn Avalanche Rescue Certification, Red Card Certification, Swiftwater Rescue Certification, Leave No Trace Trainer Certification, Wilderness EMT, and Ropes Rescue Certification. Your classroom will be in the mountains of Flathead County, the border of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and the Alberton Gorge.Our semesters count towards Davidson Honors College graduation requirements in Experiential Learning, all while you earn 15 upper division credits in Emergency Care Provider ECP332, Wilderness Medicine and Survival Skills PTRM 356, and Wilderness Medicine and Risk Management PTRM 355.
If you are ready to set out on the semester of a lifetime, then please contact David Kerner - Semesters Program Coordinator at david@aeriemed.com or call our office at (406)542-9972. -
The offers immersive field ecology classes. The FLBS academic program emphasizes experiential learning through direct field-based observation and hands-on use of advanced research instrumentation in our facilities on the east shore of Flathead Lake. Summer courses spend extensive time in the field throughout the Flathead Watershed, including Glacier National Park and Northwest Montana’s “Crown of the Continent”. Courses can be taken for undergraduate or graduate credit. Gain real field experience in a research and education environment by taking a 3 credit course over two weeks or up to 13 credits over eight weeks.
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Questions for Undergraduates Exploring Social Topics (QUEST) is a joint effort between the 91次元’s Davidson Honors College and an established community partner. It began in 2017 when two DHC students (Noah Hill and Reid Hensen) sought to establish an interdisciplinary program with community impact. Through QUEST, teams of students work collaboratively to research, design, and present policy solutions to a major, cross-disciplinary challenge facing the Missoula community. Past collaborations have included partnerships with the City of Missoula, Missoula County government, the Missoula Food Bank, Climate Smart-Missoula, and the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority. It combines the best of academic innovation and civic engagement.
Through two semesters of guided research and independent study (HONR 495), students gain knowledge related to the topic, develop a solution, and present their proposals to a panel of academic and community experts. The top team is eligible for a scholarship and internship with the City to continue their work on the important challenge topic. QUEST is supported by Associate Dean Kaetlyn Cordingley and a rotating team of past QUEST participants who take on student leadership roles.
With each year and each new challenge, we continue to carry on the legacy of our partner, the late Mayor John Engen, who believed so firmly that students could make a great and meaningful impact on our community. Mayor Engen was a great advocate and friend of the QUEST program.
The yearlong QUEST course may count as an honors elective or honors capstone and is open to students from freshmen to seniors. We invite any interested DHC students to be a part of this opportunity.
Take a closer look at QUEST by exploring our digital brochure.
If you are interested in the program, please contact kaetlyn.cordingley@umontana.edu or dhc@umontana.edu for a credit override.
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(SVC) is a conservation and education non-profit located in Montana’s Crown of the Continent. We offer students the opportunity to study natural resource management through experience. When we aren’t teaching, are in the field,, and working towards. Our conservation work forms the basis of experience from which we develop our education programs, and we believe that a deep understanding of , combined with, leads to innovative and thoughtful.
Our field programs are interdisciplinary in nature and offer a balance of learning through field work, academic readings, presentations by staff and guest speakers, conversations with various stakeholders, problem solving activities, and personal reflection. Throughout the programs students are able to network with conservation professionals throughout the West and make lasting connections.
The Crown of the Continent is an where plant and animal communities from the Pacific Northwest, eastern prairies, southern Rockies, and northern boreal forests mingle. These glacier-carved mountains and valleys are also the headwaters for North America. Nowhere else on the continent retains its - wolves, grizzly bears, moose, wolverine, elk, and mountain goats, to name a few. Rural communities and small cities have been built up around natural resource industries, tourism, and agriculture. The Crown is an example of a , where diverse people work together to bridge cultures, promote sustainable use, steward natural resources, and support vibrant communities. It is an enchanting landscape that easily captures hearts and minds.
Study , or become certified in or as , all while earning upper-division credits from the 91次元.
I learned so much more than wildlife science, ecology, and biology. I learned how the connection to place can be life-changing. I learned that a difference of opinion does not mean that someone is less educated, selfish, or inconsiderate. I did not just gain an appreciation for wildlife, but I also learned about human dimensions. I understood that issues related to natural resources are not just black and white. As odd as it sounds, SVC showed me how to lead a fuller life. It changed me as a whole person.
— Cassidy Williams Shelton, Wildlife in the West
Swan Valley Connections (SVC) is committed to increasing representation of people of all identities and backgrounds in conservation and outdoor education. SVC seeks to remove barriers from participating in our programs by prioritizing scholarships for underrepresented and underserved communities. Scholarships ranging from 25% to 100% of total tuition cost are available.
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“I had never spent so long learning about a place, and WRFI helped teach me how much there is to learn and pay attention to wherever I am, without having to travel. Ever since WRFI, I've made an effort to learn about where I'm living and stay informed about local environmental issues. WRFI was a community where I felt totally accepted for who I was, which I hadn't experienced before.”
-Renne Baldwin, Colorado Plateau, 2018
(WRFI) is a Missoula-based nonprofit organization offering academically rigorous courses for students interested in field-based environmental studies. Spring, Summer, and Fall, WRFI brings students into direct contact with environmental issues facing the communities and landscapes of the Rocky Mountain West.
WRFI courses explore the complex cultural, political and natural histories of some of the most interesting and beautiful landscapes in North America. Every WRFI course is fully accredited through the 91次元 in one or more of the following disciplines: anthropology, English, environmental studies, forestry, geography, Native American studies, studio art, and science. WRFI cohorts consist of students from universities across the country, resulting in a diverse mix of people, perspectives, and origins.
All WRFI courses count for Honors credits toward Davidson Honors College graduation requirements and “Experiential Learning” requirements. For people interested in how WRFI students balance their academic work in outdoor settings, the WRFI blog () showcases student perspectives on the issues they’re learning about. Since WRFI courses are interdisciplinary in nature, the credits students receive often overlap with other majors, minors, and certificates.
WRFI courses are designed to take students into the arenas where the subject matter they are studying – from ecology to contemporary resource management policy – unfolds before their eyes. By integrating traditional academics with field studies, service projects, and meetings with government officials and community members, we encourage creative and critical thinking, thoughtful dialogue, and exploration of diverse perspectives. And by connecting students with human communities and the natural environments in which they are embedded, our courses help students develop a personal land ethic and a powerful sense of place.
WRFI actively engages with their alumni community as well, connecting alumni with job and internship opportunities, and each other. A great way to stay in touch with the WRFI is through and .
“I enrolled in WRFI right after I changed my major from computer science to environmental science and biology. I was really unsure of my decision at the time, but my experience with WRFI really reaffirmed that this was the right decision for me. At the time, I didn't know what a job in conservation looked like. After my program and meeting so many people working in conservation I got a much clearer picture of all the different career pathways and options I had. I now work for an organization that I met during my Restoration Ecology course.”
-Anna Haight, Restoration Ecology, 2021WRFI accepts applications on a rolling basis. WRFI provides up to 20% in tuition discounts for increased access to our courses, including for early enrollments - check . Applications are reviewed and students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have questions, feel free to email us or to call the WRFI office in Missoula. We'd love to talk to you!
Phone: 406-549-4336
Email: wrfi@wrfi.net
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The Wilderness and Civilization program is an interdisciplinary, experiential academic semester grounded in field-based learning and interactive classroom courses. Offered each fall, it is the only program in Montana where students earn a Wilderness Studies minor.
Experience the ecology, land management, and natural and human history of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the lower 48.
• Examine human-wilderness relationships through study in policy, ecology, arts, and literature.
• Learn backcountry travel and expedition planning skills, including wilderness medicine and Leave No Trace training.
• Explore Montana's wildlands during a backpacking trip, a river trip, and 1-2 day field trips.
• All coursework for the minor must be completed in its entirety during a single fall semester. Unlike other minors, Wilderness & Civilization cannot be completed by taking a course or two each semester.
• Each cohort is limited to 25 students, ensuring close interaction with faculty and peers.
• Program fee is $450 in addition to normal University tuition.
Learn more about the The Wilderness and Civilization Program
National Student Exchange
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Want to study at another US college while paying tuition and fees to UM? The National Student Exchange (NSE) has a program for you! NSE is an intercollegiate, study-away program, that allows undergraduate students to study at 170+ member colleges and universities in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico or Guam for the price of UM tuition and fees, or in-state tuition in the state of the University you choose to attend.
Learn more about the National Student Exchange
Student Teaching
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This experience marks an important milestone in the passage from student to professional educator. This practicum provides teacher candidates the opportunity to put into practice the skills learned during coursework and previous field experiences. The end results should be that the candidate gains opportunities to grow into an effective classroom teacher and that the students in the involved classroom benefit from the infusion of new ideas and strategies. The Office of Clinical Experiences secures classroom teachers and university supervisors to work with UM candidates during the student teaching semester.
Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship
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No matter your field of study or interests, there are opportunities to connect with world-class research and creative faculty mentors and contribute something new to your field as an undergraduate at UM. As Montana's flagship university and an R1 top-tier research university, research and creative scholarship are integral to campus culture.
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR@UM) enriches and supports undergraduate research across the disciplines at the 91次元, taking an expansive view of research that encompasses scholarly and creative work in STEM, arts, humanities, and professional schools. We provide advising and support for all phases of your research journey, from first connecting with a faculty mentor to sharing your final work.
Learn more about Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship
Student Stories
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Colton Franklin, Eastern Europe
Colton studied abroad through the Honors College in his freshman year. He went to Prague, Budapest, and Vienna with the Human Strengths and Virtues course taught by Dr. Steve Yoshimura. -
Dylan Van Rossum, Ireland
"My semester studying abroad in Cork, Ireland was filled with new experiences, adventures, and perspectives. Immersing myself in a completely new culture allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of myself and how I want to make an impact on the world around me."
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Maiya Roelen, New Zealand
"Studying abroad was a lifetime goal of mine before I even started college. I wanted to challenge myself to embark on adventures, adapt in new situations, immerse myself in culture, and find connections with people and place in an interpersonal way. My semester in Aotearoa New Zealand was filled with hikes along striking ocean coastlines, Kereru and Piwakawaka bird sightings, learning about Māori language and culture, and making new friends in my classes. It was a lesson in noticing the unique and beautiful details of a place while also translating that awe into learning how to make real change, such as through government policy and community centered action. The Davidson Honors College was a huge supporter of my study abroad experience by encouraging me to pursue interdisciplinary study and inviting me to ask questions, be curious, and take the leap to learn in a global classroom. The DHC has also taught me to take every opportunity to learn with intention and curiosity, and I am so grateful to say that is exactly what I did!" -
Laura Clague, Ireland
“Growing up in Butte, Montana, a historic mining town built by Irish immigrants, spending ten years Irish dancing, and having Irish lineage, I naturally developed a curiosity for exploring Ireland, its history, culture, and music. So in the Summer of 2023, I set off on a 16-day experiential learning trip to Ireland alongside a cohort of fellow DHC students.
The trip awarded a taste into what life outside of the US could look like. It encouraged me to expand the scope of my future, envisioning how living, working, and exploring abroad was within reach, not just something to dream about. By meeting new people, learning Irish instruments and dances, and exploring a handful of historic sites, I returned to the US with a deeper connection to my hometown, my heritage, and an expansive, but newly accessible, world.
Before this trip, I held myself back from traveling abroad - it always felt out of reach or too overwhelming. But with the support and encouragement of the DHC, I finally took the chance. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!”

Colton Franklin, Eastern Europe

Dylan Van Rossum, Ireland
"My semester studying abroad in Cork, Ireland was filled with new experiences, adventures, and perspectives. Immersing myself in a completely new culture allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of myself and how I want to make an impact on the world around me."

Maiya Roelen, New Zealand

Laura Clague, Ireland
“Growing up in Butte, Montana, a historic mining town built by Irish immigrants, spending ten years Irish dancing, and having Irish lineage, I naturally developed a curiosity for exploring Ireland, its history, culture, and music. So in the Summer of 2023, I set off on a 16-day experiential learning trip to Ireland alongside a cohort of fellow DHC students.
The trip awarded a taste into what life outside of the US could look like. It encouraged me to expand the scope of my future, envisioning how living, working, and exploring abroad was within reach, not just something to dream about. By meeting new people, learning Irish instruments and dances, and exploring a handful of historic sites, I returned to the US with a deeper connection to my hometown, my heritage, and an expansive, but newly accessible, world.
Before this trip, I held myself back from traveling abroad - it always felt out of reach or too overwhelming. But with the support and encouragement of the DHC, I finally took the chance. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!”Honors Experiential Learning Reflection
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For Internships:
Each student will submit a 2-3 page reflection to the DHC elaborating on your internship experience and its connection to your other honors courses/experiences. The reflection is due before the end of the semester in which you complete your internship.
Your reflection should include a thoughtful examination of how you have met your learning objectives through your honors internship and how this connects to your future goals and objectives.
For Study Abroad:
Each student will submit a 2-3 page reflection to the DHC elaborating on your study abroad experience and its connection to your other honors courses/experiences and your future goals. The reflection is due before the end of the semester in which you complete your study abroad.
Your reflection should include a thoughtful examination of what you have learned about yourself, the country in which you were studying, how this contributes to your academic journey, and how you will apply what you've learned in the future.
For Independent Study/Research:
Each student will submit a 2-3 page reflection to the DHC elaborating on your experience and its connection to your other honors courses/experiences and your future goals. The reflection is due before the end of the semester in which you are enrolled in credits.
Your reflection should include a thoughtful examination of what you have learned about yourself through this experience, how this contributes to your academic journey, and how you will apply what you've learned in the future.