Engaged Learning
Reading about how to play a piano is not the same thing as playing one—and the power of hands-on experience can never be underestimated. This principle is the foundation of everything we do at Merrimack College.
Through any of our countless experiential learning opportunities, you can become more fully engaged with your studies and with the world around us. This deepens your learning, broadens your perspective, and brings our Augustinian tradition to life by encouraging you to become more active and involved in the community. It gives you an edge by letting you put theory into practice, as you discover how to apply your classroom studies in real-world settings.
What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning is the term we use for hands-on learning experiences, such as community service, course-related service learning, an internship, a research position, a study abroad experience, or a cooperative education job. We help you put it together—and then you get out there and make it happen.
Why Does Merrimack Promote Experiential Learning?
Because we are a Roman Catholic college founded in the Augustinian tradition, we believe, as St. Augustine did, that experience can sometimes be the best guide to learning about ourselves and the world. Various research studies have also shown that the benefits of experiential learning include a better grasp of classroom concepts, a deeper commitment to civic engagement, higher grade point averages, greater community involvement, and a boost in job offers and starting salaries after graduation.
We strive to give every Merrimack College student a chance to pursue one or more experiential learning opportunities. Whatever your interests are, we are confident that these life-changing experiences will add a unique and invaluable dimension to your years at Merrimack.