Experiential Education Internships, Research, Education Abroad, and Service-Learning

Experiential Education Overview

All Honors students are required to complete 6 credit hours of Honors experiences, or experiential learning. Options include undergraduate research, education abroad, internships, and service-learning opportunities. Honors Experiences provide unique ways for Honors students to expand their horizons by conducting academic research, learning from professionals in their field, working with community service agencies, or by immersing themselves in other cultures around the world.

Please consult the list of Pre-Approved Experience Courses to see options in your major. Additional course options are listed below.

What Experiences are Best for You?

Internships/Co-Ops

Students gain direct experience in a work setting related to their academic/career interests, with mentorship from professionals in the field.

Internships and Experiential Education available via the Stuckert Career Center
Explore Handshake
HON 386 proposal
HON EXP 396/397
Common Internship Course numbers in departments: 399

Research or Creativity

Students can work alongside faculty to generate new knowledge and new creative works. Below are options to consider:

Office of Undergraduate Research 
UK + ForagerOne
Research and/or independent study in the student’s home discipline (commonly used course numbers include 393, 394, 395)
HON 395: An independent study with an Honors faculty member on a topic of mutual interest

Education Abroad

Students earn academic credit in an international setting. Education abroad can include study, teaching, research, service, and internship experiences.

Attend a First Steps Information Session
Explore the curated Honors portfolio
Consider other UK education abroad programs
HON 352: Summer study abroad with an Honors faculty member; locations and topics vary by year

Service-Learning

Academic courses that integrate community service, instruction, and reflection to enrich the learning experience, strengthen communities, and teach civic responsibility. For service-learning opportunities, visit GivePulse or email VolunteerUK@uky.edu to set up a meeting to discuss options.

HON 393 course taken by student leaders
HON 394
HON 399 proposal

It is so important to me that I continue to grow and challenge myself, and this experience absolutely allowed me to do that.

The Bowman Statue on a field of autumn leaves.

Ashley Ryan ’23

Chemistry major

Not sure where to start?

Learn how to earn Honors Experiential Credit. Connect with your advisor or your Center for Personal Development counselor to discuss your options further.