Work Experience
Develop Your Course
Design a course exploring a program-related work experience (paid/volunteer) and your professional development.
To build a Work Experience course you must secure a work placement (paid or volunteer) working a minimum of 120 hours over a 12-week semester. In addition to completing placement hours, you will set learning objectives, submit monthly reports, participate in a monitor visit, and complete a final deliverable.
All Work Experience courses are classified as elective courses for your program planning.
You may take a maximum of 2 as part of your degree(s).
Applied Studies 2000/2001
Create a Pass/Fail course exploring a program associated work experience (paid/volunteer) and relate it to your professional development.
Applied Studies 2010/2011
Create a graded course exploring a program associated work experience (paid/volunteer) with a related academic deliverable.
An Applied Studies course fee is the same as any other 3-credit course on campus.
To have a successful application you need the following:
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Second-year standing (a minimum 30.0 successful credit hours)
International Students need to talk with the Applied Studies Office about this opportunity.
Grading and Evaluation
Disciplinary Credit courses are graded and designed to support your academic, professional, and personal growth. Your final grade is based on your ability to meet both academic and workplace learning outcomes, including:
Core Course Components (new for Fall 2025)
- Academic Deliverable(s) | 50%: Work with your Academic Supervisor to create an Academic Plan that includes your key learning objectives and final project or paper. This component anchors your experience in your field of study.
- Student Performance Evaluation and Monitor Visit | 20%: Your Work Placement Supervisor will complete a performance evaluation at the end of the semester. You’ll also participate in a monitor visit with your supervisor and your Applied Studies Instructor to reflect on your progress and discuss your role.
- Monthly Reflective Assignments | 30%: Submit monthly reflections focused on your workplace learning, professional development, and progress toward your goals. Your Applied Studies Instructor will provide feedback and assign grades for each report.
Before you start
Start building your own course by consulting with an Applied Studies Instructor and checking your program planning guide.
Check your Program Planning Guide
Review your Program Planning Guide to check availability for Applied Studies course in your program.
Find Work Placement Opportunities
Your work placement (paid or volunteer) must be relevant to your field of study and a minimum of 120 hours of work in a semester. You can self-initiate work placements (that will need Applied Studies Office approval), or visit MyExperience or the Applied Studies Job Board to search for approved Applied Studies opportunities.
Connect with Applied Studies Instructor
An Applied Study Instructor is the primary instructor for all APST course options. We are excited to explore your ideas and design the best course for you.
Your Applied Studies Instructor is responsible for supporting the partners in your course, will engage with you in setting learning objectives and in your reflective practice, and will evaluate your monthly reports, track your hours, participate in the monitor visit with your employer, and assess course outcomes. The Instructor will also help develop your Academic Deliverables for the course.
Log into MyExperience and select 'Book Appointment'.