6 ways The University of Toledo leads in experiential education

25 Jan 2017

Controlling a multimillion-dollar portfolio from a live trading room connected to the world’s complex stock exchanges. Discovering a new star in our cosmos. Monitoring water quality in Lake Erie. Competing for start-up money in an annual business innovation competition. And countless paid internship opportunities in a variety of fields.

These are just a few of the many enriching experiential learning opportunities you’ll find at The University of Toledo, where students learn by doing.

Image courtesy of The University of Toledo

Here are 6 great reasons for you to study at The University of Toledo, Ohio, USA…

1. Exceptional student facilities & resources

Every day across UT’s campuses, students connect principles and practice in state-of-the-art learning labs, research centers and studios like these:

In the College of Business and Innovation (COBI), finance students work in a fully-equipped, high-tech trading room managing an actual US $1 million investment fund owned by the UT Foundation.

UT’s Health Science Campus boasts a state-of-the-art simulation center with numerous learning labs, patient simulator technologies, and a virtual reality room that allows students to explore immersive 3-D environments as vast as a solar system or as tiny as a human cell.

The Ritter Planetarium and Brooks Observatory house several refracting and reflecting telescopes, including the robotic-mounted Celestron 14 Edge HD telescope. (In recognition of the outstanding quality of the astronomy program, UT was recently admitted as the 41st member of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy.)

UT’s Center for the Visual Arts was designed by internationally renowned architect Frank O. Gehry, and is located on the grounds of the Toledo Museum of Art, which connects UT students to one of the nation’s most significant art collections.

“It was an honor to come to UT and participate in the portfolio management program. Our class works like an investment management firm, complete with officers and meetings. It gives you an excellent base and an upper hand when you go to work in an actual firm.” – Vivek, Class of 2017

Image courtesy of The University of Toledo

2. Undergraduate research opportunities and field work options

The University of Toledo provides a uniquely large range of undergraduate research opportunities that directly engage students with professors and graduate researchers within their respective fields of study. Through the Office of Undergraduate Research, students connect to relevant practical experience across UT’s 140 undergraduate majors and programs. In addition to volunteer assignments, many research positions offer tuition credits, stipends or grants.

3. Outstanding co-ops and internships

UT’s Center for Experiential Learning and Career Services connects students with internships and co-ops — a number of which are paid — across many disciplines. Academic programs that also help students gain valuable work experience include:

UT’s College of Business and Innovation, where more than 80 percent of undergraduates do at least one internship with leading regional, national and multinational companies.

The College of Engineering, which requires a minimum of three semesters of co-op work experiences before graduation, has helped place more than 16,700 students within hundreds of leading companies.

“The internship is a milestone towards getting a job offer….The Business Career Programs office in UT’s College of Business and Innovation helped me set up my internship through the career fair, and after I had my interview they helped me prepare my work permit for the internship with the international office.” – Abdulmonem, Class of 2016

Image courtesy of The University of Toledo

4. The Jesup Scott Honors College

The Jesup Scott Honors College offers high-achieving students the benefits of a small-college experience with major-university resources. Dedicated Honors residence halls foster an inclusive atmosphere conducive to academic excellence. Honors classes feature intimate settings that provide greater engagement with leading UT faculty in a rigorous academic experience that prepares students for achievement beyond the classroom. And Honors students have numerous opportunities for immersive study, including field work and trips abroad.

5. Student organizations and service learning opportunities

With more than 240 student organizations on UT’s campuses, including our International Student Association, there’s an opportunity to learn community building and leadership skills regardless of your background or interests. Student-run fundraising events like RockeTHON and Songfest raise thousands of dollars annually for local and national charities. And each year, student leaders rally the entire campus in the BIG Event to give back to nearby neighborhoods through a day of service.

Image courtesy of the University of Toledo

6. Study abroad opportunities

Become a citizen of the world at UT! The Center for International Studies and Programs connects students to academic programs around the globe. For-credit opportunities to study abroad include trips of one week or two with UT faculty and students, to a full semester or more of individual coursework in a country of your choice.