About experiential learning

Experiential learning is the process of learning by doing and reflecting on that action. It connects direct, real-world experiences with critical thought so students can build new skills, test theories, and apply knowledge in different contexts. Students in all DNS majors and minors are encouraged to participate in experiential learning opportunities during their time at Cornell.

Requirement for Global and Public Health Sciences majors & Global Health minors

If you are a Global and Public Health Sciences (GPHS) major or are pursuing the Global Health minor, experiential learning is an academic requirement. There are a broad range of opportunities that fulfill this requirement in both domestic and international settings. More information for GPHS majors & Global Health minors

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Cornell programs 

Cornell offers a variety of hands-on opportunities, depending on the college in which you're enrolled.

Internships

Many companies, nonprofit organizations, institutions and government agencies offer hands-on learning opportunities for students. An hourly wage or a stipend is sometimes offered for their work. More often, these opportunities are unpaid, with the value of the experience being its own reward.

Helpful links to start your search:

A student fills a pipette in the Shubing Lab.
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Empirical research 

Research involves data collection and analysis in a laboratory or field setting.

Explore opportunities

You'll want to start looking the semester before you plan to begin your research.

Connect with faculty

Connect with potential faculty research mentors to discuss your interests and goals. Most students work directly with a Cornell faculty member on research projects within the mentor's field of study and expertise.

Additional resources

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Supervised fieldwork

Structured learning experiences in the real world (i.e., the “field”) help students link theory to practice. Students also learn about communication, team work, goal setting, client needs and the social, economic and political forces that influence professionals who work in the food, nutrition and health fields.    

You may conduct supervised fieldwork in a variety of topic areas and settings. For example:

  • Nutrition and fitness: Serve as a nutrition counselor to student athletes and members of local fitness clubs (advanced nutrition students only).
  • Community nutrition: Work with local Cornell Cooperative Extension professionals and others to develop and pilot test educational programs for adults and children.
  • Nutrition and business: Intern with a local software firm to learn about developing and testing food composition databases, dietary assessment instruments and food management programs for use by the healthcare industry.
  • Nutrition and health care: Examine how nutritionists and other health care practitioners treat and counsel patients with different conditions and the many factors that influence how these professionals conduct their work.

For more information, see Participating in Fieldwork through NS 4020.