Experiential Learning: Action and Reflection
At Dietrich College, put your education into action through experiential learning opportunities.
Internships, undergraduate research, study abroad and community service are all opportunities to gain hands-on experience and transform theory into practice. Reflecting on what you learn during the process is also an integral part of your education. Every Dietrich College student completes at least one experiential learning activity as part of their general education requirements.
Research for the Good of Science & Society
Jendy DeLeon, a member of the class of 2026 majoring in psychology, became involved in the Research Training Program during her first year at Carnegie Mellon.
"I saw the Research Training Program as an opportunity to become involved in something greater than myself. All of the research opportunities offered through the Research Training Program have implications for the greater good of science and society as a whole."
Growing through Community Engagement
Anika Joshi, a member of the class of 2026 majoring in statistics and machine learning, put her passion for social engagement and community-centered uses of data into action as part of the first cohort of Community Engagement Fellows.
"I have always been involved in the community in some capacity but I really wanted to learn more about the nuances of community engagement and do so in a setting with peers that have the same passions as me. I thought that the fellowship would be a great way to see how to apply what you learn in the classroom to the real world."
Embracing the Pittsburgh Community
Eric Molto, a member of the class of 2025 in the Department of Social and Decision Sciences, embraced the opportunity to stay in Pittsburgh over the summer by interning at Module, a design-build company that makes right-sized, energy efficient houses using prefab construction. Each of Module’s homes are built to Zero Energy Ready Home standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy.
“Getting your tasks and assignments done and building a relationship with a superior is something that I found to be incredibly rewarding. I learned how to build people skills and ask for help when it was needed, which allowed me to feel much more prepared for future occupations I will encounter.”
Researching Human Connection
Ethan Sterkeson, member of the class of 2026 majoring in psychology, jumped into research as a first-year student, assisting in studies focused on interpersonal touch and sleep quality, as well as reciprocal self-disclosure, the process by which sharing about oneself encourages others to do the same.
"CMU and Dietrich College have helped support my work by creating opportunities for any student (even a first-year with little experience) to participate in research. Through this I have learned more about how research works, gained experience that can be applied to future opportunities, and created connections with faculty and other students in Dietrich."
A Philosophy of Mindfulness
Aiwen Chen, a member of the class of 2024 majoring in neuroscience and philosophy, brought her investment in mental health and mindfulness to her Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) by researching the ways mindfulness and meditation affect stress levels.
"I'm very interested in the problems of mind and body and how philosophers approach those questions. I want to work in mental health to best help people relieve the pain of their mental health issues.”
Learn more about summer undergraduate research fellowship grants
Creative Writing as Social Commentary
Samantha Mahler, class of 2026, has a triple major in Literature & Culture, Creative Writing and Film Studies. She brought her creativity and her passion for social change to her Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship project, a young-adult dystopian novel featuring a strong female lead battling against a patriarchal society.
"By writing a dystopian novel that addresses the current systems in place, I intended to teach young women that breaking out of the system is feasible. SURF was an outlet to work on topics that I'm passionate about, which I may not have had the opportunity to do otherwise. I couldn't be more grateful for the SURF program and its investment in my future career."
Learn more about summer undergraduate research fellowshipSUndergraduate Research: Why is it important?
Research and creative projects are at the heart of the CMU intellectual community, and they include significant work in the humanities and social sciences. From your very first year, you can participate in the thrill of discovery and creation of new ideas.
Explore a few of the options here:
- Research Training Program: Learn to conduct research while working with faculty and other students.
- Senior Honors Program: Pursue an independent research or creative project with guidance from a faculty advisor.
- Honors Fellowship Program: Get a head start on your senior honors thesis.
- Undergraduate Research Office support: Apply for funding for independent research during the academic year and summer, and make connections to a variety of funding sources.
Opportunities include:
- Pittsburgh Summer Internship Program: Apply for summer internships with regional nonprofits, government organizations and startups. It’s a great first internship experience for Dietrich College students, and it includes a stipend for living and travel expenses.
- Dietrich College Internship Opportunity Grants: Land your own internship anywhere in the world and receive funding for housing, expenses and more.
- Washington Semester Program: Spend a semester immersed with political, business and community leaders in Washington, D.C.
- Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) : Visit this campus-wide center to prepare for future internship and career opportunities.
Study Abroad: Gain a Global Perspective
There are many opportunities to study abroad for the summer, the semester or an entire academic year.
Community Engagement: A Vital Component of Learning
At Dietrich College, we believe that serving the community is an important part of your growth as both a student and a citizen of the world. Through these engagement opportunities, you’ll enhance your cultural understanding as well as your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Opportunities include:
- Community Engagement Fellowship Program: a unique program designed to equip students with the leadership skills needed for social change, the Community Engagement Fellowship Program provides students with academic training and experiential learning opportunities which cumulatively build toward developing the capacity for community-based leadership.
- CMU Prison Education Project (CMU PEP): CMU PEP is committed to building dialogue across class, racial and social lines. The program offers several courses each academic year within nearby prisons. Each course, which combines incarcerated students and CMU students, offers full CMU credit.
- Service Learning: because some of life’s most important lessons take place beyond the classroom.
- Capstone and Practicum Courses: these classes encourage you to engage with corporate or nonprofit partners and make an impact on the world. Read more about these courses in the stories below.
