Knowledge in Action

Knowledge in Action (total of 3+ credits) includes Experiential Learning and Senior Capstones: Throughout their education, but especially as they approach graduation, students are encouraged to look to the farther horizons of their future in the world. Students participate in experiential learning and, as part of the culmination of their Miami education, a Miami Capstone course. These experiences place a special emphasis on applying knowledge and skills they’ve gained during their time at Miami to settings beyond Miami.

Frequency of Course Offerings: Course scheduling patterns are subject to change and are determined by each program, department, or college. Frequency of offerings can change without notice. However, every Miami Plan course should be offered at least once every 4 semesters, if not more.

Advising: Please consult with an Academic Advisor for specific questions regarding course scheduling, degree maps, and Miami Plan requirements. Students must have earned 93 hours before completion of their Senior Capstone for it to count.

Senior Capstone (3 hours)

The Miami Plan Senior Capstone (SC), completed near the end of baccalaureate studies, integrates liberal learning with specialized knowledge. Each SC presumes a significant scholarly background of specialized study in a major as well as in liberal education course work. The Senior Capstone does more than culminate years of baccalaureate study: it culminates a student's liberal education.

Ordinarily, a Senior Capstone is taken at Miami and is completed in the senior year (minimum of 93 hours registered or earned). Students who plan to transfer any course to meet the SC requirement must obtain permission from the Office of Liberal Education before they take the course. The SC may be completed in or outside students' majors; in some departments, the SC may be a requirement of the major.

Students may propose their own Senior Capstone Experience. See the Office of Liberal Education website (www.MiamiOH.edu/liberal-ed) for details.

Senior Capstones

¹

Maximum 8 credit hours

²

2 credit hours for research option; or concurrent enrollment in BIO 340 for internship option.

Experiential Learning (0+ hours)

Experiential learning is the process of making meaning through direct and substantive experience in a “real world” or an “out of the traditional classroom” context. It offers students the opportunity to initiate lifelong learning through the development and application of academic knowledge and skills in new or different settings. In experiential learning, educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, and clarify perspectives or values.

• Designated Service-Learning sections of courses
• Approved courses that carry EL designation (below)
• Credit-bearing or non-credit-bearing internships (numbered 340)
• Credit-bearing or non-credit-bearing independent studies (numbered 177R, 277R, 377R or 477R) that involve significant independent work focusing on research and including a presentation, lab, or archive component (carrying the “R” modifier)
• Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program enrollment
• Student teaching
• Clinical courses

Students may petition for a related experience to count as Experiential Learning. See the Office of Liberal Education website (www.MiamiOH.edu/liberal-ed) for details.

Experiential Learning Courses