What is a WBLE?

A Work-based Learning Experience (WBLE) is a hands-on experience in an applied context that increases knowledge and skills necessary for discipline-focused career readiness. To qualify as a WBLE, the experience must:

  1. Increase field-related knowledge and skills identified at the beginning of the experience
  2. Be supervised by a professional in the field who provides oversight and guides the student’s experience
  3. Occur in a context beyond a class. This can include experiences:
    1. in which a faculty member serves as the site supervisor (for example, with research or teaching assistant work)
    2. in a course that requires students to complete a semester-long project for external partners or companies

NOTE: WBLEs may be paid or unpaid, for-credit or not, and in-person or virtual. They may include internships, research, practicums, clinicals, or student teaching.

Is your Course a Work-Based Learning Experience?

WBLE Course Checklist

Each WBLE should include:

  • Supervision by a professional in the field (*faculty may serve as the supervisor)
  • Defined learning outcomes
  • Structured reflection opportunities
  • Mentorship and feedback
  • A meaningful duration, including start and end date, aligned with learning goals (defined by weeks or hours, such as 15 weeks or 150 hours)

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