Field Education
At Great Northern University, we are motivated to see our graduates step right off the commencement stage and into their career or whatever God has for them next. Depending on the experiential requirement of a student’s chosen program (internship, practicum, capstone course, or other), undergraduate students complete a specific number of hours of practical program-specific experience in order to graduate. Students collaborate with their faculty advisor in determining the nature and location, if necessary, of their field experience. Students should refer to their program’s stated field experience description for each program found in the Academic Catalog.
For the Undecided Student
Field education will be beneficial for the student who is not exactly sure about what they want to do after college.
You don't have to come to college already knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life, and we don't expect that from you. Each semester, you can be exposed to a new aspect of your general field of study, which will give you a better idea of what sparks your passion. By the end of your college career, you should have experience that points you toward the job you truly want to do.
For the Student Seeking Experience
Perhaps you already have a general idea of what you'd like to get into after college, but you don't have any idea how to get there. Don't worry, this is normal! At GNU, you can work with your faculty advisor to gain practical career experience. Field education is not just a box to check. We have designed it with the intention that our students will "practice" their future careers and build their resumes at the same time. In this way, your college years will have a lasting impact on your life long after you graduate.
For the Determined Student
Field education will help determined individuals to get connected in their desired field of study. One of the most important things you can do as a college student is to build a network. During your college career you are surrounded by resources. It is important that you utilize these resources to make lasting connections that will help you after your receive your diploma. Through field education, you can get directly connected with leaders and experts in your field.