Signature Experiences

Elon University Signature Experiences

Graduate programs at Elon share signature experiences that impart program specific skills and help students develop professional experience outside the classroom. Global study, theory-to-practice experiential learning, community engaged service learning, professional inquiry and leadership initiatives ensure that you graduate prepared for success.

 

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE

For 18 years, Elon has been ranked #1 for study abroad in the Institute of International Education’s annual Open Doors Report. As part of its commitment to provide all students with an opportunity to study in other locations, Elon also has an extensive Study USA program that allows students to explore cultures, industries, geography and communities across the United States. Elon graduate programs opportunities for study away include:

• GLO: Global Learning Opportunities for the School of Health Science
• The Master of Arts in Higher Education includes a cohort study away trip in the students second semester. There are no additional fees to students for this opportunity
• The Elon MBA provides an optional study away trip
• NEOMA: A double masters degree program for business analytics in Rouen, France 

 

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Elon’s nationally recognized Student Professional Development Center counselors work with students to help with résumés and strong networking skills. Elon partners with an expansive network of employers across the country who actively recruit students for internships and full-time positions. Examples of experiential learning within graduate programs:

• The Graduate Assistantship with the Elon Master of Arts in Higher Education
• Clinical hour requirements in the Doctor of Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs

 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Graduate students at Elon have opportunities and are encouraged to participate in service-learning that connects classroom work with needs in the community. In addition to program specific opportunities, The Kernodle Center for Civic Life partners with local and global communities to advance student learning, leadership and citizenship, connecting students with volunteer opportunities at nonprofit, education and government agencies.

Some prominent community service opportunities within specific programs include:

• Elon’s Master of Education in Innovation program hosts mini-grant projects that empower local schools in Alamance county. Read more about the mini-grant projects here
• H.O.P.E. Clinic
• Elon PA students regularly volunteer at the Open Door Clinic of Alamance County
• Global Learning Opportunities (GLO)

 

 PROFESSIONAL INQUIRY

Graduate and professional students at Elon are immersed in a dynamic environment which develops thought leadership and functional expertise. Deep professional inquiry is encouraged through real-world project assignments, presenting original research, and completion of masterful capstone projects.  Through engaged learning and dedicated mentorship, students develop essential research and critical thinking skills that are crucial for advancing their discipline after graduation.

• MED 6999 Independent Educational Research course in Elon’s Master of Education in Innovation program.
• Elon Doctor of Physical Therapy required courses, Directed Research I and II

LEADERSHIP

At Elon, students work collaboratively within diverse communities, gaining the confidence and competence to put innovative ideas into action for positive change. Elon’s Center for Leadership offers initiatives to all students, such as the LeaderShop workshop series for individual leadership development and student organization development programs. The center helps students advance their leadership knowledge and skills and learn how social identities and lived experiences inform and shape their ideas around leadership.