Gain Real-World Experiences in Your Field
Choose from more than 200 academic courses, and earn Experiential Education and Learning (ExEL) units at Nova Southeastern University. Two out of six required ExEL units are already built into your curriculum. You’ll earn your first unit by taking UNIV 1000—an introductory course for first-year students. You’ll also earn another unit for your senior capstone project, which you must complete in the last semester before you graduate.
Explore other ways to earn ExEL units—from study-abroad options to community engagement.
Types of Courses by College
You can earn ExEL units by simply taking courses in your major, or you can take advantage of the wiggle room in your curriculum to learn something new. Mobile computing, marine biology, documentary film making—these are just a few examples of some of the classes that can earn you ExEL units.
Hone strong communications, teamwork, and lifelong learning skills with these classes:
- Fundamentals of Computer Programming
- Web Programming and Design
- Mobile Computing
- Software Engineering
Get real-world legal training:
- Practicum in Paralegal Studies
- Internship in Paralegal Studies
Take classes that teach you the foundations of human behavior:
- Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience
- Sensation and Perception
- Psychophysiology
- Introduction to Neuroscience
Enhance your research skills in these courses:
- Community-Based Health Outreach
- Independent Study in Public Health
- Public Health Seminar
- Domestic Outreach
Build your health training skills with a variety of classes:
- Intro to Athletic Training
- Strength and Conditioning
- Emergency Care and First Aid
- Biomechanics
Add to your entrepreneurial skills with the new tools you learn in these classes:
- International Finance
- Creativity and Work Performance
- Accounting and Taxation
- Entrepreneur Internship
From journalism to marine biology, explore a variety of career options through classes:
- Intro to Print Journalism
- Marine Biology and Lab
- S. Foreign Relations
- Ensemble
If you’ve been admitted to NSU as an Honors student, be sure to take advantage of a range of classes to earn ExEL units:
- Advanced College Writing
- Global Issues
- Water and Sustainability
- Design Thinking
If you’re interested in a nursing career, these classes are a great way to get started:
- Population Health Nursing
- Nursing Practicum
- Primary Concepts of Adult Nursing
- Advanced Concepts of Adult Nursing
How to Earn Experiential Coursework Units
Meet with Your Adviser
Discuss ExEL courses you are interested in taking.
Create an Academic Plan
Check out which of your major courses are ExEL designated and when it’s best to take them.
Register for Courses
Work with your adviser to register for ExEL classes when you register for your program courses.
Additional Requirements
Each ExEL opportunity has different prerequisites and conditions. Be sure to find out ahead of time what’s required for the pillar or program you’re interested in.
Submit to Portfolium
Showcase your work and display your portfolio. Don’t forget to add relevant hashtags so others can easily find you!
Contact Information
Ready to dive in? We’re here to help!
Center for Academic and Professional Success
If you have any questions about a specific opportunity listed above, email caps@nova.edu or call (954) 262-7990.
Meet the CAPS Team
These are the Center for Professional and Academic Success (CAPS) staff members who will help guide you every step of the way.
ExEL
If you have any questions about the experiential learning program, email exel@nova.edu or call (954) 262-2047.