Practicum (Prior to 2019)

All McBride students need to fulfill a three-credit “Practicum,” which emphasizes cultural immersion and engagement in the world of public affairs. The practicum is similar to an independent study, but with a twist. The goal of the course is for you to pursue a worthwhile experiential learning opportunity – that is, to “learn by doing.”

Essentially, you will be challenged to learn by immersing yourself in an unfamiliar cultural context. You have many options to develop an individualized study program that facilitates your own personal, intellectual, and professional goals. Possibilities include: studying or interning abroad, engaging in research in science or public affairs, learning through service to your community, working as an intern in a way that interfaces the public, and many other options.

The goal is for you to think outside the box and to:

• Research and identify an opportunity that facilitates your own goals
• Fulfill the equivalent of three academic credits in Honors
• Develop a plan for completion, including timetable and budget
• Learn by doing … and exploring!

Awards Support

McBride is committed to helping students pursue amazing opportunities. Thanks to the generosity of Mines alumni and supporters, the program is able to offer Honors Enrichment Awards to defray extra costs associated with the practicum.

The deadlines for Honors Enrichment Applications are as follows:

• Spring and Summer 2019 Deadline – Feb 15, 2019
• Fall 2019 Deadline – April 12, 2019
• Winter 2019 Deadline – Sept 13, 2019
• Spring 2020 Deadline – To Be Determined

Typical Timeline

Students may complete the Practicum any time that meshes with their commitments and goals, but the Practicum projects must be completed by the end of the Fall semester of the senior year. Most students will typically follow a timeline that looks like this:

• Freshman year (spring): students apply to McBride and receive acceptance notifications.
• Sophomore year (fall):  students enroll in HNRS 305, in which they work to identify viable pathways and deliver a preliminary proposal for their Practicum projects.
• Sophomore year (spring):  Practicum Agreements should be submitted to the program by April 15 (or before).
• Junior year:  most students will complete their Practicum projects sometime between the summer after their sophomore year and the summer preceding their senior year (although some students will complete the Practicum during the sophomore year).
• Senior year (fall):  by the end of the Fall semester of the senior year, all students must have completed their Practicum projects and earned grades of B or better.