You shouldn't have to wait to graduate before being able to put your mark on the world. That's why offering a range of degree-enriching experiences is a key piece of Mount Royal's identity.

"There are many options you can explore in order to customize your degree and enhance your learning journey," says Shea Ellingham, Manager, Academic Advising Services.

Add a minor

When it comes to building a degree that fits your goals, adding a minor can be a great place to start. Think of it as an opportunity to gain knowledge outside your major while zeroing in on areas that interest you most.

"A minor can help add focus in specific and targeted areas where you want to expand your knowledge and experience," Ellingham says.

Mount Royal has over 51 minors to choose from, so there's no lack of options to help you prepare for your specific employment or graduate goals.

Engage in experiential and work-integrated learning

Simply put, experiential and work-integrated learning provides education through experience. It can take many forms including fieldwork, practicums, simulations and internships.

"Experiential learning is often cited as a high-impact practice. It can really make the educational journey meaningful to your life," Ellingham says.

If you were to enrol in Mount Royal's Bachelor of Arts—Criminal Justice program, for example, you would see the real-world application of your learning through court visits, mock trials and a work practicum.

"These activities are often associated with increased academic performance and ultimately higher persistence and graduation rates," Ellingham adds.

Experiential and work-integrated learning lets you see your learning in action so you can better connect theories to the world beyond the classroom. After all, there's no better way to prepare for your future career or graduate studies than with real, practical experience.

Take community service learning courses

What if you could deepen your awareness of pressing issues, benefit the community and earn academic credits at the same time? Community Service Learning (CSL) options at Mount Royal, offered across disciplines and in every faculty, allow you to do just that.

A powerful form of experiential learning, CSL designated courses require a minimum of 20 hours of community service. Through course-based and hands-on experience, you'll have the opportunity to make a positive impact in local and global communities while you learn.

"CSL options can make a great addition to your educational experience," encourages Ellingham.

Mount Royal offers an official CSL Citation, recorded as a co-curricular record in your student transcript. The Citation requires three CSL courses for a minimum of nine credits that employ community engagement. It's the perfect blend of learning that feels good, looks good on your resume and does good, too.

Participate in undergraduate research

Usually you'd have to be pretty far into your academic career to participate in research, but Mount Royal University does things a little differently.

"As a smaller university focused on teaching and learning, Mount Royal gives you the unique opportunity to engage in undergraduate research," says Ellingham, "which can be particularly useful for future academic programs."

Opportunities to get involved with research include becoming a research assistant, working one-on-one with a professor through directed readings, applying to an honours program and taking advanced level course work.

Explore your options

Your educational journey is about so much more than just sitting at a desk or reading a textbook. Take the time to explore your personalized learning options, because your degree deserves to be as unique as you are.