Learning By Doing

Learning doesn’t happen the same way for all of us, and it definitely doesn’t happen all in one place. We learn by tackling projects, taking on leadership roles, meeting new people, traveling to unknown places – the possibilities are limitless. Our Engaged Learning Program gives you the opportunity to be captivated and motivated by eye-opening, life-changing experiences in nearby communities and all over the world.

Where Theory Meets Practice

Do you remember the first time you experienced the thrill of learning something new? As humans, we’re wired to continually learn — but it takes a special commitment to create the kind of learning that engages your mind and heart, empowers your growth and forges enduring relationships that will last a lifetime. That’s what you’ll find at Rider.

About Engaged Learning
A group of students walking across campus

Travel, Create, Lead, Serve (and More)

Engaged Learning allows you to combine your academics, career goals and activities to reflect your personality and interests. Together, the six pillars of the program will create a meaningful education that is uniquely yours.

The Promise of Engaged Learning

Every Rider student completes at least two high-impact Engaged Learning experiences prior to graduation (in fact, we require it!).

Program Categories
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Your Engaged Learning Transcript

While you’re out there learning, we’ll be documenting your journey on an Engaged Learning Transcript (ELT) that will speak to the breadth of your experiences. The ELT will be your official record, alongside your academic transcript, to show graduate schools and prospective employers all you’ve accomplished at Rider and the steps you’ve taken to prepare yourself for what’s ahead.

Engaged Learning 101

What You’ll Need

Let us help you build bridges between your course of study and the world in which we live.

Earning Your Transcript

  • Think of your Engaged Learning experiences as points that add up steadily each semester, which are collected and displayed on your Engaged Learning Transcript (ELT).  
  • All students earn points in the same way, by taking an approved course, by participating in approved experiences, or by completing community service hours.
  • Only courses taken at Rider University and experience or service hours performed while a Rider University student are eligible to earn points towards your Engaged Learning requirement.
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Additional Resources

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Rider University showed me things that I did want, and offered me so many opportunities to start to change my destiny and pursue new interests.
RahQuan King '19
Accounting
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Limitless Opportunities

If you learn one thing about Rider, we want it to be this: Your goals are within reach, even if you aren’t sure what they are yet. The proof is in our alumni who use what they’ve learned to make their unique marks on the world. The proof is in our students, some of whom are first-generation and some who didn’t think college was an option. They begin here as striving freshmen and depart with newfound confidence and a career game plan.

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