Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
Students pointing and writing on whiteboard
  1. NAU
  2. The NAU experience
  3. Hands-on learning

Hands-on learning at NAU

Dive deep into your study area

Geology student examines a boulder with a magnifying glass.

At NAU, we know how important it is for you to gain experience in your chosen field of study. Here, you can immerse yourself in your area of interest through internships and numerous other hands-on learning opportunities.

Student wearing lab coat looks into microscope.
On average, nearly 
3,000
students participate in research and internships each year
Child high fives adult in classroom.
Our student teachers serve in 
250+
schools

Opportunities across campus

Instructor points to laptop screen student is looking at.

You will find opportunities for experiential learning in all departments across campus: work with world-renowned professors on research projects, perform in—or manage—plays and operas, host hospitality events, and so much more. You can also gain experience through an internship.

Find hands-on learning experiences through your degree program and discover NAU’s impact on Flagstaff and beyond.

Degrees and programs
NAU’s impact
Students wearing lab coats prepare an experiment.

Research projects

Participate in cutting-edge research through both faculty- and student-led investigations.
Student wearing medical gear shows another student a clipboard with a pen.

Internships

Gain valuable experience, professional insight, and lasting connections while completing your degree.
Students serve traditional food in a buffet line.

Hospitality events

Practice advanced leadership and management skills while connecting with your campus community.
Performing arts students dance in costumes on stage.

Performances

Showcase your talent and passion in our state-of-the-art performance halls and facilities.
“NAU gave me the opportunity to learn from working journalists in NAZ Today, a real newsroom. It couldn’t get any more hands-on. They gave me constructive criticism that taught me valuable lessons. I am a better journalist for it. Not many journalism students get that kind of experience.”
– Cheyenne Mumphrey, BA Communication Studies, '16, Flagstaff Campus

Pursue your passions and make connections

Student uses pipet to place material into a test tube.

Mitzzy Lopez

First-generation student Mitzzy Lopez loves life in the lab, combining chemistry and justice.
Picture of student Hannah Gish

Hannah Gish

Hannah Gish has invested her time at NAU to ultimately fulfill her dream of teaching in schools with limited resources.
Will Oldroyd outside observatory
“My main research focuses on the outer solar system, so things around Pluto and further out. One of the main projects that I am working on is looking for another planet in our solar system, usually called Planet X. I use the supercomputer here on campus, Monsoon, to do lots and lots of computer simulations that test where the planet could be and gravitational signatures that show if the planet is there.”
– Will Oldroyd, pursuing a doctorate in Astronomy and Planetary Science, Flagstaff Campus

Find connections

Mark Molinaro, Senior Lecturer, School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, advises you to “put yourself out there” to connect with others on campus and demonstrate your passions.