Approved Pathways
Experiential learning is an important component of the tCAP experience. It includes developmental activities such as networking events, mentoring, student organizations, employer engagement, and structured and supervised experiential-learning activities described below. These experiences help students apply classroom knowledge, build meaningful industry connections and develop the professional skills sought by employers.
| Requirement | What it means | Student output |
|---|---|---|
| 135 verified hours | Minimum threshold of 135 verified hours | Tracked hours |
| Pre-approval | Pre-approval of a plan of work and faculty mentor or presumably qualified supervisor | Approved plan of work |
| Documentation | Plan of work, mid-point update and final report with structured reflection | Plan, update and final report |
| Assessment | Pass/fail assessment using a common rubric | Pass/fail result |
| CIS 4950 | Recorded as CIS 4950 (badge and transcript notation) | Badge and transcript notation |
TCAP Experiential Learning Options
Work-Based Learning
Industry Internship
The preferred experiential learning pathway; typically part-time during fall or spring and full-time in summer.
Industry Employment or Co-op
Approved co-op or employment contract with learning objectives, supervision, employer evaluation and final reflection.
Technical Support Services
Applied work such as cybersecurity monitoring, threat detection, infrastructure support, or IT services in an approved supervised setting.
Research & Innovation
Undergraduate Research
Supervised research in emerging technologies through USF Student Engagement in Research and Innovation or another approved institution.
Entrepreneurship
Product development through a student innovation incubator or similar structured entrepreneurial program.
Certification with Independent Project
Completion of a recognized industry certification with a related independent technical project.
Competitions and Hackathons
Active participation in cybersecurity, programming or computing competitions with pre-approved scope and documented hours.
Academic & Leadership Experiences
ROTC Leadership and Technical Operations
Approved ROTC participation involving supervised leadership, operational planning, teamwork and technical or mission-focused responsibilities.
Study Abroad
USF Global study abroad experience earning approved technical elective credit hours.
Community-Engaged Practicum
Service-learning practicum with community partners involving applied technical support.
Capstone or Major Project
Completion of an industry-contributed or major project within a structured, supervised experience.
Where Bellini College Students Have Interned
