Practicums are immersive experiential-learning academic courses structured around a capstone project.

The practicums consist of a two-course sequence (KSB-620 & KSB-621). In completing the practicum and their capstone project, students will utilize skills that enable them to present solutions to problems and provide answers to business questions in various business disciplines through hands-on exercises and a term project.

Students engage with asynchronous coursework leading up to the intensive 3-day period of faculty-guided experiential learning culminating in a capstone project.

Practicum part 1 (KSB-620) is held virtually through Zoom and the second half of the sequence (KSB-621) is held on campus. The on-campus experience will include some of the following components: site visit, guest speaker(s), workshop, networking, and meals.

Students must complete all coursework as listed in the course syllabus before participating in the practicum intensive experience. Please refer to the course syllabus for specific due dates for coursework due prior to the intensive period.

Yes, students are required to attend both practicum I (KSB-620) and practicum II (KSB-621).

Included: The practicum fee includes some arranged meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, breaks, and dinner if included in the scheduled events). The fee also includes transportation to site visits, site visit activities, and internet access.

Not Included: Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements and hotel accommodations. Hotel guestrooms are not included in the Washington DC practicums due to the high volume of students living in the DC metropolitan area.

Practicums are 3-day long academic classes held in a conference-style setting. Typically, practicums are held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Participation is required in all practicum events, including arranged meals.  Sometimes arranged breakfasts and lunches will not have an academic component like a guest speaker, but attendance is still required. Networking with fellow students and faculty is a wonderful opportunity to engage with your peers and is offered throughout the practicum.  We encourage you to get to know your classmates and learn from their professional experiences.

Like other courses in the program, the practicum course requires a grade of C or better, otherwise the course must be repeated.  Due dates are listed in the syllabus and vary per practicum. The final grade includes completion of pre-work, participation in the practicum, and actively contributing to your team’s final project.  Faculty may include other graded elements, so carefully review the syllabus. Practicums are 1.5 credits each.

Professionalism is expected from students, staff and faculty.  This includes your demeanor, appearance, and participation when engaging with speakers and at site visits. We all represent American University.

Professional business attire and etiquette are required when interacting with guest speakers.  Please introduce yourself before addressing a speaker and thank them appropriately afterward.

Practicums offer an opportunity to connect with your classmates and learn from their professional experiences.  We encourage you to bring business cards and introduce yourself to students you have not met before.  Please wear your nametag not only for students to get to know you, but also for guest speakers, staff and faculty. You can also leverage break and mealtimes as opportunities to network with speakers, faculty, and peers.

Typically, each practicum dedicates time to review career development in partnership with the Office of Career Engagement.  For more information on career development and Kogod career resources and opportunities, please visit the Office of Career Engagement online at CareerSource or contact kogodcareers@american.edu to receive access to career services.

Our personalized website will give you access to the most up-to-date information, including schedule times, locations, attire, guest speaker information, and FAQs. The website is published 4-6 weeks before the practicum.  We encourage you to view the website in detail as soon as it is published – don’t wait until the week of the practicum. We also include helpful tips and other important information – please take advantage of this and arrive at the practicum prepared.

No, you do not have to stay at the arranged hotel for the practicum. We have negotiated a room block in advance to secure a discounted rate for guestrooms.  We do not include the hotel guestroom in the practicum fee since many students live in the DC metropolitan area.

Yes. Academic and networking events are offered exclusively to students participating in the practicum, but please feel free to bring whomever you like so they can accompany you during your free time.