Laboratory Specifics

Computer Labs

Stratford University provides computers, scanners, printers, copiers, and Internet access for student use while conducting research and for working on assignments. Labs offer a wide variety of computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, and other software for educational use. These are located in the learning resource center as well as various classrooms on-campus.

Culinary and Baking Labs

All campuses offering culinary and hospitality courses have large, professional-grade kitchens for use by culinary, baking, and hospitality students. As students’ progress through their program, the equipment complements the skills and techniques they are learning. This means progressing from knife skills, the use of hand tools, and personal mixers to grills, convection ovens, and industrial ranges as students develop skills from dicing, chopping, and mincing to sautéing, grilling, and poaching.

Health Sciences Labs

Health sciences laboratory courses provide first-hand experience with course concepts and the opportunity to explore methods used by practitioners in their discipline. Laboratory sessions have particular challenges and opportunities differing from those in a standard classroom environment. Led by the faculty member, hands-on exercises in the laboratory provide students the opportunity to review, plan, and provide explanations within the context of a controlled experiential learning environment. Rather than discussing the tools, experience in the lab provides students the opportunity to handle and operate instruments critical to their success in their chosen career.

Externships, Clinicals, and Capstone Courses

Many of Stratford’s degree programs require students to complete a clinical, externship, or capstone course as a requirement for completion of degree. The location depends on the program and many vary from retail, hospital, medical, or culinary facilities. Typically, sites are no more than 25 miles from campus. Students work with an externship coordinator to set up the location and schedule. For more information about these courses, students should speak with their designated department representative.

Stratford University capstone course provides a culminating experience for students to integrate their knowledge, skills, and dispositions into a student-centered independent project. During the capstone, students critically analyze course work and experiences to demonstrate a range of abilities to solve a real-world problem. The capstone course is taken at the end of an academic program. The student-centered independent project is supervised by a faculty advisor who guides and monitors the project development. Capstone projects may be but, not limited to, research papers, exhibits, portfolios, demonstration, or service learning project.