Real-World Learning

Your ideas may start in the classroom, but they won’t be contained there. Learning by doing is part of our DNA as Diplomats. At F&M, you can connect the things you care about to meaningful experiences, including research, internships, volunteering, and more.

At Franklin & Marshall, learning happens by doing. You’ll step beyond the classroom and into labs, studios, museums, local businesses, natural habitats, and communities around the world. Across every discipline, F&M students move from theory to purpose-driven action, graduating not only with knowledge, but with the hands-on experience that prepares them to lead now — not later.

Students at F&M...

Apply mathematics to fight food insecurity

Protect local ecosystems as scientists monitoring the Susquehanna River

Conduct original research into historic portraiture

Gain hands-on experience in law by interning for the President Judge of the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas

Research diverse marine life in Turks and Caicos

Pair storytelling with astrophysics

Conduct cutting-edge computer science research in extended reality

Explore Danish and Scandinavian design philosophies in Copenhagen

Contribute directly to evidence-based research at Yale’s Emotion and Health Psychophysiology Lab

How We Do It

Research

At F&M, you’ll work and learn side-by-side with faculty to test your ideas — not just read or talk about them. We prioritize the transformative power of hands-on learning to enhance your professional development experiences, including opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research.

Internships

Gain experience now and a competitive advantage later. Internships allow you to explore careers of interest and build your portfolio while shaping and inspiring your path after graduation.

Off-Campus Study

Travel the globe to become a well-rounded scholar and person. Studying off campus gives you extraordinary opportunities to encounter, engage with, and understand perspectives around the world, strengthening your ability to live and work in our global society.

Franklin & Marshall Fellows

At F&M, we believe your college years are a launchpad for lifelong leadership. That’s why we created four distinctive fellowship programs for students who are curious, motivated, and eager to make a positive and immediate impact in the fields of climate and sustainability, creative writing, entrepreneurship, and public service.

Experience Lancaster

To shape the world, start right where you are. Our home city of Lancaster is not only an active urban hub, but also an integral educational partner. Experience Lancaster, a program distinct to F&M, curates and connects you with opportunities to engage in internships, service, research, and more so you can make an impact in your own backyard.

Fellowships & Post-Graduate Awards

Fellowships offer often-funded experiential learning opportunities such as advanced study, research, internships, service, travel, and more. At F&M, you’ll find expert guidance and support in discovering and applying for fellowships.

Grants & Funding

We’re committed to advancing the scholarly and creative pursuits of our faculty and students. Internal funding for new projects is available through the Office of the Provost, while Sponsored Research, College Advancement and the Fellowship Office assist with funding from federal, state, and non-profit organizations.

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Diplomats Beyond the Classroom

December 8, 2025

A Diplomat’s Deep Dive into Marine Biology

Learning by doing is part of our DNA as Diplomats. Jaeyun An ’26 dove headfirst into this philosophy, spending a semester in the turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos researching the island’s diverse marine life. “This experience gave me the confirmation that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” he said.

November 21, 2025

What is Extended Reality–and Why are F&M Students Researching It?

Learning by doing is in our DNA as Diplomats. For Sujal Shah ’27 and Kha Nguyen ’28, this meant collaborating with their computer science professor to research how extended reality can be used for safer, more effective employee training.

November 13, 2025

Trailblazing Research Examines Cigarette Label Alternatives

Three F&M students helped conduct a groundbreaking pilot study in Lancaster this summer, assisting Professor Hollie Tripp with tobacco regulatory research. It's the first F&M instance of biospecimen collection from non-campus participants.