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  • APEX lead photo Graphic Design
    APEX at Ursinus College equips you with the skills and experiences needed to become a forward-thinking leader and problem-solver.
  • Democracy without Barriers series, students will learn about barriers disabled people face in accessing government services
    As part of the Democracy without Barriers series, students learned about barriers disabled people face in accessing government services and fully participating in democracy, from experts Kara Derstine, of the Ursinus College Office of Disability and Access and Maddie Crowley, of the Lurie Institute for Disability Studies at Brandeis University.
  • The Sports and Humanity Hub visits Xfinity Mobile Arena to meet with Philadelphia Flyers employees, get an arena tour, and enjoy a game. 12-
    The Sports and Humanity Hub, one of eight innovation centers within APEX, visits Xfinity Mobile Arena to meet with Philadelphia Flyers employees, get an arena tour, and enjoy a game.
  • Civic Spark Policy Lab at the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting
    The APEX Civic Spark Policy Lab at Ursinus, was invited to the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting, where they were recognized for the work they will be doing for the Office of Innovation, Strategy and Performance. The students are working on a project on social impact bonds for the county, throughout the semester.
  • Kate in panama
    Kate Lloyd '27 conducted boat-based whale research with professor Matt Leslie on the Gulf of Chiriqui, Panama.
  • Ursinus Student Abdel Elgendy '27 works at his co-op position with the Dow Chemical Company in Collegeville, PA. Here Elgendy prepares equip
    Ursinus Student Abdel Elgendy ’27 works at his co-op position with the Dow Chemical Company in Collegeville, PA. Here Elgendy prepares equipment to stir up a test batch of acrylic paint. Learn more about Ursinus's first co-op.
  • inaugural APEX Experiential Learning Week candid with logo
    Over 400 first year students engaged in hands on learning during the inaugural APEX Experiential Learning Week. Hear from Rob Wrzesniewski ’91, head of global solutions at SEI, about how APEX at Ursinus is preparing students for success after graduation.
  • Civic Spark students spent experimental learning week discovering the ins and outs of housing policy in Pennsylvania.
    Civic Spark Hub students spent experiential learning week exploring Pennsylvania housing policy—hearing from activists, nonprofits, and Rep. Heather Boyd. The week wrapped up at Philadelphia City Hall with city leaders, a press conference, and Mayor Cherelle Parker signing her H.O.M.E. housing initiative into law.
  • Performing and visual arts design and technology student shows skills you need to pursue both design and technical work.
    A performing and visual arts design and technology (PVDT) major can enhance skills and gain exposure to careers within  Arts in Action. Margo Reed
  • Students on their externship with the Bucks County District Attorney's Office.
    During January’s APEX Experiential Learning Week, off-campus shadowing experiences introduce first-year students to networking opportunities, potential career paths, and workplace dynamics.
  • Civic Spark Hub students gain practical insights into policy-making through simulations, community partnerships that build skills in poli...
    Civic Spark Hub students gain practical insights into policy-making through simulations, community partnerships that build skills in policy writing, stakeholder engagement, and innovative civic leadership.
  • Blend classroom theory with hands-on experiences found in the hubs. Explore building a humane digital world with AI and emerging media.
    Blend classroom theory with hands-on experiences found in the hubs. Explore building a humane digital world with AI and emerging media. Margo Reed

APEX at Ursinus

APEX at Ursinus College equips students with the skills and experiences needed to become forward-thinking leaders and problem-solvers. Through applied learning, experiential opportunities, and career development, APEX ensures every student—regardless of major—is prepared for success in a rapidly changing world.

Walvoord student in lab holding a beaker with safety glasses as she is starting an experiment
apex overview

In Fall 2025, Ursinus College implemented the first components of its transformative APEX: Applied. Professional. Experiential learning ecosystem. Grounded in liberal education, APEX is a novel approach that will enable all students to apply their learning in project-based courses, collaborate with faculty and fellow students on solutions to global problems, and build career-relevant competencies.

There is no additional cost for APEX. All APEX-related programs and activities are covered under your Ursinus tuition and fees.

APEX will enable all students to :

  • Tackle pressing global challenges through collaborative innovation hubs and centers.

  • Apply for an experiential learning grant of up to $2,000 to support transformative experiences like unpaid internships, study abroad programs, or faculty-led research

  • Be supported by a professional career coach from day one.

  • Engage in global learning opportunities during their sophomore year.

  • Build career-relevant, resume-ready competencies.
What are the Hubs and Centers?

At the heart of APEX are 4 interdisciplinary hubs and centers where students collaborate with faculty and professional advisors and mentors across disciplines to address global challenges such as climate change and sustainability, artificial intelligence and democracy, sport and humanity, peace and conflict studies, social justice and advocacy, and more.

They are a site for innovation, connecting students with external partners to refine their skills in designing and implementing impactful solutions to global humanistic challenges.

Active participation in the centers set our graduates apart in their job search and in graduate school applications.

Learn More
Innovation and Discovery Center
APEX coming Fall 2025 - Pictured 2 students with Career Counselor

Each Student receives a career coach

Every incoming Ursinus student will be supported by a professional academic advisor and career coach as part of a team-based advising structure. During their first year, students will collaborate with the coaching team on creating an individual development plan for academic and professional success, draft an initial resume, connect with guest speakers from a wide range of industries, and acquire foundational professional skills.

All incoming students will also join one of several career communities that connect the career coaching structure with faculty, coursework, and campuswide programming.

Learn More

emerge ready

By immersing themselves in APEX experiences throughout their four years, Ursinus students come away with more than a degree. They emerge ready with the skills and competencies desired by employers and graduate schools. Set yourself apart in a rapidly changing world.

  • * Resume-Ready Experiences
  • * Networking Opportunities
  • * Global Perspectives
  • * Communication Skills & Critical Thinking
  • * Problem-Solving & Adaptability

APEX isn't just an acronym — it's a promise: a roadmap for student success here on campus and beyond. APEX represents the highest point, and we believe that, with the right environment, support, and challenge, that's where Ursinus students are headed.
President Gundolf Graml
4-year experiential ROADMAP
Plant Biology (BIO/ENV-334) students at the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy

First Year

Students will engage in hands-on experiences, including faculty-led trips, community visits, and real-world case studies focused on complex problem-solving.

Miriam Thomas '20 (left) and Jaclyn Zaccaro '20 (right) shadowed Dr. Kim Thomas 1992 (center) at the Pediatric Dental Associates.

Second Year

Students will travel regionally, nationally and globally to explore professional pathways and career fields.

Investment Club Photos with Maureen Cumpstone and students. UCIMCO and Womens Fund

Third Year

Students will join teams to design and prototype solutions to real-world challenges.

Peter Balos

Fourth Year

The journey culminates with a final presentation, showcasing the student's academic and experiential achievements.

Related Links

Combined with our APEX ecosystem and open questions curriculum, these additional resources help prepare Ursinus students to thrive in any career path they choose.

Career & Professional Development

Experiential Learning Requirement

Center for International Studies

The U-Imagine Center

Spotlight:  Employer’s Perspective

Hear from Rob Wrzesniewski ’91, head of global solutions at SEI, about how APEX at Ursinus is preparing students for success after graduation.