What is Layered-Learning™?
Layered-Learning™ is DePaul’s unique educational framework that blends classroom instruction, project-based learning and community service experiences into a transformative curriculm. In your coursework, you’ll build the skills to lead, collaborate and solve problems, backed by faculty who bring their embedded relationships across Chicago directly into your learning experience, turning the city into your extended campus.
Academic Foundations
Layered-Learning™ combines an experiential, service-driven mindset with a strong academic foundation. This approach prepares students with a more holistic perspective when tackling complex problems, connecting ideas across disciplines and making confident decisions in dynamic, unpredictable environments.
Learning That Spans Across Fields
Across each college, hands-on learning connects you with faculty, alumni and Chicago partners to tackle challenges in your field. From marketing strategies to social impact projects, these experiences let you apply your knowledge, collaborate with experts and see the difference your work can make.
Driehaus College of Business Solving Real Challenges
Students team up with companies like Hershey’s and Circle K to solve real challenges, developing and pitching marketing strategies directly to real industry leaders.
Empowering Makerspaces
Students from computing, liberal arts, education and communication use interdisciplinary makerspaces to bring ideas to life—designing devices, creating art and building models that spark creativity, collaboration and problem-solving.
College of Education Inspiring STEM
Education students design and lead STEM activities for K–12 learners—from solar ovens to coding robots—gaining classroom, service and leadership experience that prepares them to make an impact in education.
Layered-Learning™ Matters
Our immersive learning approach teaches students how to think and do—not just theorize. In an era of AI, economic disruption and rapid change, Layered-Learning™ develops future-ready leaders prepared to make an impact across fields.