The Certificate in Civic Leadership is the culmination of your community-based leadership, research, and service activities. Completion of the certificate is evidence to others that you have developed core competencies that prepare you to exercise leadership in a variety of roles as an active citizen.
Our approach to leadership education stresses the development of knowledge to understand the complex problems of today’s society, skills to motivate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to take informed action, and values to effect positive change in the community.
The Certificate combines coursework and experiential learning opportunities that are engaged in service, problem-solving, and research undertaken in partnership with community organizations.
Students who successfully complete the Certificate in Civic Leadership will demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
- Integrate academic and experiential knowledge in civic contexts.
- Analyze issues through the framework of democratic values, processes, and policies.
- Address real world issues through interaction and collaboration with diverse community partners.
- Communicate with and present their work effectively to a range of audiences both within and beyond the academic community.
- Employ reflection to express their individual values and goals and be able to act on them.
- Demonstrate motivation to realizing equitable and inclusive communities.
Certificate students complete an independent yearlong capstone project with a community partner impacting an issue they are passionate about. See examples of past capstone projects and imagine your own.
Ready to make your move? Submit your Intent to Complete the Certificate and an adviser will reach out to support you through the process.
Distinction in Research and Creative Work
Students in the Certificate in Civic Leadership Capstone course are eligible to apply for University Distinction in Research and Creative Works. Each year, this award acknowledges a select number of seniors whose exceptional work in the major goes above and beyond expectation. Students who apply for Distinction should submit research or creative work that meets the following criteria:
- Principles of Partnership
- Community-driven work
- Significant impact
Applications for Distinction will be judged by a departmental committee.
To apply for Distinction, students must apply with a one-page letter of self-nomination summarizing their capstone project and explaining why Distinction should be considered and request a letter of support from the capstone community partner.
Graduating seniors who have completed a capstone can Submit an Application by April 5, 2024.
If awarded, Distinction will be noted on the student's transcript.