Department of Sociology

Civic Engagement and Service Learning

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Civic Engagement Certificate Program 

The Civic Engagement Certificate Program at Appalachian State University honors students who demonstrate a strong commitment to civic leadership and social responsibility through service-learning. Students who complete this program are recognized for their academic achievement and community involvement.
The Sociology Department supports this initiative by offering several designated service-learning courses that count toward the certificate, allowing students to fulfill Sociology degree requirements while working toward the Civic Engagement Certificate.

Sociology Department Service-Learning Courses

The following Sociology courses are designated as service-learning and may count toward the certificate (totaling 15–18 credit hours). Availability may vary by semester and instructor, so students should confirm the service-learning designation with the course instructor or consult the Course Search Site.

  • SOC 3100 (3 credits): Gerontology
  • SOC 3710 (3 credits): Appalachian Community
  • SOC 4055 (3 credits): Health Inequalities
  • SOC 4390 (3 credits): Applied Sociology
  • SOC 4900 (3–6 credits): Internship


Program Requirements (Adapted from the Civic Engagement Program Page)


To earn the Civic Engagement Certificate, students must

 

  • Graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Complete 4 designated service-learning or community-based research courses totaling 12 credit hours
  • Submit a portfolio of assignments and final reflections from service-learning courses
  • Complete one capstone project, which may be:
    1. A self-developed or community-based research project ( in consultation wit hthe Director of Academic Civic Engagement), which includes fieldwork, a written report, and an action plan\
    2. A long-term international service-learning expereience ( mininmum of 3 credit hours and 6-8 weeks in duration), which includes a final reflection
    3. Another approved project (must be approved by the Director of Civic Engagement)

How to Apply

  • Submit the Civic Engagement Certificate Program (CECP) Application during the semester before graduation to Dr. Brian MacHarg, Director of Civic Engagement.
  • Turn in your service-learning portfolio before Fall/Spring Break of your final semester. Portfolios are reviewed by a team of faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

Recognition

Students who complete the program will receive:

  • A certificate at the end-of-year ceremony
  • A designated stole to wear at commencement
  • A notation on their academic transcript