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 Department of Sociology 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.
Department of Sociology 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 four (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:
- 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.
- A long-term international service-learning experience (mininmum of 3 credit hours and 6-8 weeks in duration), which includes a final reflection.
- 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.
