In an age when civic knowledge is waning—and when social media can instantly spread false information on a grand scale—the study of civics has never been more vital.

The study of civics can help us understand what rights, duties and protections we have as citizens, how government works, and how we can participate in our government to make it work better for the people it represents. The certificate program in Civics covers multiple disciplines, including political science, history, education and sociology and requires students to experience civic engagement in action through attendance at legislative sessions, ceremonies, workshops and more.

The Curriculum

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Required Courses:

  • HIST1106 America Since 1877 (H) (HI) 
  • POLSC1201 Introduction to American Government and Politics (SA) (SS) (SJ) 
  • SOC1105 Major Institutions in US Society (SA) (SS) 

Students would also be required to attend two experiences/events and write a one to two-page reflection piece on each event. These reflection pieces would be reviewed by a member of the committee and be a requirement to begin the 4000-level experiential component:

  • Court case
  • Lobbying Day at the State House
  • School Board Meeting
  • Naturalization ceremony
  • Citizenship workshop
  • Legislative session

One of the following:

  • IDS4178 Independent Study (with any member of the Civics program)
  • IDS4194 Internship (within the School of Education, for example, tutoring individuals going through the naturalization process)

Students are encouraged to take a few of the courses from the list below, although none are required.

  • EDUC1111 The Great American Experiment (SA) (SS) (SJ) 
  • HIST1105 America to 1877 (H) (HI) 
  • HIST2105 America since the 1960's (HI) 
  • POLSC2228 State and Local Government
  • POLSC3201 Congress, Representation, and the Legislative Process 
  • POLSC3202 The American Presidency
  • POLSC3607 Constitutional Law

Upon the completion of the Civics certificate, student will:

  • Understand the structure of U.S. government, including the federalist system, the three branches of government, and the Electoral College.
  • Recognize the historical factors that led to the development of the system as it stands, including the role of slavery.
  • Examine how demographics, including gender, race, ethnicity, age, social class, and geography, have historically and through today influenced the system of government.
  • Experience in a hands-on way how all levels of government influence our daily lives.

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