The Certificate in Civic Engagement provides a structured path for undergraduate students interested in deepening their knowledge and understanding of civic and community engagement by merging curricular and co-curricular interests. The certificate sets out expectations that students will be knowledgeable about theories of citizenship, democratic participation, civil society, and social action, familiar with their local community, and cognizant of ways in which the local, national, and global are linked. Courses that are a part of the certificate focus on themes related to civic engagement and/or the practice of it. The certificate is acknowledged on each student’s transcript.
Eligibility
The application is open to first year, second year, and third year undergraduate students. Senior applications will only be considered under extenuating circumstances and if students have already completed the Certificate requirements. Otherwise, seniors will not be permitted to apply. Third year students should weigh their anticipated course load and senior project plans. Prior to submitting an application, students should have completed two of the course requirements and 20 hours of co-curricular activities. If the two courses have not been completed, students should state which courses they are anticipating to take that fulfill the Certificate requirements in their application. To ensure curricular coherence, each student must obtain written approval from their program adviser.
Requirements
Courses: Four courses (16 credits or equivalent) that focus on a theory or practice of civic engagement. This must include: a core course (4 credits); two or more Community-Engaged/Engaged Liberal Arts & Sciences courses (8 credits); and one course which studies theories of civic engagement, democracy and social action (4 credits).
Co-Curricular/Extracurricular Activities: Students participate in 100 hours of co-curricular or extracurricular civic engagement activities during their course of study. The civic engagement activity can be developed through an on-campus program, an independent community engagement activity (such as volunteering for a campaign or non-profit), or an appropriate and approved internship. Students will also be expected to attend workshops on leadership and project management.
Final Reflection Paper: Upon completion of the four courses and the 100 hours of co-curricular or extracurricular civic engagement activities, students will be asked to submit a written reflection paper addressing the learning outcomes for the Certificate in Civic Engagement program and how the courses and civic engagement activities thought them how to be an engaged citizen.
Funding for Culminating Project (optional while funding is still available): When applicable, in place of the culminating project, students can incorporate the engagement analysis into an Engaged Senior Project.
Questions? Please contact Elena Sniezek or Sarah deVeer.
Co-Curricular/Extracurricular Activities: Students participate in 100 hours of co-curricular or extracurricular civic engagement activities during their course of study. The civic engagement activity can be developed through an on-campus program, an independent community engagement activity (such as volunteering for a campaign or non-profit), or an appropriate and approved internship. Students will also be expected to attend workshops on leadership and project management.
Final Reflection Paper: Upon completion of the four courses and the 100 hours of co-curricular or extracurricular civic engagement activities, students will be asked to submit a written reflection paper addressing the learning outcomes for the Certificate in Civic Engagement program and how the courses and civic engagement activities thought them how to be an engaged citizen.
Funding for Culminating Project (optional while funding is still available): When applicable, in place of the culminating project, students can incorporate the engagement analysis into an Engaged Senior Project.
Questions? Please contact Elena Sniezek or Sarah deVeer.
Incoming Students: Start earning a distinction on your transcript early!
All incoming first years are eligible to apply early to Bard’s Certificate in Civic Engagement Program.
Deadline to Apply is May 15
Deadline to Apply is May 15
Bridge theory into practice by discovering how to take what you learn in the classroom and model it into community action.
Current Students: Apply to the Certificate Program for Fall 2025
Applications Open in September 2025