Public Service & Leadership Certificate

Step 1: Pathways to Public Service Assessment

Discover which pathway(s) to public service most speak to your interests and goals. After completing the survey - please make sure to take a screenshot of your results - you will need it to complete the application! 

Take the Pathways to Public Service Assessment, and Save Your Results.

Pathways include: Direct Service, Philanthropy, Community Organizing & Activism, Community-Engaged Learning & Research, Policy & Governance, Social Entrepreneurship, and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Step 2: Complete Direct Service Hours (80)

Direct service hours involve working to address the immediate needs of individuals or communities, often involving direct contact with those served.

Notes:

• Only direct community service should be submitted in Catlife.
• Service can be completed outside Merced, but must include contact info for verification.
• Not Service: Tabling for a fraternity, sorority, or club to recruit members.

Refer to the CEC Calendar, the One-Time Service, the Long-Term Service pages, as well as Signature Opportunities to find volunteer work.

Submit your hours on Catlife — If you don’t know how to submit, visit this guide.

Step 3: Community-Engaged Course

Complete a community-engaged course with a passing grade of C or above. These courses include assignments that benefit the community while enhancing student learning.

Examples of Community-Engaged Courses:

• ENGR 096, 097, 197
• USTU 092
• CRS 010, 100, 195
• SPAN 107, 108, 160
• PH 181
• PSY 156, 191, 196, 115
• MIST 207
• IH 203
• ANTH 170
• GASP 192
• EDUC X304, X306, X313, X400
• NSED 024, 034, 064, 074, 150, 174, 184

If you believe your course qualifies but is not listed, email communityservice@ucmerced.edu.

Step 4: Community-Focused Capstone Project

Develop a project with a clear focus on community engagement. This project can be completed through a previous course or program while at UC Merced - ex. YLP, SSI Internships. If students have not or will not complete a capstone project through a course or program, they can submit a capstone proposal to the CEC at least one semester prior to expected graduation date; once approved, the project can be completed independently or with CEC support.

Example: A student helped a local non-profit launch an anti-vape campaign for rural middle school students by creating a website and social media campaign. The project lasted 6 months and included a survey to measure impact.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Once you have completed all the requirements (Steps 1-4), fill out the formal application for the Public Service & Leadership Certificate. The CEC will verify your information and confirm your completion of all requirements.

Make sure you have completed all previous steps before submitting your application.