Skip to content

Public Service & Leadership Certificate

For students who demonstrate commitment to public service & leadership through co-curricular experiences during their time at UC Merced!

For students who want to gain hands-on experience in their fields of study, further develop their interpersonal skills, and add multiple experiences to their resumes.

Benefits of PSLC

  • Graduation cord and certificate
  • LinkedIn Endorsement from professional staff
  • Letter of recommendation upon request

How to Get Started

Step 1: Pathways to Public Service Assessment

Discover which pathway(s) to public service most speak to your interests and goals.

Scan QR to take the Pathways Assessment

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 ucmercedcec.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.

Why Should I Apply?

  • Become a more active member within the UC Merced community
  • Collaborate with others and develop transferrable skills (leadership, communication, etc.)
  • Add it to your resume!
  • Earn the Public Service & Leadership Certificate

Want to Learn More?

Info sessions frequently occur over zoom in spring semesters, and will be posted here as they are planned.