Graduate Certification in Community Engagement

Michigan State University's new Graduate Certification in Community Engagement prepares students for academic careers that integrate scholarship with community engagement.

The Certification is designed to help graduate and professional students develop systemic, thoughtful, and scholarly approaches to community engagement. With approval from the student's Graduate Committee chairperson and University Outreach and Engagement, students tailor their program of study to strengthen their scholarly and practical skills in engaged research, engaged teaching, or engaged service.

Graduate students who fulfill all requirements will receive a certificate of completion from the Associate Provost for University Outreach and Engagement and the Graduate School and an official notation on their academic transcript through the Office of the Registrar.

Goals of the Certification in Community Engagement
Modeled after MSU's Certification in College Teaching, this Certification is designed to help graduate and professional students:

  • Reflect on community-based research and community engagement experiences
  • Improve their community-based research skills, community-engaged teaching skills, and other community engagement skills
  • Understand the culture of university-community partnerships
  • Participate in a learning community that supports critical discussions about scholarly community engagement
  • Cultivate relationships with other faculty, graduate students, outreach specialists, and community partners who share similar disciplinary and engagement interests
  • Understand ethical issues related to scholarly community engagement
  • Be better prepared for a career as an engaged scholar

Learn more about the Graduate Certification in Community Engagement