The interdisciplinary Civic Leadership minor provides students with theoretical understanding and practical experience associated with civic leadership and prepares students to be responsibly engaged, social justice-oriented citizens, and community leaders. Students who minor in civic leadership must complete core and elective courses for a total of 34 credits (at least 20 of which must be taken in residence at PSU). Some of these courses have prerequisites, and students should read course descriptions in the current PSU Bulletin before registration. A 6-credit community-based civic leadership practicum is required as part of the minor. The practicum requirement may be fulfilled by the successful completion of a PSU Senior Capstone course -or- by an independently developed and pre-approved community-based learning experience.
All courses submitted to satisfy the requirements for a minor, whether taken at PSU or elsewhere, must be passed with a grade of "C" (2.00 GPA) or above. Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling department requirements.
Students are encouraged to take courses for the minor that complement their academic and community change interests and scholarly goals. Students considering a minor in civic leadership are strongly encouraged to consult with the Civic Leadership Minor Faculty Advisor, or the Hatfield School undergraduate advisor to create an instructional program that meets their needs.
Portland State University has fostered unique Partnerships and Community Connections and is well-known for its focus on community service and engagement, and the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government is one of the best places to take advantage of the numerous community partnerships PSU has developed. Partnerships and cooperative arrangements exist within the Oregon University System (which includes Oregon State University, Oregon Health & Science University, University of Oregon, and more) as well as with multiple health, human service, community, and governmental agencies in Portland, across Oregon, and nationally.
Our faculty members and instructors are leading researchers and practitioners in the field of public administration. Their diverse array of expertise, experiences, and interests include local and regional government, public finance and law, nonprofit management, leadership, sustainability, health management and policy, natural resources policy, and much more. Faculty members continually practice and expand their skills through scholarship and service, and our students have the opportunity to work closely with these leaders in the classroom, through funded research, and technical assistance projects.
The Hatfield School has earned a reputation as a producer of well-qualified and passionate alumni. You will be learning with committed students from a wide variety of fields and levels of experience, and networking with community organizations, professionals, and decision-makers.
The interdisciplinary Civic Leadership Minor provides students with theoretical understanding and practical experience associated with civic leadership and prepares students to be responsibly engaged, social justice-oriented citizens, and community leaders.