Associate of Arts (AS) Civic Engagement

This pathway meets requirements for the Associate of Arts-Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) degree with a concentration in Civic Engagement. The Civic Engagement pathway is designed to help students interested in "working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination ... More

This pathway meets requirements for the Associate of Arts-Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) degree with a concentration in Civic Engagement. The Civic Engagement pathway is designed to help students interested in "working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes." (Excerpted from Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, edited by Thomas Ehrlich, published by Oryx Press, 2000, Preface, page vi.) In addition, civic engagement encompasses actions wherein individuals participate in activities of personal and public concern that are both individually life enriching and socially beneficial to the community.

The Civic Engagement pathway helps students broaden their education with a focus on how to connect with communities around social, political, and cultural issues while pursuing a wide variety of degrees. It is particularly well suited for careers in sectors including community-based organization, social services, government, government affairs office, public affairs, non-profit, advocacy organization, public humanities and civic engagement, lobbying, education, media, law, and business. Students in this pathway learn to navigate organizations and systemic structures while developing skills in oral and written communication, critical thinking and problem solving, research design and planning, digital technology, collaboration, leadership, and intercultural fluency.