Quick Facts
- Delivery: On campus
- Credits: 15
Overview
The Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State is proud to introduce the Civic Studies Minor, an interdisciplinary program designed to cultivate informed, engaged citizens who can lead and serve their communities. Open to all undergraduate majors, the Civic Studies Minor equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to become active participants in our democracy.
Why the Civic Studies Minor?
- Interdisciplinary Learning: Explore civic responsibility, ethical leadership, and community engagement through courses in philosophy, political science, communication, journalism, education, sociology, and more.
- Hands-On Experience: Participate in campus events, community service, and a faculty-mentored capstone project that connects classroom learning to real-world impact.
- Flexible Pathway: Design a 15-credit curriculum that fits your interests and career goals.
The Civic Studies Minor offers students the opportunity to organize their coursework through focused Thematic Pathways that connect civic learning directly to career goals and professional aspirations. Whether you are interested in Civic Leadership & Public Problem-Solving, Law, Justice & Public Safety, Media, Communication & Democracy, Education, Equal Opportunity & Democracy, Environment, Place & Civic Futures, or Pluralism, Religion & Civic Identity, each pathway provides a coherent structure for exploring how democratic institutions, public issues, and ethical leadership intersect within your field of study. Pathways are flexible advising guides—you are not required to declare one—but they help you build a purposeful, career-aligned 15-credit minor that complements any major.
These pathways make the Civic Studies Minor especially attractive to students in business, education, communication, political science, criminal justice, environmental studies, sociology, philosophy, and related fields who want to distinguish themselves with demonstrated civic capacity and public leadership skills. Each pathway culminates in a capstone project that allows you to apply what you’ve learned to a real public question or community issue.
For questions about pathways, course planning, or declaring the minor, contact cecl@bsu.edu
View Courses
Join Us in Shaping a Stronger Civic Future
The Civic Studies Minor is more than just an academic program, it is an invitation to become an active, ethical, and engaged member of your community. Whether you are passionate about leadership, public service, or civic education, this minor will provide you with the tools to make an impact.
Skills You Will Develop
- Civic Knowledge: Understand democratic principles, civic responsibility, and social impact.
- Ethical Leadership: Build skills in ethical decision-making, integrity, and public service.
- Community Engagement: Apply your knowledge through direct involvement in civic projects.
- Critical Thinking: Analyze complex social issues and develop solutions.
Questions?
Ready to make a difference? Students can add the Civic Studies Minor at any time during their academic journey. For more information or questions, or to get started in declaring this as your minor, fill out our interest and enrollment form.
Career Opportunities
A Civic Studies Minor prepares you for careers in:
- Education
- Law
- Journalism
- Public Policy
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Social Advocacy
- Community Organizing
- Government