The challenges facing our world—from environmental degradation to health inequity to social injustice—don't exist in isolation. The Community, Sustainability, and Service Certificate equips you with the knowledge and tools to understand how these issues intersect and what it takes to address them. This hands-on and community-based 13-credit certificate is open to all AU students and can be completed alongside any major, giving you a meaningful credential in addition to your degree.

Community, Sustainability, and Service Certificate At a Glance

Admissions Requirements

Current AU undergraduate student

Entrance Semester

At least two semesters before graduating

Certificate Requirements

View full certificate requirements

Application Deadline

Semester before your final two semesters

How to Apply

Admission to the program is based on academic advisor and certificate program director approval. Talk to your advisor to begin enrollment.

As a Community, Sustainability, and Service Certificate student, you'll move between the classroom and the community, applying what you're learning to real challenges facing real people and organizations. You'll conduct collaborative research and outreach with grassroots community partners, then present your findings in a roundtable alongside community partners and AU faculty. By the time you complete the certificate, you'll have the critical thinking, communication, and community-based research skills to work across a range of public, international, and nonprofit settings.

The Community, Sustainability, and Service Certificate is open to all AU undergraduate students, regardless of major or school. It's particularly well-suited for students who are interested in environmental sustainability, community health, or social justice but can't participate in the Earth Scholars program due to scheduling constraints, transfer student status, or a change of major. If you're passionate about these issues and want a structured, experiential way to pursue them, this certificate is for you.

There's no formal application process for the Community, Sustainability, and Service Certificate—just connect with your academic advisor as early as possible to discuss your interest and start planning your coursework. Before registering for any course you'd like to count toward the certificate, check with your advisor to confirm it qualifies. If you have questions about capstone courses or internship approval, fill out the contact form below, and we'll make sure your question gets to the right person.

Have questions about the Community, Sustainability, and Service Certificate? Drop us a note using the form below.