Service Learning Requirements
Overview
CSUMB is the only public university in California, and one of the few nationwide that has made service learning a graduation requirement for all undergraduate students.
CSUMB’s core values emphasize social justice, social responsibility and community-building. These values are built into the service learning courses you will take in both General Education and your major.
Students generally complete two components of the CSUMB Service Learning Requirement: Lower Division Civics/Service Learning; and Upper Division Service Learning:
- If you enter CSUMB as a First-Year or Lower Division transfer student, you will take both components of the service learning requirement.
- If you enter CSUMB as an upper-division transfer student, you will only take Upper Division Service Learning.
- All service learning classes at CSUMB teach a common set of learning outcomes for lower and upper-division courses. Click here for Lower Division and Upper Division Service Learning Outcomes.
- See our Service Learning Course Lists.
Current service learners
Please visit our Steps to Service Learning pages for detailed guidance.
- Lower Division students will take one class that meets the Lower Division GE Area D requirement for Civics/Service Learning. This class provides a foundation in civic knowledge, skills and attitudes to inform your service and civic action work in the community.
- All Civics/Service Learning classes require students to complete 25 hours of service off-campus with a local organization. In addition, students complete a Civic Action project.
- Service Learning Course List
All students will complete at least one Upper Division Service Learning class as part of their major requirements.
NOTE: Some majors, specifically, Liberal Studies, Environmental Studies, Human Development & Family Studies - require two service learning classes.
- Upper Division Service Learning classes require students to complete 25-30 hours of service off-campus with a community organization in a field related to their major.
- Focusing on your field of study and/or professional application, Upper Division Service Learning is designed to help you learn firsthand about real social challenges that communities face, while also examining and learning to ways to address underlying issues of systemic inequality (racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, etc.).
- Each semester, over 50 Upper Division Service Learning classes are offered by the various CSUMB departments. Please check your major pathway and consult with your advisor for more specific information about the service learning classes required in your major.
- Service Learning Course List