The Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State is excited to announce the launch of a Civic Studies Minor an interdisciplinary program designed to empower students from all majors with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to become active and informed citizens in our democracy.
Open to undergraduate students across our university, the Civic Studies Minor will equip participants to engage meaningfully in civic life, connect classroom learning to community needs, and prepare for careers in education, law, journalism, nonprofit leadership, public policy, social advocacy, and beyond.
About the Program
The Civic Studies Minor will provide students with various options for a flexible, 15-credit pathway that integrates foundational coursework, hands-on engagement, and reflective learning. Whether a student is majoring in STEM, business, the arts, education, or social sciences, the minor complements any degree program.
Key Features of the Minor
- One Core Course: Choose from HONR 390 (Citizenship, Community, and Leadership) or CVIC 200 (Civic Studies) to ground your understanding of democratic life and civic responsibility.
- 15 Credit Hours: Select from an approved list of interdisciplinary electives across philosophy, political science, communication, education, journalism, environmental studies, sociology, and more.
- Campus and Community Engagement: Attend four civic-themed campus events with short reflections, and complete a minimum of five hours of community service or civic project work.
- Capstone Project or Reflection: Conclude the minor with either a faculty-mentored capstone addressing a civic issue or a reflective paper connecting academic learning to personal civic growth.
No prerequisites are required, and students may begin the minor at any point in their academic journey.
An Invitation to Faculty and Advisors
We welcome inquiries from departments, programs, and faculty members who see meaningful connections between their coursework and the mission of the Civic Studies Minor.
A dedicated Civic Studies Minor website with program requirements, advising resources, and a link to the most recent Ball State catalog will be available in the coming weeks. In the meantime, interested students and faculty are encouraged to contact:
Dr. David J. Roof
Teachers College 839
djroof@bsu.edu
This Civic Studies Minor reflects Ball State’s ongoing commitment to empowering students as leaders in their communities and beyond. Join us in building a stronger civic culture—on campus and throughout our world.