Civics Certificate

This certificate allows students to secure a greater knowledge of the underlying principles of the American constitutional system.

About the Progam

Through this certificate, they will be able to demonstrate a deeper understanding of how the core ideas of liberty, equality, and self-government are reflect in the design of the Constitution and its major features such as federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. They will also learn how institutions including the Parties, Courts, Presidency, and Congress function within this system.

This certificate will be valuable for students planning to go to law school, work in government, pursue a PhD in Political Science, or to teach American Government or Civics in K-12 education.

Required Courses

  • PSC 1100 The American Political System (3 cr)
  • PSC 2450 American Political Thought (3 cr)

Certificate Declaration Form

Certification Completion Form

Elective courses: (students will select 2 courses from the following list)

  • PSC 3030 Political Parties
  • PSC 3420 Political Theory
  • PSC 3450 Modern American Political Thought
  • PSC 3050 Race and Ethnicity in American Politics PSC 4390 The Presidency
  • PSC 4020 The American Congress
  • PSC 4025 Congressional Processes
  • PSC 4470 Constitutional Law
  • PSC 4480 Civil Rights and Liberties
  • PSC 4481 The First Amendment

All courses applied to the Civics Certificate must hold a minimum grade of B+.

Interested students should contact Steven Pittz, spittz@uccs.edu, about pursuing this certificate.

Read More About

Meet Our Faculty & Staff

View Faculty and Staff biographical information and highlights.

Faculty & Staff

Internships & Scholarships

The department encourages all students to consider applying for and completing an internship during their tenure at the university. Internships provide students hands-on experience in either the public or private sector, giving students a greater appreciation for the complexity of politics, policy making, and the legal system.

More Information

Apply to Become a Political Science Student

Are you ready to fuel your future? Apply to UCCS today. We believe UCCS could be the perfect fit for you, based on our award-winning academics, our awe-inspiring campus and the natural beauty of Colorado Springs.

Apply Today