Cardinal Courses

How can you apply your classroom knowledge to address real-world problems?

Work with renowned faculty and community organizations through courses addressing complex social and environmental issues.

What are Cardinal Courses?

Choose from more than 150 innovative classes that integrate rigorous coursework with service experience in the fields of Education, Engineering, Environment, Health, Human Rights, and Identity.

Engage in projects and partnerships in the community that address social or environmental challenges.

Though projects and partnerships vary, all Cardinal Courses:

Engage with a community to address a social problem or societal need
Integrate course or research objectives and community-based experiences
Produce reciprocal benefits for students, faculty, and community partners
Provide opportunities to critically examine public issues and explore one's civic identity
Embody the Haas Center's Principles of Ethical and Effective Service
Involve one or more Public Service Pathways: activism, community engaged learning and research, direct service, public policy, philanthropy, or social entrepreneurship

Product Realization Lab - Cardinal Courses

Cardinal Courses may feature service as an integral component of the academic course experience, focus on public service as subject matter, or offer preparation for public service internships or fieldwork. Other courses allow students already engaged in service to enhance the effectiveness of their work.

They may be small, intensive seminars or larger lecture courses with community engagement related discussion sections and experiences. Service elements range from hands-on activities at partner locations to class projects that benefit a large community.