All First-time freshmen are expected to take all of the 5 classes needed to receive the certificate. 

For transfer students the certificate is optional. However, transfer students are required to complete the following courses.

• • NGSC Y1 Workshops

  • PAF 215

  • PAF 315 

  • PAF 421

• • The classes are listed above in the order that they are recommended to be taken. 

  • The first class that everyone should take is PAF 215. The last class is PAF 421 in your senior year. Between those two, the classes can be taken out of order as needed. However, the content of the classes becomes increasingly complex and builds off the other classes. Therefore, it is most effective to take them in the order suggested.

Yes. You can take as many classes per semester as your schedule allows. However, the classes do build on each other, so it is most effective to take them one at a time in the order suggested.

Yes. Many colleges at ASU offer classes that are comparable to the classes required for the certificate and can also count toward your major or minor. There are classes that have already been approved for reciprocal credit, which can be viewed in the advising packet. If you would like a different class to be considered for reciprocal credit, you will need to email the class syllabus and professor’s contact information to Bryan.Custer@asu.edu. He will review the class content and let you know if reciprocal credit can be given. In some cases, an extra assignment may be required in order for a class to count. 

No, we currently do not currently offer any classes at Poly or West. This is simply because there are not enough students to consistently meet the minimum enrollment requirements set by the college. Students at Poly and West have to find a time to take the required classes Downtown or in Tempe.

No. The only online classes offered are PAF 311 and PAF 421.

Yes. All of the required NGSC classes offer options for honors credit. PAF 215, PAF 415, and PAF 394 automatically award students honors credit. Your instructor should have options posted in your Canvas course, or you can approach them with suggestions for an honors credit project.

All NGSC classes must be passed with a “C” or higher. If you fail an NGSC class, you must retake it in order to earn the certificate.

No. The work you complete in PAF 215: Community Impact Lab cannot be counted as an internship. This is because you are not technically working at an organization. In addition, the time dedicated to your projects outside of class does not meet the parameters of an internship. 

Technically, no. Unfortunately, once you graduate your status as a student changes, and you are no longer eligible to receive our undergraduate certificate. However, you can reapply to ASU as a non-degree seeking student and complete your certificate. If you plan to graduate early, it is strongly recommended that all five required classes be completed before you graduate. 

Yes. If you are taking additional semesters at ASU, past the typical eight semesters, you may take your final NGSC class(es) in those additional semesters and still complete the certificate. HOWEVER, you will only receive funding from PSA for eight consecutive semesters (four for transfers), so you would be responsible for funding any additional semesters.​

If you are concerned about your ability to complete the required classes, for any reason, contact staff immediately to discuss your options and steps for moving forward. If you are not able to complete the classes and/or leave the program, you need to have the certificate removed from your account. Failure to do so could delay your graduation process. Bryan Custer can assist in getting the certificate removed when needed.   

If you are experiencing any issues with the academic requirements of the program or have any questions about the classes, please contact ngsc@asu.edu or reach out to Bryan Custer immediately!