Service-Learning integrates community service into university coursework. Each semester at MU, thousands of students enroll in service-learning courses that connect them to credited service opportunities in the local community. Through service to others, students learn valuable lessons in citizenship and are able to apply their classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Service-learning allows students to meet real needs in the community while developing important personal and professional skills.
Traditional education gives you a toolbox. You learn how to read, write, do math, and answer questions that have answers. No matter what you end up doing for a living, you will solve problems that do not have known answers. Of course your professors will create projects and other scenarios to help you learn those skills, but there is no comparison to going out into the world and getting your feet wet. Service-Learning involves partnering with service-oriented entities—from government agencies at all levels, to not-for-profit, and educational organizations—to put your learning to work in real-world situations.
No, but our office can also help you find volunteer opportunities. MU Serves is our portal for matching our students, faculty, and staff with our partners. There, you will find all our service-learning opportunities, including other volunteer opportunities with our partners. While service-learning projects generally have a longer-term commitment and an educational goal, many of the regular volunteer needs can be shorter and are often fun, so feel free to browse often!
Mizzou’s goal is for every Mizzou student to take a service-learning course at some point, but preferably freshman year. There is at least one course that offers service-learning open to every student in the University. No matter your major, we can help you find a placement that meets your needs and goals. We have many agencies that need business expertise, in addition to lots that involve animals, science, and health care, or art. Click on the link for Service-Learning Courses to find a list of most of the service-learning courses offered at Mizzou. For more advice, talk to your advisor, or contact our office, we love to help students find opportunities that meet all their needs.
Of course, you can do internships, whether you have had a service-learning course, or not, our partners have internship opportunities in all semesters for you to meet your personal or academic requirements. When you browse MU Serves, you will find many internship examples, but many enterprising students also design and propose their own internships. Your academic advisor, or someone in our office would be thrilled to help you with that.
To find a list of places to volunteer, students can visit MU Serves: GivePulse. GivePulse is an online database dedicated to connecting student volunteers with needs in the Columbia community. It lists over 300 agencies located in the Mid-Missouri area offering a wide range of volunteer opportunities, both short and long term. To navigate, hit “Explore” and then “Groups” to see our current agencies.
Students may meet individually with an Office of Service-Learning staff member to discuss their service interests, personal and professional goals, and find the right volunteer opportunity. Appointments can be set up by emailing us at servicelearning@missouri.edu or calling (573) 882-0227.
Super simple, the link to the registrar information is here:
The requirements are 15 credits, 9 in service-learning courses, and two electives. Feel free to contact our office to discuss at any time.