Service-Learning is an instructional model that promotes combining curricular content with service in the community. Service-Learning can occur within a classroom environment or in the community. Understanding how to deliver effective Service-Learning is a cornerstone of today’s learning and community development.

Portland State University's certificate of completion in Service-Learning is designed for elementary through higher education teachers, administrators, and community-based organizations who want to design, manage, and teach Service-Learning. This certificate consists of five courses.

Courses are structured to be accessible both locally and at a distance. The courses are taught primarily online with typically two Saturday, on-campus classes. If students are at a distance and cannot attend the on-campus portion in Portland, students are able to watch the on-campus class sessions online via video streaming and ask questions through email. Archived video streams are available after the on-campus sessions as well. A reliable, high-speed Internet connection is best. Login information and course access are provided after registration.

All courses can be taken for graduate credit, and those credits can potentially be applied toward a graduate degree from the Graduate School of Education or transferred to other university programs (with approval of the student's adviser). For those who do not desire graduate credit but wish to participate in the certificate of completion program, these courses are also offered on an undergraduate basis.

Portland State University is on a quarter system (10-week terms). Two courses in the certificate of completion program are offered most terms.