The Civic Institute is a non-academic, community-based department of Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA.

Mercyhurst College, a Catholic liberal arts college, opened its doors for women only in 1926, and did not become a coed college until 1969. Currently, the Main campus offers over 100 concentrations in 40 fields as well as 10 Graduate programs.

Expanding in 1991, the Mercyhurst North East branch was opened in North East, PA. The North East campus has grown since its inception, currently offering 24 academic programs.

In 2006, Mercyhurst expanded yet again, opening the Mercyhurst West branch in Girard, PA. Mercyhurst West has started with 4 programs of study with 5 more slated for the near future.

Carpe Diem "Seize the Day!".