Undergraduate Certificate Program
General Requirements
Specific Requirements
Global Concentrations
World Regions
Language
Capstone Research Paper
Lectures
Student Research Symposium
International Opportunties
Application
A certificate in Global Studies provides undergraduate students with global competence: the ability to work effectively in different international settings; an awareness of the major currents of global change and the ability to think critically about the issues and debates it raises; the capacity for effective communication across cultural and linguistic boundaries; and personal adaptability to diverse cultures.
General Requirements
Certificate students receive interdisciplinary training concurrent with academic or professional degrees in a major field. In consultation with an academic advisor, students design an individualized program of study. Global Studies students choose one of the six global issues concentrations and unite it with the study of a particular region and a language of that region. To ensure interdisciplinary learning, students take three courses in two departments other than their major. The certificate programs also encourage students to take advantage of the many international learning opportunities available at the University of Pittsburgh. Students are encouraged to enroll in a study or service abroad program or participate in an international internship.
Specific Requirements
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Introduction to Global Studies (ARTSC 0150)
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Three courses in a chosen global concentration
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Two courses in a chosen regional concentration
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Second year University level proficiency in a foreign language relevant to the region
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Interdisciplinary Capstone Research Paper uniting the student’s global and regional concentrations. The Capstone must be written as part of a course, with a faculty member. All students must consult with their Global Studies advisor regarding Capstone Research Paper requirements
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Grades of C or better in relevant coursework including the Capstone Research Paper
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Total of three courses in two departments other than the student’s major (excluding language courses)
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Global Concentrations
Changing Identities in a Global World asks how our understanding of who we are changes under globalization, exploring issues such as race, religion, nationality, and gender. It considers how identities are affected by changing patterns of human interaction, the evolution of culture and cultural clashes, the interchange of ideas between cultures, movements of people, international rights, and other factors impacting cultural development in different parts of the world.
Communication, Technology, and Society addresses how technological change creates new kinds of global connectedness, exploring the international impact of the communications revolution, the role of the media in international relations, technology, and the arts, and implications for issues ranging from work to politics to leisure.
Conflict and Conflict Resolution explores the causes and consequences of international, ethnic, and religious conflicts, and considers ways of preventing and resolving conflicts, including negotiation and fostering of deeper cross-cultural understanding. It raises issues such as the role of the United Nations, peacekeeping and armed intervention, non-governmental organizations and humanitarian relief, terrorism, international law, and diplomacy.
Global Economy and Global Governance explores the changing reach and nature of economic flows and political organization under conditions of globalization, raising issues such as international economic growth and crisis, global competition, the United Nations and human rights, global civil society and international non-governmental organizations, and state sovereignty in global relations.
Global Health explores the risks and opportunities of globalization for the health of the world population, including the increased spread of diseases across borders and oceans, and the enhanced ability to alert populations and health organizations about epidemics. It addresses major global epidemics such as HIV/AIDS and SARS, as well as international emergency response systems for health epidemics in different parts of the world.
Sustainable Development explores challenges and solutions to improving quality of life without increasing the use of natural resources beyond environmental capacity or compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It addresses issues such as global population growth, economic and human development, global resource management, environmental change, and international environmental law.
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World Regions
Students unite their study of a global concentration with a chosen region, such as Africa, East Asia, Latin America, Russia and Eastern Europe or Western Europe. (See UCIS center website for appropriate regional classes.) With the approval of an academic advisor students may choose a region not represented by UCIS, such as the Middle East, if appropriate language instruction and courses are available.
Language
Students must take four semesters in at least one language spoken in their chosen region or fulfill the language requirement by passing a proficiency examination. Click to view the regularly offered foreign language courses at the University of Pittsburgh (fall term / spring term).
Courses
Students should select applicable courses from the appropriate Global Studies course list and meet with the Global Studies academic advisor Elaine Linn for approval before registering. With careful planning, most students find they can satisfy certificate requirements.
Special requirements for business students who are also pursuing a Certificate Program in International Business (CPIB) may not count CPIB courses toward the Global Studies certificate (except for language courses).
Capstone Research Paper
Prior to graduation, students submit a research paper that they have written as part of their coursework during their degree program. In most cases, therefore, students will not be required to conduct extra research to prepare this paper. The topic of the paper should relate directly to the student’s chosen global concentration and where possible should relate that theme to the student’s chosen world region. The paper should help to heighten the student's understanding of the link between global and regional issues, and of the relationship between the big picture and its sharper focus. (Note: students admitted to the program before November 2003 may opt to give a brief oral presentation).
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Lectures
The Global Studies lecture series explores how different disciplines and professions approach the changing global research and policy agenda on topics relating to the program’s six research and teaching foci. Lectures are open to all faculty, students, guests, and members of the public. See our calendar of events for more information.
Student Research Symposium
Global Studies' annual Student Research Symposium provides recognition for excellent student scholarship in the field of Global Studies. All students at the University of Pittsburgh, in any major and including Pitt regional campuses, are eligible to apply. Global Studies certificate students are strongly encouraged to compete. Cash prizes are awarded.
International Opportunities
Undergraduate students enrolled in the Global Studies Certificate program are encouraged to enroll in a study or service abroad program for the undergraduate Global Studies Certificate. The Study Abroad Office and the SAS Office of Experiential Learning can help make these overseas opportunities more readily available. Scholarships are also available from the Nationality Rooms and other sources.
Application
To enroll in the certificate program, please complete an application form, submit it to the Global Studies office, and schedule a session with our undergraduate advisor, Elaine Linn. Even if you are undecided about the certificate program, Elaine would be glad to help you explore the possibilities.
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