Undergraduate Certificate Program
The GSP undergraduate certificate program helps build global competence in students. Through the program, students are better able to: appreciate differences in cultures and institutional conditions; develop an understanding of the global forces bearing on societies and how these forces emerged; develop skills in comparative analysis; and attain a level of comfort in working with non Americans and in non American contexts.
General Requirements
Specific Requirements
Global Concentrations
World Regions
Language
Courses
Capstone Research Paper
Student Research Symposium
International Opportunties
Application
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 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
- Introduction to Global Studies (ARTSC 0150)
- Three courses in a chosen global concentration
- Two courses in a chosen regional concentration
- Four semesters of University-level proficiency in a foreign language relevant to the region
- Capstone 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 Paper requirements.
- Grades of C or better in relevant coursework including the Capstone Paper
- Total of three courses in two departments other than the student’s major (excluding language courses)
Global Concentrations
GSP promotes interdisciplinary and cross-cultural learning and research in six areas of concentration: changing identities in a global world; communication, technology, and society; conflict and conflict resolution; global economy and global governance;global health; and sustainable development.
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, Western Europe, or the Middle East. (See UCIS center website for appropriate regional classes.)
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 Paper
Prior to graduation, students submit a research paper that they have written as part of their coursework during their degree program. 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.
Student Symposium
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 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 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 possibility.