Undergraduate Certificate Program
The GSC 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
Global Studies Student Poster Session
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)
- Participation in the Global Studies Poster Session
Global Concentrations
GSC 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
The Capstone Research Paper provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and analytical skills relating to their specific global concentration and the world region they have selected to study, heightening the student's understanding of the link between global and regional issues, and of the relationship between the big picture and its sharper focus. The paper is a ‘capstone’ or culmination of your learning experience and should be submitted during the final year of study at Pitt. The paper must contain professor’s comments and letter grade, be a minimum of 10 pages in length, with at least 8 references cited and include a cover sheet that lists student name, Global Studies global and world region concentration, the course name and date of submission to Global Studies.
Global Studies Poster Session and Graduation Recognition
At this annual spring event graduating students (undergraduate and graduate) present a poster board that showcases their global studies experiences at Pitt, including classroom and co-curricular activities that helped shape their understanding of critical world issues. Click here for more information about poster board content and layout suggestions. At least two $250 cash awards are given for best poster boards, based on overall presentation as well as content. We also take this opportunity to celebrate our graduates and handout Global Studies certificates. Family, friends, and the university community are invited to this public event.
International Opportunities
Global Guide
A resource to facilitate global opportunities for students and alumni.
As a way to expedite identifying international opportunities whether it be scholarships for research or study abroad, to volunteer, internship, or for employment, the Global Studies staff created the Global Guide, a list of directories, and government, non-profit, international organizations sites.
The road to securing employment with an international multinational corporation, the United Nations or the U.S. State Department doesn’t happen by chance, but rather as a result of students tapping into the vast resources available to them at the University of Pittsburgh. Students can develop a global portfolio from coursework as well as out-of-the-classroom experiences from the time they first step foot on campus.
A Strategy for Internationalizing Your Educational Career at Pitt
Freshman Year:
- Meet with an academic advisor at University Center for International Studies for information on certificate and Bachelor of Philosophy programs
- Meet with a career counselor at the Career Development Office
- Participate in first year research through the Office of Experiential Learning
- Visit Study Abroad Office on the 8th Floor of the WPU and attend their Essentials session
- Join one of over 100 student groups and get involved
- Study international languages
Sophomore Year:
- Study abroad and apply for scholarships through Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs
- Explore research options through the Honors College, the Office of Experiential Learning, and UCIS
- Secure summer internship related to career goal and at Career Development Office
- Participate in the Emerging Leaders Program to develop marketable leadership skills
- Secure summer internship through the Career Development Office, use the Pitt Career Network to set up an informational interview and/or job shadowing experience with an alum who is in a global career of interest
- Study international languages
Junior Year:
- Sign up a for credit internship to gain professional experience
- Advance to a leadership role in a student organization related to your professional interests
- Study abroad and apply for scholarships to study abroad through Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs
- Secure summer internship related to career goal
- Visit the Office of Student Employment and Placement Assistance
- Begin to study a second or third international language
Senior Year :
- Apply for Fulbright and other post degree research programs
- Start degree job search
- Explore graduate school options and scholarship opportunities
- Study Abroad and/or develop professional skills through internship
- Study International languages
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.