Undergraduate

Students enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh have two options to integrate the study of global issues into their academic course of study, either a certificate or major in Bachelor of Philosophy in International and Area Studies (BPHIL in IAS)- Global Studies track.

As a result of either course of study offered by the Global Studies Center, students are better able to appreciate differences in cultures and institutional conditions, understand global forces bearing on societies in transregional contexts and how these forces emerged, apply skills needed in comparative analysis, and effectively engage in a cross-cultural environment. In other words, GSC academic programming builds global competence in our students preparing them for the demands of a highly dynamic and competitive international marketplace. In addition to gaining an academic credential, students enrolled in the Global Studies Center learn about scholarships and fellowships for study abroad and at Pitt, opportunities for internships, employment, and networking with international experts during Global Studies events.  Personalized advising is available to all GSC students, helping them to optimize opportunities through GSC, at Pitt, in Pittsburgh, and the world.

Certificate

Any student, regardless of their major, can incorporate a tailored course of study through a GSC certificate to deepen their understanding of complex global issues related to their specific interests and career goals. The GSC certificate requires 18 credits of coursework in addition to language studies; therefore, it is similar to a minor. A student may take courses from departments throughout the School of Arts and Sciences and from other professional schools on campus to form an interdisciplinary course of study. By satisfying the certificate requirements, students can also fulfill their general education and major requirements.  Examples of how students enhanced their Pitt portfolio through the GSC certificate include:

• A neuroscience major studies global health within the context of Sub-Saharan Africa; studies in Tanzania through the Pitt in Tanzania program; and obtains proficiency in Swahili.
• An administrative justice major studies conflict/conflict resolution in Asia; studies Chinese; and focuses on human rights and globalization while participating in a PittMAP journey.
• An anthropology major focuses on sustainable development; studies Spanish and Arabic; and submits a capstone paper on the impact of pesticides used by agribusinesses in Nicaragua and Egypt.

The Bachelor of Philosophy in International and Area Studies (BPhil in IAS) – Global Studies track

The Bachelor of Philosophy in International and Area Studies (BPhil in IAS) – Global Studies track is offered by the University Honors College (UHC) in cooperation with the Global Studies Center. The BPhil in IAS-Global Studies track, is an interdisciplinary degree that emphasizes rigorous independent scholarship.   It appeals to those who are attracted to the challenge of serious research focusing on transregional global trends. The BPhil in IAS can only be taken as a second major; students in the BPhil in IAS must complete the requirements of a major in another discipline in addition to the BPhil in IAS requirements.  Students interested in the BPHIL IAS, Global Studies track are encouraged to read BPHIL thesis written by former Global Studies students, posted on the UHC/BPHL website, to understand the depth of research required for this course of study.

• Requirements
• Global Concentrations
• Language
• Courses
• Capstone Research Paper
• Global Studies Student Poster Session
• Application

Requirements

In consultation with the GSC academic advisor, students design an individualized program of study by choosing 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 program also highly encourages students to take advantage of the many international learning opportunities available at the University of Pittsburgh (study abroad, internships, participation in student organizations, etc.) and to use the Internationalizing your Educational Career checklist prepared by the Global Studies office and the GSC’s Global Guide for internships, volunteer opportunities and employment.

Specific Requirements:

Global Concentrations

GSC promotes interdisciplinary and cross-cultural learning and research in six areas of concentration:

• 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.

Language

For the undergraduate GSC certificate, students are required to study four semesters of at least one language spoken in their chosen region, or fulfill the language requirement by passing a proficiency examination. Given that Pitt offers instruction in over fifty languages, students frequently study more than one language, thus enhancing their ability to develop competence in global and transregional issues.

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 registration. With careful planning, most students find they can satisfy certificate requirements.

Capstone Paper

The Capstone Research Paper provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their analytical skills. Students select a topic related to their global concentration and transregional focus, including the world region they are studying. The paper is a ‘capstone’ or culmination of their learning experience and should be submitted during the final year of study at Pitt. The paper must contain the professor’s comments and a letter grade; be a minimum of 10 pages in length; cite at least eight references; and include a cover sheet that lists: student name, Global Studies global and world region concentrations, 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 either a hard-copy poster board or an electronic PowerPoint that showcases their global studies experiences at Pitt; highlighting their capstone paper findings and classroom and co-curricular activities that helped shape their understanding of their global concentration. Students also submit a one-page essay that explains how their course work, research, participation in GSC events, and study abroad and co-curricular activities impacted their views of the world and their career trajectory. We also take this opportunity to celebrate our graduates and award their Global Studies certificates. Family, friends, and the university community are invited to this public event.

• Click here for more information about portfolio content.

Application

To enroll in the program, please complete an application form, schedule a session with our undergraduate advisor, Elaine Linn, and bring your completed application with you to the session. It is best to reserve a meeting time in the red notebook located in 4100 Wesley W. Posvar Hall. Even if you are undecided about the certificate program, Elaine would be glad to meet with you to discuss internationalizing your studies at Pitt.