University of Pittsburgh

Academic Credentials

Pitt is recognized worldwide as a leader in international scholarship and education.  Students seeking to capitalize on this reputation complement their major with an international certificate or a bachelor of philosophy that focuses on a particular region of the world.  These credentials are crafted to allow students in any major—from sciences and professional disciplines to languages and other liberal arts—to enhance their program of study without extra tuition cost and usually with no increase in their overall course load.

The certificate is a formal credential that fits into the academic spectrum between a major and a minor.  A certificate or BPhil appears on the student’s transcript.  Students who wish to intensify their study of a world region should meet with one of our international advisors early in their academic career.  This personalized advising helps to optimize study abroad opportunities and general education and foreign/cultural requirements.  In addition, certificate students become eligible for selective international scholarships.

Four Reasons to do a Certificate or BPhil

The tangible, long-term benefits for undertaking an international certificate or BPhil include:

 #1      Personal growth

  • Compelling social, academic, and professional life skills
  • Increased creativity and self-reliance
  • Strengthened leadership skills
  • Exposure to new ideas and philosophies
  • Adaptable and broad world view

#2      Cultural understanding

  • Strong cross-cultural communication competence
  • Ability to learn from, respect and appreciate cultural differences
  • Recognize global societal forces from historical, cultural, political and economic perspectives
  • Big picture thinking within the context of another culture

#3      Foreign language proficiency

  • Language fluency through immersion opportunities
  • Conversational skills and proficient foreign-country communication skills

#4      Job market advantages

  • Positioned strongly to compete for jobs
  • Develop potential career paths through international internships
  • An international network of contacts
  • Familiarity with international cultures, mores, and laws/regulations