Undergraduate Academic Credentials
Pitt is a leader in international education. Regardless of undergraduate major or course of study, students can pursue a variety of options that will enhance their degrees and prepare them for the global workplace. Options range from a transcription notation to regional or thematic certificates to the Bachelor of Philosophy degree.
Students can learn about these options through informal conversations at the Global Hub or during formal sessions with a Pitt Global advisor. Doing so early will help to optimize opportunities to study abroad or at home, meet general education and foreign language credit requirements, attend internationally-themed events, and learn about scholarships available through Pitt Study Abroad and the Nationality Rooms. See below for individual opportunities and more information.
Courses
- 5 courses from at least 3 different departments, one of which is from major dept. (15 credits)
- Capstone activity and writing sample
Language Requirements
- 4 semesters of one or more of the following:
- Asian language (or native speaker of an Asian language)
Study Abroad
- Highly encouraged
Courses
- 8 Asia-related courses (24)
- (only two courses from the second major can overlap with the BPhil)
- 1 Methodology (3)
- 1 Directed study for thesis writing (3)
Language Requirements
- 6 semesters in a language relevant to region of study
Study Abroad
- Required (exceptions may be made)
Courses
- 8 Europe-related courses (24)
- 1 Methodology (3)
- 1 Directed study for thesis writing (3)
Language Requirements
- 6 semesters in a language relevant to region of study
Study Abroad
- Required (exceptions may be made)
Courses
- 5 Global concentration (9)
- 2 Regional (6)
- 1 Intro to global studies (3)
- 1 Methodology (3)
- 1 Capstone (3)
Language Requirements
- 6 semesters in a language relevant to region of study
Study Abroad
- Required
Courses
- 8 Latin American-related courses (24)(only two courses from the second major can overlap with the BPhil)
- 1 Methodology (3)
- 1 Capstone (3)
Language Requirements
- 6 semesters in a language relevant to region of study
Study Abroad
- Required
Courses
- 8 Russia or East Europe-related courses (24 credits)
- 1 Methodology (3 credits)
- 1 Directed study for thesis writing (3 credits)
Language Requirements
- 6 semesters in a language relevant to region of study
Study Abroad
- Required (exceptions may be made)
Courses
- 6 courses from at least three different departments (18 credits)
- Capstone project
Language Requirements
- 4 semesters of one or more of the following:
- An official EU language (excluding English)
Study Abroad
- Highly encouraged
Courses
- 3 global concentration (9 credits)
- 2 regional (6 credits)
- Intro to Global Studies (3 credits)
- Trans-regional paper & portfolio presentation
Language Requirements
- 4 semesters of one or more of the following:
- A language relevant to region of study
Study Abroad
- Highly encouraged
Courses
- 2 Latin American courses in major dept. (10 credits)
- 5 Latin courses in at least two departments (15 credits)
- 1 interdisciplinary paper and complete e-portfolio
Language Requirements
- 6 semesters of one or more of the following:
- Spanish or Portuguese (equivalent proficiency proven via examination)
Study Abroad
- Required, at least 4 weeks duration
Courses
- 1 Latin American course in major department (5)
- 4 Latin courses in at least two departments (12)
Language Requirements
- 4 semesters of one or more of the following:
- *Spanish or Portuguese (equivalent proficiency proven via examination)
Study Abroad
- Highly encouraged
Courses
- 5 courses from at least three different departments (15 credits)
- Interdisciplinary Capstone project
Language Requirements
- 4 semesters of one or more of the following:
- Former Soviet Union or East/Central European
Study Abroad
- Highly encouraged
Courses
- 5 courses from at least three different departments (15 credits)
- Capstone project
Language Requirements
- 4 semesters of one or more of the following:
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Italian
- Portuguese
- Irish Gaelic
- Modern Greek
- Swedish
Study Abroad
- Highly encouraged
Pitt Global Certificates
The certificate is a formal credential that fits into the academic spectrum between a major and a minor. Pitt Global certificates focus on particular world areas or trans-regional themes and can often be earned without extra tuition cost or an increase in overall course load.
BPhil
Undergraduate students also have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Philosophy in International Studies (BPhil), a highly-regarded degree that is offered in conjunction with the University Honors College. In addition to coursework, language study, and a study abroad/away experience, BPhil recipients write and defend a thesis based on their independent research.
Global Distinction
The Global Distinction is a new Pitt credential that supports your growth in learning more about the world inside and outside the classroom.
By completing course work across disciplines and participating in global activities and experiences at home or abroad, you can earn official recognition for your work. The credential also brings milestone rewards and, upon completion, a personal Global Distinction URL for use on your résumé and networking sites.
Read about the Global Distinction for undergraduate students.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
In addition to the BPhil degree, Pitt undergraduate students can attend specialized symposia, participate in research seminars and field trips, and plan independent research projects at home or abroad. Learn more.