The University Center for International Studies (UCIS) is the primary resource for initiating and managing international programs, studies and support services while promoting the University’s reputation as a leader in global education. A key goal of UCIS is to cultivate globally capable and engaged students toward lives of impact in their community and beyond. In short, to prepare graduate students who are global ready. This is achieved by certificate programs, study abroad, curriculum development, and seminars. UCIS offers 7 graduate certificates, which are academic credentials that attest to acquisition of international knowledge about a particular world region or global issue, cross-cultural understanding, and language proficiency relevant for international careers or for advanced degrees. Certificates are available in:
- African Studies
- Asian Studies
- European Union Studies
- Global Studies
- Latin American Studies
- Russian Studies
- West European Studies
The certificates are administered through the African Studies Program, Asian Studies Center, European Studies Center, Global Studies Center, Center for Latin American Studies, and the Center for Russian and East European Studies. Four centers—European Studies Center, Global Studies, Latin American Studies, and Russian and East European Studies—are designated by the federal government as National Resource Centers.
UCIS certificates evidence language proficiency, regional knowledge and cultural competency that students find useful for international careers.
Contact Information
University of Pittsburgh
University Center for International Studies
Dr. Belkys Torres, Associate Director for International Programs
4413 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-624-6651
btorres@pitt.edu
www.ucis.pitt.edu
Admission to Certificate Programs
For admission, graduate students must first apply to the relevant professional school or academic department within the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. Applicants are encouraged to contact a UCIS international advisor as early as possible with questions about their interest in a world region or global issue. Formal admission to the UCIS certificate programs is accomplished by completing a simple application form. Generally, no additional tuition is charged for enrollment as a certificate student. Students holding a master’s degree from an accredited institution may obtain any of the UCIS graduate certificates without enrolling in a graduate degree program at the University of Pittsburgh. They may apply directly to the UCIS center or program if they wish to enroll only in the certificate program.
Certificate Requirements
UCIS Graduate certificates are awarded after completion of all certificate requirements as well as completion of all requirements for the master’s degree, or after the student has passed the comprehensive examinations for the doctorate. Upon graduation, both the academic degree and the certificate are posted on the student’s transcript. Specific certificate requirements for each international studies certificate are listed under the program offerings below.
Advising
All UCIS certificate programs provide personalized advising services to students interested or registered in its programs in addition to those routinely offered by the students’ major advisors. Center advisors assist in selecting courses, language training, and arranging internships or study abroad to fit the students’ academic and personal interests. See the program offerings below for contact information.
Program Offerings
African Studies Certificate
Asian Studies Certificate
European Union Studies, ADVCT
Global Studies Certificate
Latin American Studies Certificate
Russian and East European Studies Certificate
West European Studies, ADVCT
Special Academic Opportunities
For an overview of the many opportunities and resources that are available to students through UCIS, please visit www.ucis.pitt.edu/main/students
