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University of Pittsburgh    
2022-2023 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog 
    
 
  Aug 03, 2024
 
2022-2023 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [Archived Catalog]

West European Studies Certificate


The Certificate in Western European Studies provides students with strong interests in predominantly Western European history, culture, politics, and languages to complement their major with a regional specialization. The certificate is self-designed, and students may organize their courses around themes and countries relevant to their broader career and research interests. Students in 2- and 3-year graduate degree programs with only basic understanding of a relevant foreign language can complete the certificate with no additional time to degree or expense. Contact the advisor to get started as soon as possible.

Language Proficiency


Two years or equivalent proficiency of a relevant West European language. Students whose first language is English must choose a language other than English. Students for whom English is a second language can use English proficiency or coursework to meet this requirement. (English is unarguably a language of Western Europe, but the purpose of the certificate is to showcase foreign language proficiency, so it is not an appropriate choice for native English speakers.)

Content Courses


15 credit hours; 9 within the major; 6 interdisciplinary credits from two different departments outside of the major.

Students who are exempt from the language requirement because of previous coursework or heritage language skills may use language course credits towards the requirement for unique credits in addition to the degree program.
Students may contextualize non-credit bearing internships that are required in various graduate degree programs as credit bearing experiences for UCIS certificate programs. Prior approval must be received from the academic advisor to pursue theses options.

Research Paper


A 15-25 page research paper showing evidence of interdisciplinary and the use of foreign language sources and overseen by an Affiliated Faculty member of the European Studies Center in consultation with the graduate advisor of the European Studies Center. Alternatively, students may choose to complete an e-portfolio detailing courses and co-curricular experiences related to West European studies and offering reflections on development of specific competencies related to a detailed rubric. Students pursuing this second option are those likely to be considering careers outside of academia after graduation.

15 Credits




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