2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
European Union Studies Certificate
|
|
University of Pittsburgh
University Center for International Studies
European Studies Center
Stephen Lund, Assistant Director
4216 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: 412-648-7422
slund@pitt.edu
schedule advising appointment
The European Union (EU) Studies Certificate provides an introduction to the history of European integration, working knowledge of the EU’s laws and administrative bodies, economics and the Euro Area, and (depending on the classes chosen) an overview of specific policy areas (defense and security, immigration, economic, international relations, etc.). The certificate provides a multidisciplinary and cross-regional (east-west) perspective, and it is perfect preparation for students who want to pursue careers in both public and private international organizations and to continue the study of Europe and the EU at the graduate level.
The University of Pittsburgh is an internationally recognized center for European Union studies. Selected in 1998, the university is one of 7 European Union Centers of Excellence in the United States (as chosen by the EU itself). The EU certificate has a high visibility that will assist students as they apply to competitive graduate programs in a number of disciplines and to corporations and organizations that interact with the European Union.
|
Certificate Requirements
- Six EU studies courses: (18 credits) from at least three different departments are required. These courses will include PS 1317 - Politics of the European Unio, PS 1381- Capstone in European Union Studies, one course on the historical foundation of the EU, and three courses on the EU or with significant EU content. Students must earn a C average or better in the classes counting towards the certificate. Approved courses are posted online here.
- Language proficiency: Two years of college-level study of an official European Union foreign language (excluding English). Languages currently available include: Spanish, German, French, Italian, Swedish, Modern Greek, Portuguese, Hungarian, Polish and Slovak. Students may request placement tests through the language department.
- Digital Portfolio: An online digital portfolio that showcases research, work/internship experiences, study abroad, extra-curricular activities, language acquisition, and coursework to highlight expertise in European Union Studies, and associated professional and academic goals
Related Concentration in European & Eurasian Studies
The Related Concentration, administered in collaboration with the Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies Center, is designed to let students explore their interests in both the ESC and REEES world areas so that it fits comfortably alongside their majors or minors. It appeals particularly to pre-professional students who wish to broaden their international experience while minimizing language requirements. It is crafted to offer comparative study of your intended professional field - pre-medicine, pre-law, business, engineering, and health and rehab sciences - while capitalizing on your existing European/Eurasian language credits. This individualized, interdisciplinary credential provides a context for studying abroad and complements most academic plans and majors
Requirements
- A minimum of four (12 credits) content courses is required. The courses must come from at least two different departments and none of the courses can overlap with a student’s other credentials. These courses are allowed to overlap, however, with general education requirements. Students must earn a C or better in classes counting towards the certificate.
- Language proficiency: one year (two semesters) of college-level study of an official European (excluding English) or Eurasian language, or demonstration of equivalent proficiency. The same language classes (or AP credits or three years of study from high school) used to fulfill the general education requirement may be used here as well.
- Digital Portfolio: An online digital portfolio that showcases research, work/internship experiences, study abroad, extra-curricular activities, language acquisition, and coursework to highlight expertise in European and Eurasian Studies, and associated professional and academic goals
Special Academic Opportunities
In addition to the certificate itself, the European Studies Center also offers its students a number of valuable resources, including scholarships for study abroad, directed research opportunities, research assistance, and a full calendar of events and visits from politicians and practitioners from across the US and Europe. The center also sponsors the Euro Club for students interested in Europe related social activities, as well as opportunities to particpate in Model EU and Model NATO simulations in both the US and Europe.
|
|
