Certificates | Certificate Process
The International Studies certificate at Pitt-Johnstown is an interdisciplinary, flexible program that can be completed by any major as a supplement to any degree program.
The curriculum addresses the increasingly interconnectedness and global nature of today's society, and also serves as an excellent career preparation in a variety of fields. These include international business, government service, journalism and international communication, law, and other areas.
The international studies curriculum can be structured to fit degree programs without requiring more than the traditional four years, and often includes a study-abroad experience.
The international studies certificate is structured to promote the interests of both the career-oriented student and the student who wishes to be an informed citizen and to understand and enjoy the world. For the student who has already made a career choice, this certificate provides the opportunity to demonstrate flexibility, perspective, and interests that are increasingly attractive to prospective employers.
As a complement to any major, the certificate program prepares students for real-world success working in a number of areas, including government service (both domestic and foreign), private interest groups, national and international service agencies, journalism, and international business.
Certificates
The Pitt-Johnstown International Studies (IS) Certificate combines related areas of study: foreign language, research tools, core courses, and courses allowing specialized study of a specific region of the world or cross-regional issues or problems. Students may select one of the following certificate programs:
General (Focus: Europe and Modern Asia) - This program focuses on politics, economics, and cultures of developed democracies as well as the relationships between them, including issues such as international trade, diplomacy, and international organizations. Find out more about the certificate »
General (Focus: Global South) - This program investigates the politics and societies of developing economies and emerging markets, especially in Latin America, Africa, South East Asia, and the Middle East. Questions of economic and political development and the issue of global interdependence are core areas of interest.
General (Thematic Focus) - This program specializes on a particular global or international theme. Students will develop a cross-regional expertise by focusing on how an issue affects more than one global region. Topics may include human rights, democratization, international environmental problems, and international women's issues. Students may choose language training as a theme and develop high-level competency in multiple languages. Because there is considerable latitude under this option, the sequence of courses will have to be pre-approved by the international studies director. The student will want to develop a well-defined, clearly stated objective followed by a program of study that meets that objective. Find out more about the certificate »
Business - The International Business program combines Pitt-Johnstown coursework with the once-in-a-lifetime chance to study abroad. Students achieve real-world knowledge and experience necessary to succeed in today's global marketplace. This distinction differentiates you in your career search and interviewing process.
French - Students wishing to combine an interest in French language and culture with related classes both in other disciplines and a study abroad experience should opt for this certificate, which combines a liberal arts education with becoming a better-informed global citizen who understands and enjoys the world.
Spanish Students wishing to combine an interest in Spanish language and culture with related classes both in other disciplines and a study abroad experience should opt for this certificate, which combines a liberal arts education with becoming a better-informed global citizen who understands and enjoys the world.
Geography - This program promotes the interests of both the career-oriented student and the student whose expectations of a liberal arts education include enhancement of one's capacity to function as an informed citizen and to understand and enjoy the world.
Communications - Communications is a dynamic, exciting, and ever-changing discipline that examines the phenomenon of human interaction. If you are curious about the world around you and want to improve your professional and personal relationships, the certificate in media communication with its study abroad component can greatly enhance these skills.
Certificate Process
Please note: You usually select general education courses or courses in the Major that "double count" also toward the IS Certificate and will therefore be able to obtain it without taking many extra classes. Any course whose content focuses to 50% or more on matters outside the US may potentially count.
- Make an appointment with the international studies advisor (104 Krebs Hall)
- Bring a copy of your transcripts or degree audit to ascertain what courses you have already taken
- Consult with the international studies advisor and determine your focus area and course of study
- See the international studies advisor at least once a year to update your file on the progress you are making toward the certificate
- When you apply for graduation with the registrar, you must also apply for the international studies certificate
- Make sure you present your final degree audit/transcript to the international studies advisor to update your file and verify that you have completed all requisite coursework
- The international studies director will then confirm the completion of the IS certificate with the registrar's office
Students pursuing an international studies certificate are encouraged to build an appropriate study abroad experience into their curriculum, either during the academic year or during the summer months.