University Center for International Studies

The University Center for International Studies (UCIS) is the central coordinating and support mechanism for the international activities of the University of Pittsburgh. As a University-wide center, UCIS supports multidisciplinary programs of research and instruction in international and area studies, linking departments and schools of the University. It connects the University and private and public sector institutions, other universities, and institutions in other countries to strengthen the University's international dimension of teaching, research, and public service. It aids students in their acquisition of international knowledge through certificate programs, study abroad, curriculum development, and seminars; assists faculty in their international research, teaching, and service; and develops and manages international programs and projects. The center offers graduate certificate programs through its Global Studies and African Studies programs, the European Union Center of Excellence, and four area studies centers (Asian Studies, Latin American Studies, Russian and East European Studies, European Studies), which are designated by the federal government as National Resource Centers. An area studies certificate is an additional academic credential, evidencing language proficiency and area knowledge that students find useful for international careers or for advanced degrees with a concentration in a particular world area.

Contact Information

University Center for International Studies
Contact: Professor Isabelle Champlin, Director of International Studies

4400 Wesley W. Posvar Hall

412-648-7390

Fax: 412-648-4672

E-mail: ucis@pitt.edu

www.ucis.pitt.edu

Admission to Certificate Programs

For admission, students must first apply to the relevant professional school or academic department within the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. However, applicants are encouraged to contact UCIS area studies programs as early as possible with questions about study of the world area in which they are interested. 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.

Advising

All area studies certificate programs provide advising services to students interested or registered in certificate programs to complement regular advising by the students' primary 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 certificate descriptions below for contact information.

Certificate Requirements

Graduate certificates in UCIS 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 students' transcripts. Specific certificate requirements for each area studies certificate are listed under the program descriptions below.

Major and Degree Options

In addition to its certificate programs in Asian studies, global studies, Soviet studies, East European studies, Russian studies, East Asian studies, West European studies, Latin American studies, and Latin American social and public policy, UCIS also participates in the following degree programs:

The MBA/MA Dual Degree Program offered by the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, in cooperation with the University Center for International Studies, provides the opportunity to earn two degrees simultaneously: an MBA and an interdisciplinary MA with a world-region focus (Latin America, East Asia, Russia/Eastern Europe, and Western Europe). The MA is granted only in conjunction with an MBA from Katz.

The Interdisciplinary Master of Arts in East Asian Studies (IDMA), with a focus on either China or Japan, is offered by the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures (EALL) in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. The Asian Studies Center, which is part of UCIS, administers the IDMA program. The EALL grants the Master of Arts degree. The IDMA combines advanced language training with study in the social sciences and humanities focusing on East Asia. It is primarily intended for predoctoral students who want intensive area training before pursuing a doctoral program in a particular discipline, or for those planning professional careers in government, business, journalism, or pre-college teaching. The IDMA is typically a two-year program, designed for students who have already had at least two years of Chinese or Japanese language study. The deadline each year for submitting applications is January 15. Notification can be expected by the middle of March. The program admits students only for the fall term. To apply online, go to http://www.deall.pitt.edu/ and click on "Apply Yourself." If you run into any problems and would prefer to have a paper copy mailed to you, contact the EALL administrator at plocante@pitt.edu.

Minor in International Studies

An interdisciplinary minor in international studies can be earned by completing the following requirements. It should be noted that study abroad (either in one of the many immersion programs or a Semester at Sea program) is a requirement of the minor. Information can be obtained from Ms. Julie Dykstra in the Office of Academic Affairs in 232 Swarts Hall.

International Studies Electives

Arts and Letters

History and Cultures

Politics and Economics

Management and Education

African Studies

Asian Studies

European Studies

European Union Studies

Global Studies

Latin American Studies

Russian and East European Studies