Undergraduate Academic Credentials

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Pitt is a leader in international education. Regardless of undergraduate major or course of study, students can pursue a variety of options that will enhance their degrees and prepare them for the global workplace. Options range from a transcription notation to regional or thematic certificates to the Bachelor of Philosophy degree.

Students can learn about these options through informal conversations at the Global Hub or during formal sessions with a Pitt Global advisor. Doing so early will help to optimize opportunities to study abroad or at home, meet general education and foreign language credit requirements, attend internationally-themed events, and learn about scholarships available through Pitt Study Abroad and the Nationality Rooms. See below for individual opportunities and more information.

Courses
  • Interdisciplinary understanding of transnational Asia can help build an understanding of broad trends and ideas from many different perspectives. When students apply for a Transnational Asia Certificate, they will work together with the Asian Studies Center advisor to choose an appropriate theme and will, over the course of their remaining semesters take a minimum of five courses (15 credits) approved by the Asian Studies Academic Advisor to fit around the theme. Some popular themes include: Asian Diaspora Studies (including Asian American Studies), Asian Public Health, Transnational Asian Popular Culture, Transnational Supply Chains, and many others. Required courses for the Asian Studies certificate may overlap with Gen. Ed. requirements and with courses taken on study abroad.
    • Students must take courses in a total of three different departments.  At least one course (3 credits) should be in the student’s major, unless their major does not include a course appropriate to their certificate theme, in which case a course from a different department can count towards this requirement.
Language Requirements
  • This certificate allows students to fulfill their language requirement in two ways:
    • Equivalent proficiency to one year of an Asian language, and one year of another, thematically related language.
    • Equivalent proficiency to two years of a single Asian language. Students can work with the Asian Studies advisor to determine language proficiency.
Study Abroad
  • Strongly encouraged
International Advisor
Courses
  • 5 courses from at least three different departments (15 credits)
  • Capstone project
Language Requirements
  • 4 semesters of one or more of the following:
    • French
    • German
    • Spanish
    • Italian
    • Portuguese
    • Irish Gaelic
    • Modern Greek
    • Swedish
Study Abroad
  • Highly encouraged
International Advisor

Pitt Global Certificates

The certificate is a formal credential that fits into the academic spectrum between a major and a minor.  Pitt Global certificates focus on particular world areas or trans-regional themes and can often be earned without extra tuition cost or an increase in overall course load.

BPhil

Undergraduate students also have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Philosophy in International Studies (BPhil), a highly-regarded degree that is offered in conjunction with the University Honors College. In addition to coursework, language study, and a study abroad/away experience, BPhil recipients write and defend a thesis based on their independent research.

Global Distinction

The Global Distinction is a new Pitt credential that supports your growth in learning more about the world inside and outside the classroom.

By completing course work across disciplines and participating in global activities and experiences at home or abroad, you can earn official recognition for your work. The credential also brings milestone rewards and, upon completion, a personal Global Distinction URL for use on your résumé and networking sites.

Read about the Global Distinction for undergraduate students.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

In addition to the BPhil degree, Pitt undergraduate students can attend specialized symposia, participate in research seminars and field trips, and plan independent research projects at home or abroad. Learn more.