Certificate of International Studies for Undergraduates
Requirements for admission to the Certificate of International Studies:
Undergraduate students must formally apply for admission to the CIS program.
The deadline for fall semester is April 1. The deadline for spring semester is Dec. 1. Applications are available through the International Programs link at www.ut.edu/international or in the Office of International Programs.
Undergraduates must complete the following minimum requirements: foreign language requirement, global knowledge courses, education abroad experience, international activities and events and global senior capstone.
Requirements to receive the Certificate of International Studies:
Foreign Language Requirement.
Native English Speakers: Students must complete at least two semesters of non-native language coursework (6–8 credit hours) with a minimum 2.75 GPA. They must also pass the intermediate level on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview.
Non-native English Speakers: International students proficient in a native language are not required to take the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview; however, they are still required to complete two semesters of non-native language coursework (6–8 credit hours).
Global Knowledge Courses. Students are required to choose from a wide array of global knowledge courses (12–16 credit hours) during their UT experience. These credit hours may also count toward various majors, minors and other graduation requirements. The approved, but not all-inclusive list of courses may be accessed through the International Programs link at www.ut.edu/international or in the Office of International Programs.
Education Abroad Experience. Students must complete at least one education abroad experience approved by the Office of International Programs. Students may choose to enroll in a UT travel course, complete an international internship, participate in a semester/year abroad program or fulfill community-based service learning abroad. This requirement may be waived for international students by permission of the associate dean of international programs.
Student Leadership and Engagement. While at UT, students must demonstrate international leadership and engagement through events and activities. Students will document their participation through the co-curricular transcript authorized by the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement. In order to receive credit, students may choose to hold a leadership position in an official international organization and/or club each semester; they may attend two international activities or events each semester; or they may maintain a membership in an international organization or club and attend one international activity each semester.
Global Senior Capstone. GIS 499 is a 0-1 credit hour course that serves to integrate students’ international experiences at UT. The senior capstone prepares undergraduate CIS students to succeed in the workplace and helps them recognize global career options in various disciplines.
Distinction in the Certificate of International Studies
The Office of International Programs may award the Certificate of International Studies with distinction to students whose experiences within the component areas are outstanding (e.g., 3.5 or higher GPA or advanced test scores on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview).