Hello everyone! We're excited to share a special opportunity for study abroad students returning to Pittsburgh: a minor in Intercultural Engagement. This minor allows you to focus on specific experiences from your study abroad journey, whether through courses or experiential learning. It's open to all students, regardless of major or program. The minor in Intercultural Engagement will equip you with skills that set you apart in your future career or graduate school applications, helping you become global citizens. The program requires 16-18 credits, including a thematic concentration and specific courses listed on our website. To apply, contact your Student Success Coach, visit our website for details, and complete the application process. As an alum who completed this minor, I highly recommend it for its benefits in understanding and reflecting on your study abroad experience. Consider this minor for your future!

Gain Global Competence 

This certificate is designed to enhance all majors and is a great credential for employment in many fields, from business to education to health care. Consider earning a certificate/minor in Intercultural Engagement. 

Intercultural Engagement Minor or Certificate: Application Process

Have Questions?

Schedule a Meeting

Make an appointment via Starfish with the Study Abroad Advisor to discuss the requirements for the minor and certificate in Intercultural Engagement, or stop by the Center for Global Engagement, 601 Duquesne Union, to get started.

Start your Application

Begin your application by filling out and printing the Intercultural Minor Application then meet with your Success Coach to review requirements and complete your academic plan. When completed, bring your signed application to the Center for Global Engagement, 601 Union.

Confirmation and Mentor

Once your application is signed and submitted to the Center for Global Engagement, you will receive a confirmation email and Intercultural Mentor to discuss your Thematic Concentration and complete your application.  After your application is complete, the minor or certificate will be added.

Required Coursework

Intercultural Engagement Academic Coursework (16-18 credits)

Students must select two (2) courses from this list of Cultural Foundations Courses.

AFST 303: Intro to Peace & Justice
COMM 114: Exploring Intercultural Communication
COMM 407: Intercultural Communication
COMM/GLBH 399: Global & Cultural Issues in Health Communication
IR 145: Global Society
MGMT 262: Global Insights
PHIL 190: Global Thought
PSYC 354: Psych of Social Cultural Diversity
SOCI 101: Survey of Sociology
SOCI 104: Cultural Anthropology
SOCI 124: Global Sociology
UPNS 324: Cultural Applications in Clinical Practice
WDLI 103C: New Voices, Questions, Realities
WDLI 324: World Literatures

What is a Thematic Concentration? This is an opportunity for you to be creative and to shape your abroad experience into a theme connected with an area of the world of particular interest to you. This is directly a result of your study abroad experiences and their impacts.

Example: A student studied in Rome then becomes fascinated by Italian culture or history.

Example: A student studied in Beijing, now wants to gain more knowledge about China and Chinese culture.

What courses can count towards the thematic concentration?

Courses must cover one or more countries, regions, or cultures outside of the United States (for example, a course focusing on the country of Mexico, the region of Africa or indigenous cultures across the world).

Theses courses could also address a common theme from different cultural perspectives (i.e. conflict resolution, human rights, or women's issues).

Courses within liberal arts, business, health sciences, education, or other academic disciplines may be included as well as course work taken abroad.

 

There are two (2) tracks to choose from, the Minor or Certificate in Intercultural Engagement.

Students earning a Certificate in Intercultural Engagement complete three (3) courses, 3 credits:

CLPR 350: Cross Cultural Preparation: Getting Ready for the Journey
CLPR 351: Intercultural Awareness and Exploration: Home Away from Home
CLPR 352: Intercultural Competency: Becoming Global Citizens

Students completing a Minor in Intercultural Engagement complete one (1) credit course:
CLPR 352: Intercultural Competency: Becoming Global Citizens