Certificate of International Studies Requirements

Requirements for admission to the Certificate of International Studies:

Undergraduate students must formally apply for admission to the CIS program.

Applications are available through the International Programs link at www.ut.edu/international or in the Office of International Programs. Admission is on a rolling basis. A minimum of two semesters of program enrollment is required for completion, but five semesters is recommended to experience the most benefits.

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 C average or better. 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 (4 courses, or 12–16 credit hours) during their UT experience. These credit hours may also count toward various majors, minors and other graduation requirements.

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 summer semester/year abroad program, First Year Abroad program including Spartans Academy Abroad, Dublin or Seville 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. Each semester of program enrollment, students must complete a Global Engagement Inventory Project reflecting their involvement with the international community. Five projects in total are due for program completion.

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).