Certificate of International Studies
The Certificate of International Studies (CIS) prepares UT graduates to be global citizens. Students within all majors at UT can build their credentials through this program.
The CIS program facilitates the integration and coordination of interdisciplinary coursework and skill-building activities to enhance global enrichment.
Specifically, the CIS program aims to:
• Bring University programs and services in international and intercultural education experiences together.
• Serve domestic and international students in international and intercultural education experiences.
• Graduate internationally competent students with enhanced skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values in international and intercultural matters.
Student learning outcomes include the following:
• Skills — such as secondary languages, the ability to travel, study, and live outside the United States, and the ability to access information about the world.
• Knowledge — the uniqueness of cultures, the appreciation of the historical contexts of different peoples, and comprehension of global affairs, including international labor, refugees, environmental degradation, and women’s and children’s issues.
• Attitudes — a recognition and appreciation of cultural differences including intercultural sensitivity and awareness, self-awareness about their own culture and its ethnic diversity, and openness to learning about the world.
Certificate of International Studies Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate students will formally apply for admission to the CIS program.
Applications are available through the International Programs link at http://www.ut.edu/international/cis/. Admission is on a rolling basis. A minimum of two semesters of program enrollment is required for completion, but five semesters are recommended to experience the most benefits.
All students accepted into the CIS program will be required to enroll in GIS 099-1, Certificate of International Studies, 0 credits, as they would any other course. This will appear on the student’s UT schedule after successful enrollment and allows tracking of participation in the program. This course is graded S/U and follows the university enrollment guidelines, including add/drop deadlines.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are awarded the Certificate of International Studies and will wear the CIS sash and cords of distinction at graduation showing their commitment to internationalizing their degree program.
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 receive an intermediate rating 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 will 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 the summer, semester, or year abroad program including the Spartans Academy Abroad first year abroad program or the Sophomore Fall Semester Signature Abroad Program in Dublin or Seville, study abroad during January-term in Havana, participate in student research abroad or fulfill community-based service-learning abroad. This requirement may be waived for international students by the permission of the associate dean of international programs.
Student Leadership and Engagement. While at UT, students will demonstrate international leadership and engagement through participation in globally focused student organizations, 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 required for program completion.
Global Senior Capstone. GIS 499 is a 0-1 credit hour course that is awarded a letter grade. This course serves to integrate the students' international experiences at UT. The global senior capstone prepares undergraduate CIS students to succeed in the workplace and helps them recognize global career options in various disciplines.