UK Develops Two Internationally Focused Certificates

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 5, 2012) — The University of Kentucky is now offering two new certificate programs that promote global studies, both at the undergraduate and graduate level.

The College of Education’s Department of Educational Policy Studies & Evaluation is offering the Graduate Certificate in International Education, and the Division of Undergraduate Education in the Provost’s Office has developed the Certificate of Global Studies. These certificates promote UK's commitment to developing relevant curriculum that responds to the global and contemporary issues facing students.

This commitment is also reflected in UK’s Internationalization Plan, which states:  “The University of Kentucky will expand the use of its significant resources to enhance interdisciplinary and inter-professional training and research on global issues, and to foster greater international exposure for students, faculty, staff and the community.”

“By earning one of these certificates, students will amplify the international dimension of their professional portfolios,” Susan Carvalho, associate provost for international programs, said. “This is one more example of how UK’s curriculum evolves constantly to meet students’ needs in a very competitive global market.”

These programs also offer an important degree-related credential for the kinds of coursework and experience that students are already seeking.

"The certificate tracks allow students to tailor their coursework toward specific types of depth and expertise that they know they will need, to pursue exciting careers with a global focus,” Carvalho said.  

Graduate Certificate in International Education

The goal of the Graduate Certificate in International Education aims to prepare students for careers in international education, through a foundation in comparative higher education, administration of higher education and student services. Students will be prepared to begin careers in fields such as education abroad, international student services and other international organizations that support the exchange of students.

Students will also develop a regional area of cultural expertise, and participate in at least one professional experience with an emphasis on developing skills in evaluation, management and program development.

Other areas of emphasis include: understanding how formal education operates within and across nations; familiarity with programming, services, laws and regulations for students entering and enrolled in higher education; and intercultural understanding and communication.

The Graduate Certificate in International Education builds upon the Department of Educational Policy Studies & Evaluation’s strategic goal to increase its comparative and international education strand in both research and graduate student programming.

For more information about the certificate email Alan DeYoung at ajdey@coe.uky.edu.

Certificate of Global Studies

The Certificate of Global Studies allows undergraduate students to demonstrate their preparedness to live and work in a global community. Students who earn this certificate have expanded their view of the world and their place in it.

A student can earn the certificate through a combination of four interlocking components, which include: taking a series of courses with an international focus that amplifies a student’s major; engaging in a credit-bearing education abroad experience; enhancing experience with a second language; and participating in internationally focused co-curricular activities.

The Undergraduate Certificate of Global Studies requires 12 hours of globally focused coursework at the 200 level or above; of these, at least 12 credits must be 200 level or above, and a minimum of 6 credits must be at the 300-level or above. 

Some of these courses (up to nine credits) can “double-dip” with courses in the major, minor or UK Core. The undergraduate Certificate of Global Studies can offer an important transcript credential, for students who have studied abroad or plan to do so. Retroactive enrollment is possible, for students who have already studied abroad for credit but who have not yet graduated.

For more information, click here or contact program director Doug Slaymaker at dslaym@uky.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Geegan, (859) 257-5365; sarah.geegan@uky.edu