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European Union Studies Certificate

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The certificate in European Union Studies is a collaborative effort of University System of Georgia institutions. The program is open to all institutions and students of the University System, including students of Georgia Southwestern State University, as well as to professionals with an undergraduate degree. The program's purpose is to promote interdisciplinary knowledge of the European Union (EU) and certify individuals as competent in the subject area of EU studies. Since the EU is one of the most important economic and political partners of the United States, this certification demonstrates valuable professional expertise to potential employers. For students in the academic track, the interdisciplinary certificate can be earned as a supplement to any conventional undergraduate degree.

To earn the EU Studies Certificate, students must complete the certificate curriculum (15 hours) and have a 3.0 cumulative GPA in curriculum courses upon completion of the program. 

 

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Undergraduate Certificate

European Union Studies (Online)

Brian Smith, Ph.D.
Program Director

229-931-2080
brian.smith@gsw.edu

Faculty & Staff

Areas of Distinction

In addition to acknowledging competence in the EU generally, the certificate also highlights special achievements by providing a notation of "distinction" in two of the following areas:

  • Foreign Language Proficiency (6 semester hours at or above the 2000 level) - The foreign language distinction must be earned in a European language approved by the program’s campus representative as appropriate to the certificate’s objectives. A student with prior language skills can earn a distinction by successful completion of an examination demonstrating competence equivalent to the 2000 level. The exam is administered at the student’s home institution.
  • Composition of a Thesis - The thesis can be written anytime during the final year of study. It is supervised by a committee composed of three faculty members representing at least two different academic disciplines. The program’s campus representative maintains a more detailed description of thesis requirements.
  • A practicum experience pertaining to the EU must be performed either in the form of an overseas visit or an internship - For the practicum experience, the overseas option is broadly defined and can be accommodated by a wide range of activities, including study or research abroad. The same flexibility applies to the internship, which can be served domestically or internationally. A student’s specific practice experience must be approved by the program‘s campus representative.

Admissions Requirements

A certificate in European Union Studies can be earned in two ways. Under the academic track, a certificate is taken as part of an undergraduate degree program. Students from all academic majors are eligible to participate if they hold a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA. Under the professional track, non-degree students - such as business executives - are eligible to enroll in the program upon proof of a valid undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. The minimum GPA requirement is waived. Under either track, an application to the program cannot be made until successful completion of the following:

  • The introductory course on the European Union (POLS 3200) with a grade of C or better
  • 30 semester hours of earned academic credit
  • Completion of HIST 1111 or 1112 (World or Western Civilization)