International Science, Certificate

Program Code: INTSCI_UCT

Program Description

This certificate is intended to recognize students who spend significant time abroad during their undergraduate careers and who complete courses that allow them to acquire a more global perspective on the study of science. The certificate is intended to provide recognition for students who have developed a familiarity with science outside of the United States and who have experience with the regional cultural context of the host nation(s). Consultation with an academic adviser prior to studying abroad is strongly recommended to ensure course choices fulfill the requirements of the certificate.

Students who have completed the program requirements must submit an application to have the certificate added to their transcript here: http://science.psu.edu/cie/education-abroad/international-science-certificate.

What is International Science?

Science students interested in learning more about science in other cultures, how science is done in countries outside the US, or how science is applied to problems around the world, can participate in this program combining coursework on campus with experiences abroad.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You are passionate about learning about other cultures.
  • You want to learn more about the global science community.
  • You plan to study abroad while at Penn State.
  • You are interested in exploring, learning, and discovering science in multiple cultural contexts.

Program Requirements

To earn an undergraduate certificate in International Science, a minimum of 12 credits is required.

Students must earn a C or higher for all 12 credits.

Requirements
Requirements: Require a grade of C or better
A total of at least 6 weeks abroad on one or more Penn State-approved courses/programs
6 credits (typically two courses) abroad that are either Penn State Science courses taught abroad or courses that are granted equivalency in the College of Science at Penn State6
6 credits (typically two courses) that directly relate to the host regions’ cultures, histories, or languages. These supporting courses can be taken while abroad or in residence on a Penn State campus6

Certificate Learning Objectives

  • Education abroad: Experience and study within an international culture
  • International competency: Demonstrate knowledge of other nations' cultural values, traditions, beliefs, and customs
  • International science: Demonstrate an understanding of a scientific field outside of the United States

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Joel Waters
Coordinator of Education Abroad & International Programs
Office of Science Engagement
124 Ritenour Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-9066
joelwaters@psu.edu

Contact

University Park

OFFICE OF SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT
124 Ritenour Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-5000
joelwaters@psu.edu

https://science.psu.edu/science-engagement