Certificates are earned in addition to a major and may be used to satisfy the related area requirement, depending upon the major department chosen. Certificates typically require 18–24 credits. See below for summary information about certificate programs available to students through A&S. Other undergraduate certificate programs are available through the School of Engineering and the University Center for International Studies (UCIS); A&S students are encouraged to consider those certificates, too. Detailed descriptions of these programs are available in handouts in the A&S Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall.
American Sign Language Certificate
The Department of Linguistics offers an undergraduate Certificate in American Sign Language (ASL). This certificate program should lead students to: a high degree of proficiency in ASL, an understanding of the structure of the visual/spatial nature of ASL, and an understanding of important issues in deaf culture and education.
This certificate program could conveniently accompany various undergraduate majors such as linguistics or communication science and disorders. Additionally, the ASL certificate could be pursued by students in other majors in order to increase their marketability after college.
The program uses the academic strengths and resources of the Department of Linguistics in Arts and Sciences and the Department of Instruction and Learning in the School of Education.
Currently, there is a limit of 20 students per academic year who can enroll in the ASL certificate program. For this reason, each applicant will be required to go through an evaluation process.
Please contact the Department of Linguistics or the Less Commonly Taught Languages Center for more information.
• Requirements for Certificate in American Sign Language Prerequisites
- LING 0471 American Sign Language 1 (B or higher)
- LING 0472 American Sign Language 2 (B or higher)
- Successful performance on skills and knowledge evaluations
• Required courses (18 credits)
Category 1:
- LING 0473 American Sign Language 3
- LING 0474 American Sign Language 4
Category 2:
- LING 1950: Introduction to Linguistics
Category 3 (one of the following):
- LING 1950 is a prerequisite for the courses in Category 3 unless otherwise noted:
- LING 1720 Structures of Sign Languages
- (LING 1950 can be taken concurrently with LING 1720)
- LING 1773 Morphology
- LING 1777 Syntax Theory
- LING 1738 Linguistic Structures of English
Category 4 (one of the following):
- IL 2247 Structures of English and ASL
- IL 2550 Language Development of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
- IL 2584 Special Topics: Deaf Culture
- IL 2546 Survey of Deafness and Deaf Education
Category 5 (one of the following):
- LING 1901 Independent Study
- A&S 1900 Internship (supervised by a faculty member)
Children’s Literature Certificate
Books written for children are among the best-loved and best-remembered of all works of literature. They also provide some of the most important early learning experiences. In recent years, books written for children have attracted increasing interest from scholars and students as well as parents, reviewers, educators, and publishers. Studying books written for children provokes many questions, and trying to find answers for those questions generates speculations which intersect with the interest and knowledge of many academic fields as varied as anthropology and politics, literary studies and child development, classics and history, communication studies, and psychology. Why are these early books remembered? What precisely is it about them that is recalled? Are fairy tales too violent? Do children need their own books? What is suitable reading for a child, and who is to make the judgment? How do children’s books relate to films and TV?
The interdisciplinary Certificate in Children’s Literature offers students an opportunity to bring together studies across a broad range of subjects. The program is individually designed to meet the student’s particular interests and strengths. It provides a useful background for many areas of professional work and study, including teacher education, child development and child care, creative writing and illustration, child psychology, library science, graduate school, publishing, journalism, and bookselling. For more information on the study of children’s literature at the University, see www.pitt.edu/~childlit/clwelcome.html.
Requirements for Certificate in Children’s Literature
The certificate is a planned interdisciplinary sequence of at least 18 credits. The program director must also be consulted about the design of the student’s individual course of study. The three required core courses for the certificate are:
- ENGLIT 0560 Children and Culture
- ENGLIT 0562 Childhood’s Books
- ENGLIT 1645 Critical Approaches to Children’s Literature
In addition to the core courses, students should, in consultation with the program director, design a course of study that constitutes the remaining 9 credits. Courses must be selected from an approved list of courses, available from the program director.
Conceptual Foundations of Medicine Certificate
The Department of History and Philosophy of Science’s undergraduate certificate program in the conceptual foundations of medicine offers a group of related courses in medical ethics, in the nature of explanation and evidence in the biomedical sciences, and in social problems such as assessments of alternative forms of healthcare delivery. The program is likely to be of particular interest to premedical and preprofessional healthcare students, but is intended to appeal to all students interested in social and philosophical problems in the biomedical sciences. Completion of the certificate program fulfills the A&S requirement for a related area, although students should check with their major department. Students who complete the program receive a Certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine, which is printed on the transcript. For more information, see www.pitt.edu/~hpsdept/under/cfm/cfm.html.
Requirements for Certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine
The certificate requires 18 credits. It is expected that enrolled students will achieve at least a C grade in each of the required courses and at least a C+ GPA in the overall certificate requirements. Students should apply to the program as early in their course work as possible. Normally, satisfactory completion of one course in the two-term core sequence HPS 0612 and 0613 is required for admission. These courses form the introductory sequence for the certificate. They may be taken in either order. The following states the course requirements for the certificate:
- HPS 0612 Mind and Medicine and HPS 0613 Morality and Medicine. HPS 0612 focuses on questions concerning the aims of medicine, its scientific status, and its relation to the natural sciences. HPS 0613 is an introduction to the ethical, legal, and social problems that are part of the modern practice of medicine. The focus throughout will be on the role of moral values in medical treatment.
- Two additional approved courses in two different departments dealing with social and conceptual issues in the biomedical sciences. A list of such approved courses is distributed by the Department of History and Philosophy of Science prior to registration each term. Courses are approved on a term-by-term basis.
- A two-term college-level course in biology, such as BIOSC 0150 and 0160 Foundations of Biology I and II.
Film Studies Certificate
Film is one of the major art forms of the 20th century, and its study has become an important part of a modern humanities education. At the University of Pittsburgh, the Film Studies Program offers a series of interdisciplinary courses concerning the history, aesthetics, theory, and production of cinema. The program provides courses in critical studies and (by special arrangement with Pittsburgh Filmmakers in Oakland) courses in film, photography, and video production.
The Film Studies Certificate is designed for the student who is majoring in another field but wishes to do some concentrated work in film studies. The certificate program is a planned, interdisciplinary sequence of six courses (18 credits) that provide the student with a broad introduction to the field of film studies. Receipt of a certificate in film studies is recorded on the student’s transcript. Specific guidelines and distribution requirements for the program are listed below.
Requirements for Film Studies Certificate
Two courses (6 credits) are required:
- ENGLIT 0540 World Film History
or
HA&A 0820 World Film History (3 credits)
- ENGLIT 0530 Film Analysis
or
HA&A 0801 Film Analysis (3 credits)
Students, in consultation with the film studies advisor, must also choose four elective courses from any of these three categories (check with the advisor each term for an update of course listings):
- Category I: National Cinemas, Filmmakers
- Category II: Themes, Genres, Theory
- Category III: Film, Photography, Video Production*
*Note: With the exception of A&S 1900 Internship, all courses listed in category III are offered by special arrangement through Pittsburgh Filmmakers. Enrollments in these classes will be limited to those whose tuition is covered by A&S. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis first to film studies majors, then to certificate students, and then to other full-time A&S students, all of whom must be in good academic standing. To apply for a seat in a Pittsburgh Filmmakers course, students must preregister with the film studies advisors (617-B Cathedral of Learning) two weeks before the first day of A&S registration. Students who fail to attend the first class of the term will automatically lose their seat. Students will not be permitted to take more than one course per term at Pittsburgh Filmmakers.
Students can take a maximum of two courses in Category III. Two of the three categories of film courses must be represented on the student’s transcript. For more information, please see www.pitt.edu/~filmst.
Geographic Information Systems Certificate
The Geology and Planetary Science Department offers a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS is a computer-based system that accommodates virtually any type of information about features that are referenced by geographical location. For example, a GIS database may include both location and attribute data, providing a spatial visualization capability for analyzing descriptive characteristics about geographical features, both natural and man-made. One of the most important benefits of GIS analysis is the ability to spatially interrelate multiple types of information stemming from a range of sources. Such computational manipulation of geographic data has become increasingly important in many areas of science, government, and industry. Students who demonstrate experience with computers in general, and GIS/image processing in particular, are at a distinct advantage when looking for jobs in geology, environmental science, city and regional planning, and engineering. This certificate is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for immediate success in GIS-related jobs.
Requirements for Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
The program is open to any University of Pittsburgh student, including postbaccalaureate students (professionals seeking to expand their job-related computer skills). Approximately four terms (two academic years) will be required to complete this certificate program. It is therefore suggested that undergraduates begin no later than their junior year. A grade of C or better is required in all courses for successful completion of the certificate. GIS topics covered include the nature of geographic data, map projections, raster images, the basic elements of a GIS database, sources of data, and training in the Arc/Info software package. Students also have the option of focusing on remote sensing theory and applications. Remote sensing (RS) topics include image analysis and processing; field validation of satellite and airborne datasets; GPS training; and the use of software packages such as ENVI, Erdas Imagine, ERMapper, and Trimble’s Pathfinder Office.
Required core courses (6 credits):
- GEOL 1445/2449 GIS, GPS, and Computer Methods
- GEOL 1460 Remote Sensing of the Earth
Two elective courses may be chosen that have special relevance to the student’s major or employment goals. Appropriate courses will be available from many different departments. Courses not on the following list may be selected contingent on approval by the certificate advisor.
Suggested elective courses (6 credits):
Lower level:
- GEOL 0030 World Physical Geography
- GEOL 0840 Earth Systems Science
1000 level:
- GEOL 1060 Geomorphology, prerequisites
- GEOL 1640 Geologic and Environmental Hazards, prerequisites
- BIOSC 1040 Ecological Management Summer Field
Course, prerequisites
- INFSCI 1022 Database Management Systems, prerequisites or INFSCI 1030 Information Storage and Retrieval, prerequisites
2000 level:
- GEOL 2446 Advanced GIS Systems Computer Methods, prerequisites
- GEOL 2460 Applied Remote Sensing and GPS Techniques, prerequisites
Independent Study (4 credits):
Students must demonstrate proficiency in the application of the techniques by completing a project under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Sufficient work must be performed to earn four independent study or directed research credits. Faculty from any department may serve as the advisor, but students are encouraged to work with faculty in their primary area of interest. Projects must use GIS and/or RS as a major tool and result in a published report/map/CD-ROM that describes the results of the research.
German Language Certificate
The Certificate in German Language consists of 18 credits of German courses beyond German 0002. Students in all schools of the University of Pittsburgh who want to achieve a high level of proficiency in German can obtain this certificate. It is designed to assist students to prepare themselves for international careers, internationally recognized proficiency exams, and internships in German-speaking countries.
Requirements for Certificate in Germanic Language
The certificate offers two tracks: one for the liberal arts and one for professional purposes. Courses should be taken in sequence.
German for the Liberal Arts
The following courses should be taken, in sequence, by students in this track:
- GER 0003 Intermediate German 1
- GER 0004 Intermediate German 2
- Two of the following: GER 1000 Reading Literary Texts, GER 1001 Writing in German, or GER 1002 German Phonetics
- One of the following: GER 1101 Advanced German 1: Media or GER 1102 Advanced German 2: Structures
- One of the GER 1200–1399 seminars taught in German
German for Professional Purposes
The following courses should be taken, in sequence, by students in this track:
- GER 0003 Intermediate German 1
- GER 0004 Intermediate German 2
- GER 1003 Professional German 1
- GER 1004 Professional German 2: Business German
- GER 1101 Advanced German 1: Media
- GER 1102 Advanced German 2: Structures
Nine credits may be transferred from study abroad programs in German-speaking countries in accordance with the credit transfer policy of the University of Pittsburgh. These credits have to be pre-approved by the director of undergraduate studies.
For more information, visit www.pitt.edu/~germanic.
Historic Preservation Certificate
Historic areas are not just buildings, but spaces and communities with pasts and futures. They require a variety of approaches to be understood, including the historical, anthropological, ethnographic, architectural, and art historical. They also require an awareness of a variety of complicated processes to preserve them, such as urban planning and administration, law, business and economics, and popular culture. The Certificate in Historic Preservation is intended to provide students with a framework of related courses in various disciplines so that they can expand their knowledge of this area of study and enhance their opportunities for further education and employment in the field.
Requirements for Historic Preservation Certificate
Students must complete 18 credits, distributed as follows, to be awarded the certificate:
- ANTH 1541 Special Topics in Archaeology: Cultural Resource Management
- Three core courses, one each from the following three departments (9 credits total):
- Anthropology: ANTH 1540 Special Topics in Archaeology: Special Topics—Architecture, ANTH 1591 Historical Archaeology, or HA&A 1910 Historic Preservation
- History: HIST 1626 History of the U.S. Landscape or HIST 1665 History of the American City
- History of Art Architecture: HA&A 1530 American Architecture 1: To Civil War or HA&A 1531 American Architecture 2: To Today
- Two courses chosen from among a list of anthropology, history, and history of art and architecture courses, unless the student is majoring in one of these three areas. Students in these three majors might need to take three courses from among the electives instead of the usual two, because a course that counts toward a major cannot simultaneously count toward this certificate. The list of electives is available from the A&S Advising Center.
Classes listed above as core course options for the certificate may also be chosen for electives. For example, if HIST 1626 History of the U.S. Landscape fulfills a core requirement in history, then HIST 1665 History of the American City can count as an elective.
Jewish Studies Certificate
The Jewish Studies Program is open to all students interested in the Hebrew language and the history and culture of the Jewish people and their contributions to Western civilization. In the historical courses, emphasis is on the interaction of the Jewish people with their neighbors, as well as the development of distinctive cultural and religious values. A certificate program is offered, and interdisciplinary studies options can be arranged to include courses in this program. Information is also available on opportunities for intensive study in Israel. The program in Jewish studies offers undergraduates the opportunity to supplement work in their own department or major with an interdisciplinary course of study in the area of Jewish studies. Completion of the certificate program fulfills the A&S requirement for a related area (although students should check with their major departments) and will be indicated on the transcript.
Requirements for the Jewish Studies Certificate
The certificate requires 18 credits. A maximum of 9 credits may be transferred from another institution, including study abroad. Credits are to be distributed as follows:
- Proficiency in the Hebrew language at the intermediate level (JS 0025 Intermediate Hebrew 3 or higher)
- Jewish studies: Two 1000-level courses selected from the following (or comparable courses):
- JS 1100 Israel in the Biblical Age
- JS 1222 Jewish Mysticism
- JS 1225 Jewish Culture in Medieval Spain
- JS 1230 Ashkenazi Jewry: Medieval Period
- JS 1240 Sephardi Jewry: Medieval Period
- JS 1250 (Modern Jewry)
- JS 1252 History of the Holocaust
- JS 1254 After the Holocaust
- JS 1256 Modern Israel
- JS 1257 Russian Jewry
- JS 1260 Jews in the United States
- JS 1266 Israel: State and Society, 1948–1988
- JS 1640 Jews in the Islamic World
- JS 1646 Rabbinic Approaches to the Non-Jewish World
- JS 1901 Independent Study
- Religious studies
- At least one course focused on an alternative religious tradition offered by the Department of Religious Studies
Those interested in graduate study are strongly urged to acquire a knowledge of Hebrew and either French or German. Students should consult with the advisor in the Jewish Studies Program in order to register their interest in the certificate program and to plan their course of study, including the choice of an appropriate independent study project.
Medieval and Renaissance Studies Certificate
In spite of change through the centuries and variations of a regional and national character, the millennium preceding the deaths of Shakespeare and Cervantes in 1616 is marked by a coherence sufficient to justify considering it as a cultural entity, worthy of study for its humanistic qualities and for its importance in preparing the modern world. Some of the principal aims of the Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program are
- to identify and explore aspects of medieval and Renaissance cultures that are an important part of our own cultural heritage;
- to promote an understanding of our medieval and Renaissance ancestors through the investigation of the ways they faced the issues of their day, asked questions of their institutions, and were conscious of themselves and the world around them;
- to help students understand historical relativity by showing them how different periods and individuals have understood the Middle Ages and Renaissance in very different ways; and
- to provide the basis for an open-minded attitude toward any culture that is different from our own.
In consultation with a program advisor (who may be a member of the Executive Committee, one of the departmental representatives, or another faculty member specializing in the area), the candidate will define an area of interest and organize a program of courses in relation to it. In designing a certificate program, students are urged to keep in mind the aims of the program as described above. For more information, see www.pitt.edu/~medren.
Requirements for Medieval and Renaissance Certificate
At least 24 credits are required, of which a minimum of 18 must be earned in 1000-level courses. These courses are distributed in two broad categories:
- literature, music, and the visual arts
- history in its several aspects: intellectual, ideological, social, and economic (e.g., philosophy; religion; the history of science, institutions, and ideas)
A minimum of three 3-credit courses (or the equivalent) must be taken in each of these two areas. At least one general course focusing on the Middle Ages and at least one on the Renaissance are required. These courses may be chosen from courses offered by the Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program or from among approved departmental course offerings. Courses should not be chosen at random but should follow a pattern of interrelated studies. Finally, all certificate candidates should acquire a reading knowledge of a modern European language as early as possible. (The study of Latin is also suggested for those who plan to do graduate work in the field.)
Photonics Certificate
Photonics is one of the fastest growing high-tech industries
in the world today. It includes optical communications (e.g.,
fiber optics, lasers, and infrared links), optical imaging (e.g.,
spy and weather satellites, night vision, holography, flat screen
display, and CCD video cameras), optical data storage (e.g., CDs
and CD-ROMs), optical detectors (e.g., supermarket scanners, medical
optics, and nondestructive evaluation of materials), lasers (e.g.,
welding lasers, laser surgery, laser shows, and laser rangefinders),
spectroscopy (e.g., chemical analysis and detection), and quantum
optics (e.g., quantum cryptography, quantum computing, and single-photon
detection).
Although the photonics industry is growing rapidly, photonics companies have a hard time finding qualified people because the interdisciplinary field crosses physics, physical chemistry, and electrical engineering. The photonics certificate program at the University of Pittsburgh will give this kind of cross-cutting experience and allow students to move directly into the photonics industry. The Certificate in Photonics will also serve as good preparation for graduate school in solid state physics, physical chemistry, or electrical engineering with optoelectronics emphasis.
Students in the certificate program will have opportunities for laboratory research with professors at the University of Pittsburgh and will also receive special job placement referrals.
Requirements for Certificate in Photonics
The certificate is designed to fit easily with a physics, chemistry, or electrical engineering major, but students with other majors can also earn the certificate.
To receive the certificate, students must have taken introductory
physics (e.g., PHYS 0174 and 0175 Basic Physics for Science and
Engineering 1 and 2 or PHYS 0475 and 0476 UHC Introduction to
Physics for Science and Engineering 1 and 2), chemistry (e.g.,
CHEM 0110 and 0120 General Chemistry 1 and 2 or CHEM 0960 and
0970 General Chemistry for Engineers 1 and 2), and math up to
and including vector analysis (MATH 0220 and 0230 Analytic Geometry
and Calculus 1 and 2 and MATH 0240 Analytic Geometry and Calculus
3 and MATH 0250 Matrix Theory and Differential Equations), as
well as a basic laboratory course as PHYS 0219 Basic Lab Physics
for Science and Engineering or PHYS 0577 Modern Physics Measurements,
CHEM 0250 and 0260 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry and Lab,
or EE 0501 Digital Systems Laboratory. In addition, the following
courses are required for the certificate:
- EE 0247 Semiconductor Device Theory (3 credits)
- EE 1232 Introduction to Lasers and Optical Electronics (3 credits)
- PHYS 0160 Electricity and Magnetism (3 credits) or EE 1259 and 1266
- PHYS 1225 Analog and Digital Electronics (3 credits) or EE 1201 Electronic Measurements and Circuits Lab and EE 1212 Electronic Circuit Design Lab
- PHYS 0368 Wave Motion and Optics (3 credits)
- CHEM 1410 Physical Chemistry 1 (Spectroscopy) (3 credits) and Chemistry 1430 Physical Chemistry Lab 1 (1 credit)
- CHEM 1250 Instrumental Analysis (3 credits) and CHEM 1255 Instrumental Analysis Lab (1 credit)
- Junior Photonics Seminar (two semesters, each 1 credit) (cross listed as PHYS 0177, CHEM 1750, or EE 1248)
- Photonics Theory 1 (3 credits) (cross listed as PHYS 1160, CHEM 1470, or EE 1240)
- Photonics Theory 2 (3 credits) (cross listed as PHYS 1161, CHEM 1480, or EE 1241)
For more information, see www.phyast.pitt.edu/~snoke/photonics.
Public and Professional Writing Certificate (PPW)
Writing plays a crucial role in the lives of people after they leave college, as students go on to work, volunteer, attend professional schools, and advocate for themselves and others. The PPW certificate focuses on writing that serves professional goals and/or the public interest. We invite students from across the University to focus on writing as a way to develop the critical writing, learning, and thinking skills necessary to all sectors of American professional life—private, nonprofit, and government.
Students who know that they will write extensively as professionals in law, medicine, the sciences, social work, public policy, international relations, business, or other fields are good candidates for the PPW certificate, as are students who are interested in advocacy and activism. Students contemplating graduate work should also find the course of study leading to the PPW certificate useful. The courses will allow students to work on significant writing projects in a range of venues. Students who have finished the certificate should have a compelling portfolio of work that they can show to prospective employers.
Students should expect to undertake rigorous intellectual work that will increase their precision as writers, deepen their facility with language and style, and deepen their engagement with writing as a form of social action that has consequences in the world. For more information, see www.english.pitt.edu/ppw/index.html.
All students who wish to enroll in the certificate program must submit a letter of intent (this would be the equivalent of an admission essay), a resume, and a writing sample. Please submit this information via campus mail or U.S. mail to Department of English, Public and Professional Writing Certificate, 526 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.
Requirements for Certificate in Public and Professional Writing
At least 18 credits are required to complete the PPW certificate; students must maintain a minimum B GPA in the three courses required by the certificate.
Students must take ONE of the following core courses:
- ENGCMP 0400 Written Professional Communication
- ENGCMP 0410 Writing in the Legal Professions
- ENGCMP 0420 Writing for the Public
After they have completed one of the core courses with at least a B, students must also complete, with at least a B, a minimum of TWO approved 1000-level courses (one of which may be a PPW internship) in the composition program.
The remaining 9 credits may come from designated intermediate and advanced course offerings in the English department. The list of designated courses that count toward the certificate will be given to students when they register for the program; designated courses will also be listed online in September 2003. Students may petition to have a relevant course count toward the PPW certificate.
Women’s Studies Certificate
Women’s Studies is an interdisciplinary program focusing on
women, gender, and sexuality. Women’s Studies (WOMNST)
courses and cross-listed courses in various
departments across the university provide
opportunities for women and men to broaden
their understandings of the changing role
of gender in the United States and globally. Students
who want to explore the intersection of
gender with race, class, ethnicity, ability,
and sexual orientation will find courses
of interest, as will students who want
to know more about the role of women in
history, in literature and the arts, in
media and science. Women’s
Studies coursework and internship opportunities
help to prepare students for careers in
medicine, the creative arts, social work,
education, counseling, law, therapy, and
business. Still
others report that the confidence and insight
that they acquirein such courses enriches
their lives regardless of their particular
career goals. For
more information, please visit the Women’s Studies Program,
2205 Posvar Hall or online at www.pitt.edu/~wstudies.
The Women’s Studies Certificate is designed for the student
majoring in another field who wishes to do some concentrated work
in gender-related study. Through Independent Study, Certificate
students design innovative research and/or creative activity with
women’s studies core faculty. Internships provide students
with opportunities to put their classroom experience to use in the
larger community .
Requirements for the Women’s Studies Certificate
Any student enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh for the 2005-2006
academic year or earlier, may choose to
follow either Plan A or Plan B to complete
the Women’s Studies
Undergraduate Certificate. Students
enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh
for the 2006-2007 academic year or after
will follow Plan A. Please consult the
Women’s
Studies Undergraduate Advisor to plan your
program of study.
Certificate Requirements: Plan A
A minimum of 18-credits, completed with an overall GPA of 2.00 is
required, as follows:
- Two introductory core courses in Women’s Studies, such
as WOMNST 0100 Introduction to Women’s Studies and WOMNST
0500 Introduction to Feminist Theory
- Three elective courses from at least 2 different academic departments,
such as Anth 1172 Anthropology of Women,
ENGCMP 0203 Seminar in Composition: Women’s Studies,
ENGLIT 0630 Sexuality and Representation,
LEGLST Sex, Law, and Marriage, RELGST 1648
Gender and the Jewish Tradition, SOC 1365
Race, Gender and Development, WOMNST 1901 Independent
Study
One advanced Women's Studies interdisciplinary
course, such as WOMNST 1140 Special Topics
in Women’s Studies, WOMNST 1150 Global Feminisms, WOMNST
1160 Special Topics in Gender, Race and
Class, WOMNST 1170 Queer
Theory
Certificate Requirements: Plan B
A minimum of 18-credits, completed with an overall GPA of 2.00 is
required, as follows:
- One introductory interdisciplinary
course, such as WOMNST 0100 Introduction
to Women’s Studies or WOMNST 0500 Introduction to Feminist
Theory
- One lower-level Women's Studies courses, such as AFRCNA 0054
Man/Woman Literature, ENGLIT 0610 Women
and Literature , PSY 0184 Psychology
of Gender, SOC 0446 Sociology
of Gender
- One upper-level Women's Studies courses, such as ADMJ
1242 Gender, Race, Class and Crime, FR
1085 Women’s
Voices in French Literature, HIST 1662
Topics in Women’s History,
RELGST 1648 Gender
and the Jewish Tradition
- One upper-level interdisciplinary course, such as WOMNST
1150 Global Feminisms, WOMNST 1160
Special Topics in Gender, Race and Class, WOMNST 1170 Queer Theory,
WOMNST 1900 Internship, WOMNST 1901
Independent Study
Internship opportunities are available for students who wish to gain practical knowledge on the job at agencies dealing with issues directly concerning women. These internships must be supervised by a women’s studies core faculty member, and the student must have taken at least 60 credits, be in good academic standing, and have completed four courses in women’s studies (12 credits) relevant to the internship. Women’s studies courses may serve as all or part of this 12-credit requirement.
Women’s studies is an interdisciplinary field with opportunities for innovative research that students find especially challenging. Students are encouraged to do research on special topics or other projects in an independent study course (usually 3 credits per term). The prerequisite is at least two women’s studies courses and at least two courses in the field appropriate to the independent study (these courses may overlap).
Honors and Awards
Numerous prizes and awards are given annually to A&S students for outstanding academic performance. All eligible candidates are automatically considered by committees set up to administer the various prizes, some of which are listed below. Some departments also give awards for outstanding students in the discipline. Information about these awards is available through the A&S office or the individual departments (view an updated listing of scholarships, prizes, and honors in A&S):
- A&S Scholarship Fund, for outstanding academic achievement
- Abraham Pais Award, for excellence in technical writing
- ACS Award, for excellence in analytical chemistry
- ALCOA Excellence Award, for academic achievement in computer science
- Alden Forbes Family Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, financial need, majoring in biological sciences or chemistry
- Alison Bentley Kephart Memorial Fund in the Biological Sciences, for outstanding performance in freshman biological science courses
- Allan McLeod Bryson Merit Scholarship, outstanding achievement majoring in math or physical sciences
- American Institute of Chemists Award, for Leadership in the undergraduate chemistry program
- Anita J. Curka Music Scholarship, for outstanding performance in voice or piano
- Audrey K. Israel Memorial Scholarship, to commuter student for outstanding academic achievement
- Averill Scholarship, outstanding performance to a sophomore chemistry major
- Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, for academic excellence
- Carlos and Carla Caso Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, financial need
- Carrie T. Holland Scholarship, for outstanding academic achievement
- Challenge Scholarship, for educationally and/or economically disadvantaged students enrolled in the School of Arts and Sciences
- Chancellor's Undergraduate Merit Scholarships, for outstanding academic performance in high school
- Chinese Language Study Abroad Scholarships, for outstanding students in Chinese
- Class of 1937 Scholarship, to provide awards to outstanding students in the School of Arts and Sciences
- Composition Program Writing Award, for outstanding essays
- David Schenker Student Prize, for outstanding essay in economics
- Dennis Stefanacci Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, financial need
- Donald S. Wood Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, financial need, varsity band
- Dorothy D. Burkhart Scholarship, for excellence in undergraduate work in English studies
- Edgar L. Levenson Grant Fund, financial need
- Edward L. Dardanell Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, financial need, major in political science
- English Major Merit Award, funded by the Ketchum Brothers Educational Fund, for outstanding academic performance, especially in written and verbal skills, by a junior English major
- Eugene F. Scanlon Scholarship, Central Catholic graduate demonstrating leadership and intention to enter public service
- Exxon Excellence Award, for academic achievement in computer science
- Exxon Foundation Award, for academic achievement in computer science
- Foltin Memorial Prize, for outstanding performance in German
- Ford Scholarship Award, for outstanding third year economics student
- Francis Wright Weber Memorial Award for Journalism, for excellence in news or feature writing
- Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award, for academic achievement in chemistry
- Friends of the Frick History of Art and Architecture Undergraduate Award, for excellence in history of art and architecture
- George Barnes Scholarship, for academic excellence by a student majoring in history
- Gerald McCauley Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement
- Halliday-Resnick Award, for undergraduate research in physics
- Haskins Undergraduate Student Award, for academic excellence in the history of art and architecture
- Helen Faison Scholarships, for African-American high school students who have outstanding records of scholarship and service
- Howard Ross Siskin Memorial Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, economics or statistics major
- Ira A. Messer Award, to the junior chemistry major with the highest academic average
- James B. Lawler Memorial Scholarship, for outstanding academic achievement
- James E. Bradler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research, for excellence in neuroscience research
- James Snead Memorial Essay Award, for an outstanding essay by an undergraduate
- Jean Hamilton Walls Undergraduate Research Award, for outstanding performance by African-American and Hispanic students in the QUEST Research Program
- Jeff Maltz Undergraduate Scholarship in German Studies for academic excellence
- John F. Haskins Student Award, for excellence in history of art and architecture
- Joseph C. Johnson Jr., Class of 1939, Endowed Scholarship, for outstanding academic performance by students who are residents of Washington County
- Joseph E. Gallagher Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement
- Keith E. Schaefer Undergraduate Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, financial need
- Landmark Scholarship, for leadership and scholarship by a senior female and/or African-American dual business major
- Lee Noble Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, majoring in either biological sciences, chemistry, math, or physics
- Leonard Edward Schwartz Prize, awarded to student demonstrating strong commitment to the qualities of cultural diversity
- Lilly Summer Research Fellowship, for outstanding U.G. research
- Lore B. Foltin Memorial Prize, for high academic achievement in the study of German Language and Literature
- M.M. Culver Memorial Fund, for outstanding mathematics major
- Margaret and Richard Shaw Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, financial need
- Marietta d'Auberge Scholarship, for an undergraduate majoring in music
- Martin P. Goozh Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, financial need
- Mary Louise Theodore Prize, given to several outstanding senior majors based on academic performance and involvement
- Maurice L. Golladay, for outstanding academic achievement
- McWilliams Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, financial need
- Mellon Jazz Scholarship, for outstanding performance in jazz by a music major
- Merck Award, for highest ranked pre-professional chemistry major
- Mid-50s Sigs and Sweethearts Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, financial need
- Mildred Miller Posvar Scholarship, for an outstanding senior majoring in music
- Nationality Room Scholarships, for outstanding students studying abroad
- Nippon Sheet Glass Scholarships, for Japanese Studies Year-in-Japan and for the Chinese Summer Language Scholarships
- Ossip Writing Awards, for excellence in undergraduate writing
- Outstanding Freshman Scholar Award, for excellent performance in biological science courses
- Outstanding Scholar Award, for excellent performance in biological science courses
- Outstanding Senior Award, for excellence in studio arts
- Phillips Medal, presented to the highest ranked senior chemistry major
- Pitt Connection Transfer Scholarships, for excellent academic performance by community college transfer students
- Pittsburgh Female College Memorial, for outstanding academic achievement
- Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center Summer Institute Award, for excellence in computer science
- R.T. and J. P. Ramsay Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement
- Richard F. Zarilla Award, for educational needs in chemistry
- Richard T. Hartman Fund, for deserving students at Pymatuning Laboratory
- Rita R and David A Rossi Scholarship, for academic excellence and involvement in chemistry
- Robert Grierson Scholarship, for outstanding academic achievement
- Robert John and Helen Marie Coster Scholarship, for outstanding academic achievement
- Ruth L.M. Kuschmierz "Pitt in Germany" Scholarship Fund in recognition of high academic achievement
- SACP College Award, presented to an outstanding graduating senior chemistry major
- Sam and Sophia Zacharias Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement
- Samuel Vanworth Harris Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, financial need
- Selma N. Hernandez Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, financial need
- Silverman Award, for interest in chemistry as a profession and overall achievement
- Studio Arts Merit Awards, for excellence in studio arts
- Teplitz Memorial Scholarship, for academic excellence in chemistry
- Terrence F. and Mary Lou O'Connor Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, financial need, majoring in economics
- The Continental Promotion Group, Inc. Scholarship in recognition of high academic achievement in the Study of German Language and Literature.
- The Lubrizol Scholarship, for excellence and involvement in the undergraduate chemistry program
- Tung-Liand Hui Hsi Yuan Prize in A&S, for students of Chinese descent graduating summa cum laude from the School of Arts and Sciences
- Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry, for excellence in analytical chemistry
- Undergraduate Research Fellowship, to support student involvement in independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor
- Undergraduate Teaching Fellowships, for joint student-faculty teaching projects
- University Scholarships, for outstanding academic performance in high school
- Valedictorian Scholarships, for academic excellence in high school, based on class rank
- Valspar Award, for excellence in chemistry
- Virginia Halen Neubeck Scholarship, outstanding academic achievement, graduate of Hatboro-Horsham High School
- Westinghouse Scholarship, for outstanding academic achievement in mathematics and science
- Wilma Binder Zeder Memorial Scholarship Fund, for outstanding academic performance
- Women's Studies Program Annual Research Prize Competition on Women and Gender, for undergraduate research
Declaring a Major
All students are required to complete a major or other upper-class option in addition to the skills and general education requirements. Students declare their major by filling out an Undergraduate Academic Program Change form available in the A&S Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall. Students normally declare their major during their fourth term of full-time study.
MAJOR AND MINOR DESCRIPTIONS BY DEPARTMENT
The academic departments in Arts and Sciences offer more than 50 majors and 20 minors in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. For more complete information on these majors and minors, go to the A&S Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall (see www.advising.pitt.edu) or go to the individual department.
The following section is listed alphabetically by department
with information on specific majors and minors given under the
department(s) responsible for administering them.
