International certificate programs

North Georgia, in conjunction with other universities throughout the University System of Georgia, offers students the opportunity to diversify their college experience through concentrating their studies in a particular geographic area. As part of our goal to better prepare students for the increasingly global marketplace, North Georgia offers certificate programs in both European Union studies and in Latin American studies. If you need more information about either of these certificates, please stop by the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) in 343 Hansford Hall for further information.

The European Union Certificate

The European Union Certificate is open to all academic majors. Professionals can also audit courses with the permission of the instructor. Students can apply to be accepted into the certificate program after the successful completion of all of the following:

  1. Course in World or Western Civilization;
  2. Introductory course on the European Union (with a grade of "C" or better);
  3. 2.75 cumulative GPA;
  4. 30 semester hours of academic credit.

Students may obtain an application from Dr. Craig Greathouse in the Political Science and Criminal Justice Department, West Main Hall 317. Once the student has been accepted into the program, he/she can continue to fulfill the remainder of the program through the completion of the following courses:

  1. Four discipline-specific courses (3 courses must be from different disciplines). Choose from the following disciplines:

    Business and Economics

    Humanities and Fine Arts

    Natural and Health Sciences

    Social Sciences

  2. No more than one course at the 1000-2000 level
  3. A practicum experience either in the form of an overseas program or professional internship
  4. Capstone Seminar

If interested, the student can also have a notation of distinction on the certificate for language proficiency or an honors thesis.

The Latin American Studies Certificate

The Latin American Studies Certificate is offered in conjunction with other universities within the University System of Georgia. Students from all majors can apply to be accepted into the certificate program following successful completion of the following:

  1. 30 hours of academic credit at a four-year institution, or 15 hours of academic credit at a two-year institution;
  2. Cumulative GPA of 2.80;
  3. One 3-hour interdisciplinary course which focuses on Latin America or a 3-hour course on Latin American culture and civilization.

Students must also be able to demonstrate oral and written proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Haitian Creole, or Quechua. This requirement can be fulfilled by any of the following:

  1. Six hours of course work at the 3000-level with a grade of C or better. These hours may be taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
  2. Demonstration of language proficiency above the intermediate level as defined by ACTFL standards through examination.
  3. Successful completion of an oral and written examination evaluated by a qualified University System of Georgia faculty member.

In addition to the language proficiency component, students must also complete 9 hours of coursework beyond the introductory course in disciplines related to Latin America. Six of these hours must come from outside the major. These hours can be earned in the following ways:

  1. Any Latin American upper division courses offered in the University System of Georgia;
  2. Up to 6 credit hours in comparative or survey courses that have a minimum 25% Latin American component;
  3. Up to 6 credit hours of study abroad coursework or internships.

Note: All study abroad programs and internships must be approved by the Center for Global Engagement Director or the North Georgia CLAS Coordinator. All courses require a grade of C or better. No more than one course may be taken at the 1000-2000 level.

The following faculty members oversee the fulfillment of the requirements for the certificate programs, as well as assist the student in enrollment in the on-line components of the certificates.

Latin American Certificate - Dr. Victoria McCard (Modern Languages); EU Certificate - Dr. Craig Greathouse (Political Science and Criminal Justice).

The Center for Global Engagement also facilitates International Studies courses to assist students through the process of enrollment in study abroad courses.

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Degree Programs