The Conflict/Conflict Resolution Certificate in Global Studies is an academic credential offered by the University Center for International Studies (UCIS) Global Studies Center. The certificate explores the historical and contemporary causes and consequences of international, ethnic, and religious conflicts. This course of study also considers the ways to prevent and resolve conflicts, such as negotiations.  The certificate is open to students of all majors and can be combined with the business-centric certificates offered through Pitt Business.

Benefit to Pitt Business Students

To work in the global marketplace, business leaders must understand how companies can thrive or falter in relation to their surrounding societal and political environments. With completion of the Conflict/Conflict Resolution Global Studies Certificate, students will better develop expertise to approach and understand the historical or current sources of tension and conflict. Conflict/Conflict Resolution provides students with knowledge and context of conflict at the local, national, and international level. Students can become the globally competent business leaders of tomorrow by identifying and explaining how conflict may impact business development, business operations, and domestic and global markets.

Applications to Business

With the Conflict/Conflict Resolution Certificate in Global Studies, students are able to study topics including but not limited to:

• How international terrorism impacts business
• How governmental reaction to conflict impacts the business community
• How natural disasters create localized conflict and how that impacts business and trade

Contemporary Issues

A range of important societal issues are related to the topics covered in the Conflict/Conflict Resolution Certificate in Global Studies, including:

• Refugees and immigration
• Religious tension and areas of high conflict
• Food and water scarcity
• Natural disasters
• Energy and fossil fuel dependency
• International terrorism
• Repercussions of colonialism
• Economic disparity/classism

Academic Requirements

The Conflict/Conflict Resolution Certificate in Global Studies is an 18-credit program designed as an enhancement to the Pitt Business Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree program.  It builds upon the core curriculum and offers perspectives that are relevant to students earning a major in accounting, business information systems, finance, global management, human resources management, marketing, and supply chain management.  Students who earn the certificate are also able to complement their global studies certificate with any of the certificate programs offered through Pitt Business.

Curriculum

The certificate comprises a total of 18 academic credits. Students must complete one required course, a range of elective courses, and must fulfill language requirements. Students are also required to submit a capstone paper that highlights an issue related to conflict and conflict resolution.

1. Required Courses (3 credits) – The following course is required:

• Intro to Global Studies (PS 0550)

2. Elective Courses (15 credits) – Students select courses from a robust list of electives.

• Students are able to double count up to six credits from their major, which allows them to fulfill their general education requirements, major requirements, and certificate requirements at the same time
• Students must select three courses from at least two departments other than their major
• Courses from Pitt Business, and the schools of humanities, social sciences, and other professional schools can count toward the certificate

3. Language

• Students must complete two years of college-level language study
• Students must have a minimum of intermediate, low-level proficiency in a foreign language
• The foreign language credits are not included in the 18 credits required for the certificate

4. Study Abroad

• Study abroad is not required but is highly recommended
• Please contact the Pitt Business International Programs Office for global experiences programs that compliment the certificate

How to Enroll in the Program

Students interested in the Conflict/Conflict Resolution Certificate in Global Studies should schedule an appointment with Global Studies Advisor Elaine Lin through www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/advising.  In addition to receiving information about the academic credentials of the program, students will be able to learn about funding opportunities, lectures, and engagement opportunities with global decision makers.