Certificate Program in International Business

The Certificate Program in International Business (CPIB) offers a special opportunity to Bachelor of Science in Business Administration students with a strong interest in the global aspects of business. The CPIB will contribute to a student’s preparation for a career in international business, which often begins with domestic job placements that can lead to international assignments as the professional’s career progresses.

Students pursuing the CPIB will be particularly attractive to employers who value students with international interests, perspective, knowledge, and experience. This program will give our students an advantage in competing for the most attractive internships and full-time positions in highly internationalized firms.

Enrollment is open only to students in the BSBA degree program. The CPIB is designed as an enrichment of the BSBA program, not as a stand-alone program. It builds on the BSBA core curriculum and may be combined with a major in accounting, finance, general management, business information systems, supply chain management, or marketing. It may not be combined with the Pitt Business global management major.

Important note: The CPIB requirements have recently been modified. CBA students who add the CPIB to their academic plan on the PeopleSoft system on or after August 30, 2010 are subject to the requirements described below. Continuing CPIB students (those who added the CPIB to their academic plan on PeopleSoft prior to August 30, 2010) will continue to fulfill the requirements specified in their academic advisement transcript on the PeopleSoft system.

CPIB Requirements

Complete one Pitt Business international course in your major from the approved list:

Pitt Business has a broad array of international internships and global service learning opportunities. Students earning the CPIB are required to complete a study abroad experience through participation in one of the following:

  • A term-long Global Business Institute Internship taken with classes (6 – 15 credits)
  • A two-month summer International Internship Program (6 credits)
  • A term-long Global Service Learning Project (3 credits) + one course (3 credits) in a University Center for International Studies (UCIS) defined area: Africa, Asia, the European Union, Latin America, Russia/Eastern Europe, or Western Europe. Global service learning projects are offered in Bolivia, Puerto Rico, or Trinidad.

A minimum of six credits earned via the international work experience will count toward the overall 15 credits required to earn the CPIB.

At a minimum, Level 4 of a foreign language must be satisfactorily completed (a two-year, four-course sequence at the University of Pittsburgh). If a foreign language is studied while abroad, the student’s language proficiency will be evaluated upon return via a University of Pittsburgh foreign-language placement exam. Students are encouraged to pursue language study beyond the minimum requirement to enhance basic proficiency and to be more prepared to take advantage of the study/internship abroad experience.

“If it were not for Pitt Business and the emphasis placed on international experiences, I never would have stepped outside of my comfort zone and studied abroad in Montevideo, Uruguay. The Global Supply Networks and Manufacturing Culture in Latin America program was an eye-opening experience that not only allowed me to dive into the study of supply chain management but also allowed me to develop invaluable personal and professional relationships. One year ago, I would have never believed anyone who told me that I would be studying abroad in Uruguay during the summer of 2019. Today, I couldn’t imagine my life had I not. Who knew three weeks of studying abroad could change your life!? “

Rachel Hannum

Marketing, Class of 2021