Undergraduate Certificate in Global Competency
Certificate Code - CU01
Objective
To provide students the opportunity to develop global competencies by working effectively across cultural and linguistic barriers while focusing on engineering and computer science issues that transcend their own culture.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will acquire basic knowledge of other languages and cultures while acquiring or applying engineering or computer science skills consistent with their programs of study.
- Students will develop communication and interpersonal skills to work with people of different backgrounds.
- Students will acquire an appreciation for contemporary issues and of the role of engineering or computer science solutions in a societal context.
Global Competencies Defined
- The ability to work effectively in different international settings
- An awareness of the major currents of global change and the issues arising from such changes
- Knowledge of global organizations and business activities
- The capacity for effective communication across cultural and linguistic boundaries
- Personal adaptability to diverse cultures
Components of the Certificate Program
- Language and Culture Component: 6-9 credit hours completed at either WVU or a foreign academic institution (recognized by WVU's Office of International Programs) in international language, culture, literature, art or history. The courses need to be associated with the host country or region. If the foreign academic institution has a primary language requirement other than English the student can count no more than six credit hours of language in the language of the foreign academic institution toward the certificate. These credit hours can be applied to WVU’s GEF requirement as appropriate.
- Engineering or Computer Science Major Coursework Component: 6-9 credit hours of engineering or computer science course work completed internationally, either from a foreign academic institution or through a WVU sponsored program applicable to the student’s major at WVU. A minimum of 6 credit hours need to be equivalent to WVU upper division courses (300 and above). The student’s course work must include significant mentorship of engineering or computer science learning activity, involving both WVU students and foreign students. At least 3 credit hours must involve experiential learning activities, which may include an industry based internship, design class, or project with report and presentation or other team based activities, for example. Each individual Statler College department will be responsible for selecting the admissible graded coursework through the respective curriculum committee.
- Social Service Component: one credit hour, minimum of social or civic engagement. This can include participation in Engineers without Borders or participation in activities in professional society student chapters with a social impact. The community service must include oversight at a professional or academic level (in other words, either a faculty member, or engineering or computer science professional should be involved).
After the aforementioned requirements are fulfilled, the Certificate of Global Competencies will only be issued to participating students upon graduation from the degree program involved with the international activity.
Certificate Learning Outcomes
Global Competency
Upon completion of the certificate students should be able to:
- Students will acquire basic knowledge of other languages and cultures while acquiring or applying engineering or computer science skills consistent with their programs of study.
- Students will develop communication and interpersonal skills to work with people of different backgrounds.
- Students will acquire an appreciation for contemporary issues and of the role of engineering or computer science solutions in a societal context.