EUROPEAN STUDIES CERTIFICATE

We offer a European Studies Certificate at the Graduate and Undergraduate level which reflects our efforts to expanding curriculum innovations and providing students with an opportunity to gain further specialization. The European Studies Certificate is entering its third year on campus, and has led many students to combine their study abroad, language, internship, and capstone papers into a focus on European Studies. Registration for the certificate is through your academic advisor during your first year as a graduate student and during your freshman and sophomore year as an undergraduate. The certificate is open, by application, to all students, upon registration and the certificate if completed is awarded upon graduation. A list of accepted courses also available here.

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EUROPEAN STUDIES CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

European Studies Certificate Worksheet

RATIONALE

A European studies certificate provides an opportunity for students at the graduate and undergraduate level to coordinate their courses around themes or regional expertise related to Europe. This certificate is open to students in all majors and disciplines provided that they register and complete the academic requirements. Offering a wide range of academic and professional courses on the region, the certificate is designed so that students can demonstrate substantive knowledge about specific aspects of European culture, history, politics, economics and society, as well as demonstrate language competency and complete an experiential learning experience such as an internship or study abroad that directly relates to Europe. American University has over 35 faculty members engaged in research and teaching on Eastern and Western Europe across all schools and departments. A European studies certificate builds on our existing strength in the AU Abroad programs in Europe, as well as other AU special courses and programs offered overseas that are supervised by AU faculty. All students completing the requirements will receive university recognition in the form of a European studies certificate.

APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION

Admission to the certificate program is open to students who are matriculating in a graduate or undergraduate program at American University. Non-degree students must apply directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions in the School of International Service.

Students interested in a European studies certificate may register for this certificate with his/her advisor. A specific registration code is available for this certificate. The academic program code is CERT.GEUR = Graduate Certificate in European Studies. The academic program code is CERT.UEUR =

Undergraduate students must register for this certificate by sophomore year and graduate students must register for this certificate by the end of is/her first year of study. Please note that junior and senior students may register for this certificate provided that no more than 9 credits of coursework can be applied to the program before registration.

Credit earned through AP/IB exams CANNOT be used to fulfill certificate requirements.

Students must complete the certificate within six semesters of registration.
Minimum grade requirements of B are required to fulfill the certificate requirements
Transfer students are allowed to apply a maximum of 3 transfer credits towards the certificate.

CORE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Related Coursework: 18 Credit Hours of Approved European Courses

Undergraduate students must:
• Take 9 credits at the 300 level or above
• Earn a B or better in courses used to fulfill certificate requirements
• Take at least 6 credits of related coursework outside of their major discipline

Graduate students must:
• Take 6 credits at the 600 level or above
• Earn a B or better in courses used to fulfill certificate requirements
• Take at least 3 credits of coursework outside of their major discipline

Additional ways to earn approved credit:
• Students can earn 3 credits through the internship/study abroad requirement
• (1) 3 credit independent study may be applied towards the certificate provided that the focus relates to Europe. Any questions about the applicability of an independent study should be directed towards the European Studies Certificate Advisor.
• Specific non-recurring classes/special topics on Europe may be applied towards the certificate program.
• New courses on Europe may be applied towards the certificate program. New courses will be added to the approved course list when applicable.
• Please note that students may apply up to 3 credits from another institution towards the certificate
EITHER
• (1) 3 credit European course from the DC Consortium may be applied towards the certificate OR
• (1) 3 credit approved European course taken outside of AU from an accredited institution (permit of study)

2. Language Proficiency in a European Language

Competency may be demonstrated in any European language.
Native speakers who have been educated in their native language will have fulfilled the language requirement.

Graduate Students may fulfill the language requirement in one of the following ways:
• languages taught at AU: pass the Tool of Research exam
OR
• languages not taught at AU: pass a language proficiency test

Undergraduate Students may fulfill the language requirement in one of the following ways:
• languages taught at AU:
~ complete Intermediate II at AU with the grade of B or better
~ complete one course at the 300 level or above at AU
OR
~ pass a language proficiency test
• languages not taught at AU: pass a language proficiency test

Prior approval of language competency test is needed from the European Studies certificate advisor.

3. Experience Component

• Study Abroad in a European Country
• Domestic/International Internship Experience related to Europe

An internship or study abroad program applicable to European Studies must be completed. Internships can be completed in either the US or Europe provided that there is a substantial focus on European social, political, literacy, economic, business, or cultural issues. This can constitute a 3-credit option.

4. A Capstone Paper, Thesis, Research Paper, Business Case Study or Other Independent Research Project

This assignment can be completed in conjunction with a specific course under the supervision of a faculty member. NO separate registration for this requirement is necessary; it should constitute part of an existing course requirement.

Download the European Studies Certificate Worksheet

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Europe Council @ American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016-8071
Email: europeancouncil@american.edu