Global Competency

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.

• Must have at least a 2.5 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale for general admission.
• Must meet English Proficiency or request conditional admission and admission to the Intensive English Program (IEP).
• Please be advised that some Engineering majors may reach capacity and therefore will be restricted from entry.
• For direct admission to some colleges and majors, SAT or ACT scores are required and must be sent to WVU directly from the respective testing services. Please review the program requirements. For all other majors, international students are encouraged but not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, if available. SAT/ACT scores are useful for determining scholarship eligibility.
• WVU welcomes applications from students with IGCSE and O-Level Certificates from an approved UK exam board for admissions consideration. We require a minimum of five subject passes, of which two must be English and Mathematics. The average of the grades must be at least a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). A passing grade in the subject of English will be accepted as evidence of sufficient English ability.

1. Review the admissions requirements, English Language Proficiency requirements (scores are for undergraduate levels only) and our undergraduate application deadlines.
2. To apply for an on-campus program, complete either the WVU Application or the Common App and include the nonrefundable fee of $65.
   
   WVU Application The Common App

   To apply for an online program, use the steps for WVU Online Campus applicants.

3. Have your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic or Duolingo English Test scores sent to WVU.
4. Send the following information to WVU:
   • Copies of all official academic records/transcripts in original language of issue (transcripts from U.S. institutions must be sent to WVU directly from the institutions).
   • Copies of all academic certificates or diplomas in original language of issue.
   Note: Original or certified copies of official records/transcripts must be submitted after admission or upon arrival.
   • English translations of academic records/transcripts and certificates/diplomas.