The certificate in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies gives you the opportunity to explore different literary traditions in relation to the historical and cultural processes that have shaped contemporary society. Combining language study, innovative core courses on theory and methods, and an eclectic mix of electives from various departments, the certificate is designed to be flexible and interdisciplinary, allowing you to pursue your own path based on your interests and passions. You may take, for instance, courses on superhero comics, comparative world history, Bollywood cinema, Caribbean literature, and more. The certificate encourages an expansive and diverse perspective on literary study, connecting it to other forms of creative expression such as comics, film, the visual arts, and new media as well as to its social, political, and historical contexts.
Certificate in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies at Portland State University
The Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies at Portland State University is a Certificate program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 1 year to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on September 26, 2026.
About Certificate in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Certificate in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies at Portland State University
Entry Requirements
General Secondary Education Certificate/Exam (Tawjihi), Overall average greater than 80%
English Requirements
- PTEMin 53
- IELTSMin 6
- TOEFLMin 71
Career Opportunities after Completing Certificate in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies
Training in comparative literary and cultural studies provides you with the knowledge and skills to analyze complex texts, write efficiently and persuasively, and think imaginatively not only about literature but also about other texts such as advertisements, blogs, images, journalistic writing, and legal documents. Your coursework and experience will equip you to function comfortably in complex work environments, find creative solutions to problems, and engage sensitively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. All of these qualities are extremely valuable in the modern workplace.
Some of our alumni go on to graduate programs in English, comparative literature, and foreign languages at other universities, while others use their multicultural skill set in a variety of careers. With PSU's certificate in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies, you'll be prepared to find work in a number of different industries, including journalism, publishing, grant writing, teaching and tutoring, media relations and public outreach, human resources, foreign service, international trade, communications and negotiation, translation and interpretation, travel and tourism, and more.
Fee Information
How to Apply
Submit Your Application and $60 Application Fee
Go to Portland State University's online application system and select Create Account. If you have already started an application, or created one for a past term, select Log In.
Submit Academic Records
You are required to submit complete academic records. We accept high school transcripts, grades and other relevant academic records along with your graduation certificate, diploma or exam results or certificates. If you have taken any college or university classes, submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. You can submit unofficial transcripts from non-U.S. institutions for review of your application and to receive an admission decision. Official transcripts are required for enrollment, see our official records policy for details.
Electronic Submission: Transcripts may be submitted via Parchment or sent directly from a school official to [email protected].
In Person Submission: You can bring these directly to our office upon arrival to Portland State.
Mail Submission: Submit official transcripts in their original sealed envelopes from all schools attended and mail them to PSU at the address below.
Portland State University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 751
Portland OR 97207-0751
Submit Evidence of English Language Proficiency
Request official test results to be sent directly to Portland State University by ETS (TOEFL), PTE, or IELTS. Students who meet the academic requirements for admission to PSU, but have not yet met English proficiency requirements, will be admitted to PSU and placed into one of our ESL programs. Review PSU’s English Language Proficiency Requirements for more details.
- TOEFL Code: 4610, department code 00
- SAT Code: 4610
Check Your Application Status
If you have submitted an application to Portland State University, you can log in to PSU's application portal to review the status of your application. You will be notified via email for each document you submit and your admission decision.
If you are not receiving email communications from Portland State University, be sure to check your @pdx.edu email account. Once you set up your student account all communications will be sent to that email address. If you are not receiving information from us in any email inboxes, please contact us at [email protected].
United States of America, Aberdeen