The certificate in international engineering provides recognition for a student's efforts to prepare for an international career by learning about one or more countries outside the United States. An undergraduate student in the College of Engineering or the Department of Biological Systems Engineering can earn the certificate by completing at least 16 credits in courses with a primary focus on the language, culture, history, geography, society, or institutions of a particular country or region of the world.
How to Get in
Students can apply for the Certificate in International Engineering by completing this form. Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 and have met progression requirements to apply.
Requirements
A minimum of 16 credits is required. Up to eight transfer credits and up to three credits of Independent Study or Directed Study can be used toward completing the certificate.
Language Courses (0-9 Credits)
Although not required, a maximum of 9 credits may be devoted to courses in a foreign language. Only foreign language courses beyond the initial 8 credits in that particular language may be used to satisfy this requirement. A maximum of 3 credits from Independent Study or Directed Study may be counted toward the language requirements. Advanced Placement credits, foreign language retroactive credits, and transfer credits are accepted.
Area Studies Courses (6-15 Credits)
A minimum of 6 credits must be devoted to courses with a major emphasis on the culture, history, geography, society, or institutions of one country or the countries in a geographically identifiable region of the world. These courses must be selected from at least two departments. A maximum of three credits from Independent Study or Directed Study may be counted toward the area studies requirements. Advanced Placement credits and transfer credits are accepted.
International Experience
A documented stay of five weeks or longer for study or engineering-related volunteer or work (including internship and co-op) in the designated country or region is required.
International Engineering Course
After one's international experience, successful completion of the 1-credit course INTEREGR 413 is required. This course is only offered during the fall semester and students must be admitted into the certificate to enroll in this course.
Students may not elect the pass/fail option for any course that is used to satisfy the requirements for the certificate, with the exception of courses taken on a study abroad program through International Academic Programs in collaboration with the College of Engineering. Successful completion of certificate requirements will be noted on the student’s official transcript at graduation. For additional information, contact international@engr.wisc.edu.
Certificate Completion Requirement
This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.
Learning Outcomes
- Study the language and/or culture of a specific area of the world.
- Obtain a significant international experience in that same area of the world (meaning spending 5 weeks or more in the area).
- Understand and be able to articulate specific insights about the international dimension of engineering as a profession.