Contact Us
Enrollment Team
Email: admissions@swau.edu
Call: (817) 202-6794
Purpose
The Global Studies Certificate at Southwestern Adventist University prepares students to understand and engage an increasingly interconnected world through a Christ-centered, mission-driven, and globally informed perspective. Economic, political, social, cultural, historical, technological, and environmental forces shape today’s global society, calling Christian professionals to lead and serve with wisdom, cultural humility, ethical responsibility, and faith. The purpose of this certificate is to develop global literacy; the ability to analyze global systems and issues, understand diverse cultures and worldviews, and thoughtfully engage cross-cultural contexts; while remaining grounded in biblical values and the Seventh-day Adventist mission. Students completing the Global Studies Certificate are equipped to make a Christ-centered impact wherever they are called, whether locally or internationally.
Certificate Requirements (Minimum of 13 Credits Total + Experiential Learning)
The Global Studies Certificate consists of five courses (a minimum of 13 credit hours), including three required core courses and two additional courses selected from approved global elective offerings. In addition, students must complete a minimum two-week approved experientiallearning component, which may be credit-bearing or non-credit-bearing. Approved experiences may include study abroad, international service-learning, internships, or other global experiential programs, subject to departmental approval.
Completion and Academic Standards
- Total credits: A minimum of 13 credit hours (5 courses)
- Departmental Approved Global Experiential Learning Component (minimum of 2 weeks; approved experiences may include study abroad, international service-learning, internships, or other global experiential programs, subject to History and Social Sciences departmental approval.)
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0 in certificate coursework
Most students can complete the Global Studies Certificate without extending time to graduation by selecting appropriate general education, major, or elective courses.
Completion and Academic Standards
- Total credits: A minimum of 13 credit hours (5 courses)
- Departmental Approved Global Experiential Learning Component (minimum of 2 weeks; approved experiences may include study abroad, international service-learning, internships, or other global experiential programs, subject to History and Social Sciences departmental approval.)
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0 in certificate coursework
Most students can complete the Global Studies Certificate without extending time to graduation by selecting appropriate general education, major, or elective courses.
Awarding of the Certificate
Students must formally add the Global Studies Certificate to their academic program and apply for the certificate alongside their undergraduate degree. The certificate is awarded concurrently with the bachelor’s degree. The Global Studies Certificate reflects Southwestern Adventist University’s commitment to preparing graduates who are globally aware, spiritually grounded, and mission-minded.
Awarding of the Certificate
Students must formally add the Global Studies Certificate to their academic program and apply for the certificate alongside their undergraduate degree. The certificate is awarded concurrently with the bachelor’s degree. The Global Studies Certificate reflects Southwestern Adventist University’s commitment to preparing graduates who are globally aware, spiritually grounded, and mission-minded.