Graduate Catalog 2023-2024

International Student Services, Certificate (0415)

Department website: http://www.wku.edu/csa/


Program Coordinator

Aaron W. Hughey, aaron.hughey@wku.edu, (270) 745-4849

The Certificate in International Student Services (CISS) program offers preparation to provide international student services as a component of campus internationalization. Students will gain theoretical and applied knowledge regarding student services (international and domestic), expanded cross-cultural awareness and global consciousness, as well as enhanced intercultural communication skills. Recognizing the unique contribution of international students to the learning environment, students who complete the certificate program will be prepared to provide services and programs to meet the needs of international students.

The 15-hour certificate program includes 9 hours of required courses and 6 hours of restricted electives. The program requires a study abroad course and/or an internship abroad depending on student's international experience (as determined by the advisor upon initial admission to the program). The CISS may be completed as a stand-alone program, or students admitted into the MAE in Student Affairs may incorporate up to 12 hours of the certificate program into their program of study.

Program Admission

Admission to the CISS program is based on completion of a bachelor's degree and adequate preparation in the area of study.  This certificate program welcomes applicants from all graduate programs at Western Kentucky University and elsewhere.

Students seeking admission to a University graduate degree program must apply to and meet admissions requirements of the program.

Graduate School Admission

Please refer to the admission section of this catalog for Graduate School admission requirements.

Program Requirements (15 hours)

Required Courses
CNS 571Introduction to Student Affairs in Higher Education3
CNS 581International Students and Services in Higher Education3
CNS 595Internship3
Electives
Select six hours from the following with advisor approval: 16
The College Student Experience
Student Development in Higher Education
Parameters of Law in Student Affairs and Higher Education
Social and Cultural Diversity in Counseling
Global and Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Women
Seminar in Student Affairs (with a focus on international students/student services)
Total Hours15
1

Other elective course(s) may be approved by faculty advisor.