Global Studies Certificate
RCCD’s Global Studies Certificate
The Global Studies Certificate of Achievement recognizes students who complete 15 units of globally focused courses across different subjects. When you finish, the certificate appears on your official transcript—a great boost for transfer and careers.
- Open to all majors
- Many Cal-GETC courses are eligible
- No extra units or time for many students
Why Should I Earn the Global Studies Certificate?
This certificate helps you:
- Stand out when transferring with this official certificate on your transcript
- Show employers you have global awareness & cultural skills
- Build experience valued in business, healthcare, education, public service, and tech
- Show commitment to equity, global issues, and real-world problem solving
Who Can Earn It?
In a nutshell: anyone! This certificate is design to be accessible, and it is especially useful for:
- Students planning to transfer
- Students interested in global cultures, languages, or international issues, regardless of pathway
- Students completing Cal-GETC coursework
- Students who want a resume boosting credential with flexibility, especially for CTE students who want to show they are prepared for a jobs in today’s global workforce!
- You do not need to study abroad (but study abroad courses do count!)
What are the Requirements?
All courses that earn credit toward this certificate are existing RCCD classes you can take right now. You may already have courses on your transcript that count. To earn this certificate, you will need:
- 15 total units
- Courses must come from at least 4 different subject areas
- All courses must be completed with a C or higher
Eligible course areas include:
- Arts (art, music, theater, film)
- Social & Natural Sciences (anthropology, political science, geography, environmental science)
- Business (global business, global marketing)
- World Languages (Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, etc.)
- English, Humanities & Philosophy
- History
- RCCD Study Abroad courses
What Will I Learn?
By completing the certificate, you’ll be able to:
- Understand how global systems and cultures are connected
- Analyze major world issues like climate change, migration, and inequality
- Communicate across cultures with confidence
- Think critically about your role as a global citizen
Getting Started
1) Check your college course catalog for which of your classes already count (if you have taken courses at RCCD)
2) Ask a counselor to add it to your SACP; submit your application for the certificate in MyPortal
3) Plan remaining courses with a counselor to fulfill requirements
4) Complete 15 units across 4 areas
5) Earn a transcript noted certificate
Questions?
Follow up with your counselor or Educational Resource Advisor for more information about the Global Studies Certificate of Achievement. You can also reach out to our office with questions!