Certificate in European Union Studies

Our students become well-rounded observers of the European Union, its history, and its relationship to the United States and the world. They are poised to enjoy careers in business, diplomatic service, government, publishing, the arts and academia.

This certificate allows students to complement their undergraduate degree with a thorough understanding of the European Union. As a part of the International Affairs Program, the certificate program allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the European Union’s history and its relationship to the United States and the world. Students learn about all aspects of the European Union: its politics, history, institutions, economics, policies and member states.

  • Explore content about the EU that goes beyond any single major 
  • Learn about relationships between the EU and other countries
  • Apply your education to a variety of career opportunities 

Experience an interdisciplinary curriculum with a holistic approach. Classes are offered in a variety of departments, including economics, geography, history and political science, and in EU language departments like Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures.

Gain learning opportunities through our on-campus Colorado European Union Center of Excellence, which promotes teaching and research related to the European Union.

Participate in co-curricular activities that complement your understanding of the development, focus, function and future of the EU.

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of our diverse and increasingly global 21st-century society with targeted knowledge of the European Union.

 

Be prepared for opportunities for further study, internships and careers in public, private or nonprofit sectors

 

Analyst, journalist, correspondent, interpreter and business development manager are common opportunities to apply this certificate

 

Work in business, diplomatic service, government, publishing, the arts or academia

Academic Plan & Requirements

All degree-seeking students at CU Boulder are eligible to apply for the certificate.

To apply, please complete: 

  • At least 30 credit hours of general coursework 
  • At least 6 credits hours of coursework from the certificate requirements 
  • An essay describing your interests and background in EU studies and reasons or motivations for pursuing this certificate

A total of 19 credit hours are required to complete the certificate. In addition, students are required to attend at least four EU-related lectures and events and to submit a brief write-up of the main themes or discussion points of the events to the International Affairs Program.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The international affairs program has an extensive list of alumni who work or have worked in a variety of industries across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Mary Ann Casey

('70)
Former U.S. ambassador to Algeria and Tunisia, and chair of the Program in International Affairs Advisory Board at CU Boulder.

Steve McCarthy

('80)
Chairman and CEO of Além International, an experiential marketer, creator and producer of special events. He has consulted on, developed, or coordinated and executed the torch relays for every Olympic Games since 1996.

Joshua Levine

('97)
Head of the global investment firm BlackRock Alternative Specialists, Americas, who serves on the CU Boulder Program in International Affairs Advisory Board.

Kelly Bendelow

('08)
An associate protection officer stationed in Ethiopia with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. She started with UNCHR in 2009 as a resettlement intern.