Special Programs

Center for International Studies

Contact Information

Phone: 401.865.2114
URL: www.providence.edu/CIS
E-mail: pcabroad@providence.edu
Location: Harkins Hall 336

Adrian G. Beaulieu, Ed.S., Dean

The Center

The Center for International Studies supports the mission of Providence College to help prepare “students to be responsible and productive citizens in their own society and the greater world community.” To that end, the Center seeks to provide a welcoming learning and living environment whereby members of the PC community are exposed to a diversity of cultures, social and political viewpoints, and come to truly see and understand themselves as world citizens.

International Students and Scholars

The Center assists international students and visiting scholars with U.S. immigration, visa, and travel regulations. It provides an annual “Welcome Program” prior to the start of the academic year to help new incoming undergraduate international students with cultural and social integration to living and studying in the United States and to the academic expectations of Providence College. During the academic year, the Center serves as a liaison for the international students with other campus offices, faculty, and administrative staff, and sponsors various social events or activities.

Education Abroad

The Center administers a comprehensive study abroad program, which includes worldwide options for PC undergraduates. Students, faculty, and College staff are invited to visit the Center or its website for information concerning study abroad program options. The development of study abroad options for students is carefully designed to augment and enrich the liberal arts perspective of Providence College. Programs are assessed in terms of the quality of the educational experience, relevance to the students’ academic interests, and potential for cultural and social enrichment. Faculty advisors and departmental chairpersons participate in the planning process and assist in advising students as to appropriate program choices.

Planning for Education Abroad

Student planning for study abroad should begin as early as the freshman year. Careful planning of the student’s curriculum over the four academic years will ensure that coursework can be completed in the proper sequence and that coursework and credits completed abroad will count toward the undergraduate degree. The Center provides assistance to students throughout the process, from informational sessions for interested students to the processing and posting of academic credit upon completion of a semester, academic year, or summer abroad. For summer study abroad, the College also offers several programs. Students should contact the Center for information on available program options.

Application for Education Abroad

Applications for approval for education abroad on a semester or academic year program must be made to the Center for International Studies by December 1 of the academic year prior to the intended semester or year of study. Applications for summer study abroad are due on April 1. Interested students should consult with the Center staff located in Harkins 336 for additional information regarding programs, applications, and deadlines. In all instances, final approval for study abroad must be granted by the dean of international studies.

Washington Semester Program

Contact Information

Phone: 401.865.2627
Location: Howley Hall 304

Faculty

Professor

Mark S. Hyde, Ph.D., Director

The Program

The Washington Semester Program combines academic study and experiential learning in a one-semester program spent at The American University in Washington, D.C. The student chooses one of 11 areas of study: American politics, economic policy, public law, justice, foreign policy, journalism, international environment and development, international business and trade, peace and conflict resolution, transforming communities, and international law and organizations. Each area is comprised of three parts: a two-course seminar that features academic professors and professional policymakers; a one-course research project; and practical work experience in a one-course, two-day-per-week internship. Internship opportunities are many and varied, and range from the Office of the Vice President of the United States to the director of the National Smithsonian Museums Network.

Admission to the program is available on a competitive basis to four Providence College students per academic year. A Providence College committee composed of faculty and administrators selects each year’s participants. Application consists of a cover letter addressed to the committee expressing the reasons for interest in the program; a completed American University Washington Semester application form; a current transcript; a research proposal; and a completed Projected Studies Plan form that charts course work through the senior year.

Descriptions of the programs, as well as all forms and applications, may be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, the Office of Career Services, and the Washington Semester Program faculty director. Interested students may also check the program Web site at www.washingtonsemester.com.

4+1 B.A./B.S./M.B.A. Program

Contact Information

M.B.A. Program Office
Phone: 401.865.2333
Location: Koffler Hall 116

The Program

The 4 + 1 B.A./B.S./M.B.A. Program is designed to allow an undergraduate student to continue study for an additional year upon completion of the undergraduate degree and receive the Master of Business Administration degree. The program is available to all undergraduate students, and those who are interested in the program should apply for admission during the fall semester of their junior undergraduate year. Admission is granted to those students who meet established M.B.A. graduate admissions criteria.

Criteria needed to apply to the program include an application form, application fee, official transcript of undergraduate courses taken to date, submission of GMAT score, two letters of recommendation, and a Statement of Objectives from the student for pursuing the M.B.A. degree. Upon receipt of the application materials, the M.B.A. graduate admissions committee will review the student’s application. The finding of the admissions committee is communicated to the applicant during the spring semester of the junior year. Upon acceptance, a series of undergraduate prerequisite courses must be satisfied before the student enrolls in graduate business courses. The master of business administration degree requires the completion of 12 graduate courses. Seven of the courses are core courses and the remaining five courses are elective courses.