Curricular Integration

Our goal is not merely to recruit students to participate in study abroad experiences, but ultimately to spread ownership and support for international education throughout Washington State University so that it is an integral part of all academic programs.

View of Pullman campus buildings from the southeast.

Integrate global learning into your curriculum

To ensure success, Washington State University has adopted a global curriculum model tested and proven by the University of Minnesota’s Global Learning Office.

This model allows WSU’s Global Learning staff to help an academic department create a custom curriculum, educational philosophy, course progression, and student learning outcomes.

For information on WSU’s Global Learning Curriculum Integration initiative, please contact WSU’s Global Learning staff at ip.globallearning@wsu.edu or 509-335-8117.

Related information:

How education abroad credits work

Credit earned on exchange and education abroad programs is referred to as Education Abroad Credit (EAC) and handled in the following manner:

  • Before embarking on education abroad, students must complete a Course Pre-Approval Form to specify which of the following classes taken abroad will satisfy a major requirement; minor requirement; Honors College requirement; General Education Requirement (GER) / University Common Requirement (UCORE); or elective
  • Academic Advisors approve courses in their department by signing and dating the course approval form
  • After the host institution transcript is received, courses are posted to the WSU transcript as follows:
    • A semester GPA will not be calculated, nor will grades be included in cumulative WSU GPA
    • The student’s department will write an exception in DARS so that major/minor requirements are fulfilled

Key questions answered

Why is a global academic perspective important?

Local economies and businesses have moved to establish their place in today’s international marketplace. Even small businesses have become active in the global environment as the internet and mobile technology have enabled communication across continents and countries.

As a result, it is critically important that universities incorporate the key elements of globalization into the fabric of all academic curricula. This will help ensure that graduates are prepared to enter and lead in the workplace.

What role can you play?

Students usually have an easy time selecting a study abroad program based on location, climate, and recreational opportunities. Often, however, they flounder when attempting to find a program that will fit into their academic major.

Faculty members and advisors, through their insights and experience, can ensure that students consider academic fit and quality when choosing a study abroad experience.