Academics

CIEE is a cosponsored program. You receive resident credit for the courses you take. Your grades count toward your University of Minnesota GPA and each course appears on your transcript. More information can be found in the Academics Policy.

Coursework

With its setting in the natural classroom of the ocean and the mangroves, this program provides a unique, integrated experience involving class work, field study, lab work, and observation. Semester program students are required to take all of the courses offered.  Summer program students choose one course per two-week summer session.

Navigate to CIEE's website below for more coursework information.

How to Find Academic Information

Some program websites offer short course descriptions while others offer full syllabi. Course information is available on the cosponsor’s website, and, if applicable, on the host university’s website. For more tips on terminology and finding course information, go to Finding Course Information for Host Universities.

When choosing courses, work closely with your college and/or major or minor adviser(s) to select courses that fulfill specific requirements. You can also consult the Liberal Education database to find courses that fulfill Liberal Education core and theme requirements, or submit courses online for approval. Use the Academic Planning for Study Abroad form (pdf) as a tool for selecting courses with your adviser. Visit the Advising webpage for more information and resources on choosing courses.

Navigating CIEE's Website

• Navigate to the CIEE International Study Programs main page.
• Find your country or program using the "jump to a program" search engine on the left navigation bar (remember to click on "find" after making your selection).
• If you searched by country, select the site and program track from the list of results, noting that summer programs are listed separately.
• From the program page, select "courses+credits" under the Academics menu in the left navigation bar to view details on courses offered, credits, and required courseload.

If you have any questions about this process or about specific course availability, contact the appropriate Program Coordinator.

Eligibility & Application
Open to sophomores and above with a GPA of at least 2.75. Fall or spring semester applicants need to have completed two semesters of college-level biology and/or ecology; summer session applicants need one semester of college-level biology or environmental science. Nationally-recognized SCUBA certification or PADI referral is also required (students may complete their open dives during the program).  For the semester programs, college-level coursework in marine biology and/or environmental studies is recommended.

Application deadline for fall semester or summer session is March 15; spring semester is October 15.

Academic Fit with a University of Minnesota Degree Plan
With good academic planning this program can fit well into the degree plans for many majors. Search for courses that fulfill Liberal Education Requirements or submit a course you want to take for review. Study Abroad in Your Major advising sheets explain why study abroad is important for a major, indicate what the department wants students to consider when selecting a program, and provide academic planning hints. This program may appear as a special recommendation on an advising sheet. If your major is not listed, talk to an adviser—this program may still fit your academic, career, and professional goals.

Last modified on November 21, 2008