Bachelor of Arts - International Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies is an interdisciplinary degree program designed to provide a rigorous introduction to the complex interrelationships that exist among societies in the modern world. It combines the study of international relations, global and development issues, and contemporary belief systems with a concentration on a major world area. In addition, the degree aims to equip students with the skills in language, analytical thinking, research, and economic literacy that are necessary for graduate study and careers in international fields.

Students in the International Studies program receive direct exposure to an international environment by participating in a foreign study program or an internationally-oriented internship in the United States. Because of its interdisciplinary nature, this program emphasizes the ways in which the expertise and methodologies of various disciplines contribute to the understanding and resolution of international issues.

The program provides a broad understanding of international issues and world cultures through exposure to the various methodologies of the social sciences and liberal arts. It offers pre-professional study for careers in government, communications, business, law, journalism, and international non-profit organizations. Students are encouraged to combine a major in International Studies with a second major or minor in a field appropriate to their career plans.

All International Studies majors are required to develop a program of study in consultation with the program advisor. This program should be balanced among the participating disciplines in order to help the student develop a coherent emphasis in a world region and/or a topical area. Majors should choose their foreign language, foreign study or internship experience, and senior seminar research project to reflect this emphasis. The program director also advises students about graduate study opportunities.