Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

A major in International Studies prepares students to take their place as citizens of the world. The major allows students to appreciate cultures different from their own through a thorough examination of social norms and values.

The multi-disciplinary approach aims at immersing students in various cultural contexts. Students also develop fluency in a second language by fulfilling the language requirement, and they can participate in exchange programs with sister universities in Australia, Asia, and Europe. This experience permits students to develop a more flexible perspective with which to better understand and evaluate the societies and institutions that make up the contemporary world.

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This intercultural perspective positions students for employment in firms, organizations,and agencies, such as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), that have international clients or conduct international business. Many careers today demand that people's knowledge and skills stretch beyond their own physical and cultural borders to deal with issues in a global context. The B.A. in International Studies has proven to be a successful undergraduate degree to meet global challenges as well as to prepare students for graduate programs and law schools.

Program Objectives

The Program Objectives for the International Studies major are that graduating seniors will:

  • Become familiar with various conceptual approaches to the field of International Studies.
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of at least two major world regions, or one region and expertise in comparative analysis.
  • Become competent in a second language as a means to understand a culture different from one's own.
  • Graduate prepared to enter advanced degree programs or careers related to international studies.
  • Grasp the geographical and historical context out of which the modern world has evolved.
  • Understand international studies through an emphasis on communication and research skills, cultural diversity throughout the world, and global systems.
  • Explore and ultimately define their value system and how they make choices based on this system.
  • Develop an intellectual framework for the concept of global citizenship and what it means to be a 'good global citizen.'
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Degree Requirements