International Studies, B.A.

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NOTE: New student enrollments for this program are suspended. Currently-declared majors will be able to complete their degree requirements through teach-out agreements. Contact your advisor for more information.

International Studies Program Requirements

The international studies program embraces an interdisciplinary curriculum which emphasizes global awareness in preparation for careers in international service. It enhances the development of advanced foreign language and communication skills and offers crucial insights into the scope of international and global problems.

The international studies curriculum is designed for students interested in seeking employment with a U.S. agency or company involved in international affairs or attracted to work experience overseas. Military and diplomatic service, commercial enterprises, educational agencies, and development and human rights organizations offer opportunities for persons well‐versed in global concerns. In addition, the international studies major provides a solid foundation for potential graduate study in the social sciences, the humanities, journalism, and international business and law.

Because of the rigorous nature and the complexity of this curriculum, students are encouraged to contact the international studies coordinator during their freshman year to become familiar with the program and to discuss a feasible course of study.

General: 120 minimum total hours, including 45 hours of upper-level courses (3000-4000 level), and 30 hours in residence.

First-Year Colloquium (0-3 hours)

Required of full-time freshmen entering college for the first time and transfer students with less than 12 hours of credit.

University Core (35 hours)

See General Education Requirements .

Second Language Proficiency (0-9 hours)

Completion of 2000-level second language course or demonstrate equivalent proficiency.

Major (39 hours)

Foundational Courses (12 hours)

INTS 2303 - Introduction to Globalization
Select one from below:
ANTH 2316 - Understanding Cultures
ECON 2301 - Survey of Economics
GEOG 2312 - Cultural Geography
POLS 2303 - Introduction to International Politics
And
ACOM 4312 - Intercultural Communication
And select one option from below:
INTS 4360 - International Studies Capstone
Or all of the following:
INTS 4101 - Senior Research Project
INTS 4102 - Senior Research Project
INTS 4103 - Senior Research Project

Methods (3 hours)

Select a methods course from below or select another methods course approved by the advisor:

Second Language (6 hours)

6 hours of a second language beyond the 2311 course or its equivalent. This would include FREN 2311, SPAN 2311, CHIN 2311, and ARAB 2311. Students who DO NOT test out of any language courses would need a total of 15 hours of foreign language in order to satisfy this requirement. Students who DO test out of one or more courses would need fewer hours.

Upper-level Electives (18 hours)

Upper-level electives are chosen in consultation with an advisor to be clustered in one or more thematic areas for Interdisciplinary study.

No more than 9 hours of these electives can be taken from the same department.

Field Experience Requirement (0 hours)

Students must complete one of the following. Coursework taken to satisfy this requirement may also be used to satisfy another major requirement:

INTS 4350 - Internship
Any course counting toward the major with a service-learning component
Any travel course or study abroad program
Relevant experience in an internationally-focused paid or volunteer position of at least 15 weeks. (Students taking this option will not receive course credit but will have the requirement waived.)

Upper-level Electives Outside the Major (12 hours)

Any upper-level courses outside the International Studies program.

Minor

(none required)

Unrestricted General Electives

Remaining hours, if any, to reach 120 minimum total hours, 45 hours of upper-level courses (3000-4000 level), and/or 30 hours in residence.