Mar 28, 2024  
Permanent Working Catalog (Spring 2025 Draft In Progress) 
    
Permanent Working Catalog (Spring 2025 Draft In Progress)

International Studies, BA


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This major is administered by the Department of History and International Studies .

International Studies represents a uniquely interdisciplinary major that provides professional training for competitive careers in the global economy. This major aligns with outcomes for international cultural studies and global competency as defined by the Programme for International Student Assessment created by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development. Our major thus emphasizes cultural knowledge, language skills, intercultural communication, international historical perspectives, global affairs, and critical thinking. Our recent graduates serve as directors of study abroad offices at major institutions, leaders in international non-profit organizations, lawyers and foreign service officers, and project managers for multi-national corporations.

Program Learning Outcomes

With diligent effort, as a globally competent student, you will demonstrate your ability to:

  1. Investigate the world beyond the U.S., identify significant international issues, and conduct well-crafted, level-appropriate, interdisciplinary research
  2. Recognize perspectives, others’ and your own, articulate and explain such perspectives thoughtfully and respectfully
  3. Communicate ideas effectively with diverse audiences, bridging geographic, linguistic, ideological, and cultural barriers
  4. Take action to improve conditions, viewing yourselves as players in the world, and participating reflectively


Consists of 42 credits plus world language requirement.

Language requirement, 0-16 credits


Native Language is English


If your native language is English, complete the BA language requirement plus 2 additional semesters in one world language OR test out of the fourth semester of a world language.

Native Language is Not English


If your native language is not English, you may use English to fulfill the language requirement by completing:

Interdisciplinary Methods and Professional Research, 6 credits


International Cultural Studies, 9 credits


9 credits total, 6 credits numbered 300 and above. Courses used to fulfill requirements in the Foundation category may not count twice to fulfill requirements in this category.

History and International Studies, 3 credits


World Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, 3 credits


You may not use the same course counted towards a requirement in another category in the major to count for this category as well.

You may take any 300-level or above course in a world language (Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Russian) OR any of the following courses:

Global and Intercultural Competency, 12 credits


12 credits total with 9 credits at the 300-level or above. You may not use the same course counted towards a requirement in another category in the major to count for this category as well.

You may take any 300-level or above course in a world language (Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Russian) OR the following courses:

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