Academic Catalog 2021-22 > Undergraduate Degree Programs- CORE, Majors and Minors > International Studies (BA, Minor)

International Studies (BA, Minor)

The International Studies major is ideal for students who are interested in an educational program that is global in scope and interdisciplinary in its approach, and supports a focused study of a country or region of the world. A modern liberal arts education is incomplete without some understanding of the international and global nature of human society. International Studies majors can use the major as a means to explore the international and global dimensions of economics, politics, culture, and the environment, especially as they relate to a particular geographic area of study. The major is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work in multicultural settings, whether here or abroad. International studies students learn to develop and articulate their own ideas about the importance of having an international and global perspective in an increasingly multicultural workplace. With the International Studies major students gain an understanding of how cultures differ as well as the advantages and challenges of cultural diversity. Students work with their adviser to devise a curricular plan that focuses their study on a specific region of the world. This focused study often inspires and facilitates an experience of study abroad in their region of choice. International Studies majors also acquire a richer perspective of their own culture in the process. International Studies graduates have found the major to be an excellent preparation for graduate school in law and business and for careers in international business, international development, diplomacy, and teaching.

• Global Learning - co-curricular experience of at least one week required
• Students encouraged to take courses in a foreign language
• Students encouraged to take a statistics course

Program Learning Outcomes

International Studies majors will be able to:

1. Employ interdisciplinary methods of social science and humanities to research problems and issues in international studies.
2. Interpret global issues based on interrelationships among nations, peoples, and communities in the modern world.
3. Apply knowledge of the history, geography, and political economy of a major world region to research problems.
4. Evaluate academic arguments within international studies and related fields.
5. Argue effectively based on evidence in oral and written forms that conform to expectations of the field.