Interdisciplinary Studies Office

The International Studies program provides the opportunity to bring the knowledge of several traditional disciplines to bear upon a focal point of human relationships and problems that cross national and cultural boundaries. The program objectives are designed to serve the student who seeks knowledge of the range of contemporary and possible future problems that confront international society and an understanding of alternative national and cultural perspectives on solutions to those problems. The program also serves the needs of students planning a career in the Foreign Service or related agencies of the federal government and students preparing for employment abroad in the private sector, or in international organizations, private or public.

The program emphasis is on the course work in history, political science, economics, and geography, with contributions from other social science disciplines and art. Within the program, the student is required to concentrate a part of the work in the field of American foreign policy or in one of five areas of the world. Students are encouraged to pursue the study of a foreign language and to seek opportunities for travel and study abroad. The student's program should be planned in consultation with the Director of International Studies.

International Studies Major (B.A.)

A. University General Education Program (41 hours)

See Graduation from the University for the University General Education Program requirements. Note the following is recommended for the International Studies major: Social Science - ECON 2120.

B. College and Degree (B.A.) Requirements (18-19 hours)

The College and Bachelor of Arts requirements are in addition to the University General Education Program requirements and are listed above.

C. The Major (39 hours)

1. Core requirements (24 hours)

a. Select 15 hours from: ECON 4350, POLS 1501 or UNHP 1102, POLS 4508, HIST 4260, INTL 4601.

b. Select 3 hours from each group: International Political Processes -  POLS 3505, 3509, 4504, 4511; UNIV 3550; International Economic Processes - ANTH 4414, ECON  4340, ESCI 3430, POLS 3330, 4510; International Development Processes - ECON 3580,  ESCI 4201, 4252, POLS 3325, SOCI 2100.

2. Concentration (9 hours)

a. Global Processes: Choose 3 courses in at least 2 disciplines

ANTH 4200, 4413, CJUS 4190, COMM 4375, ECON 4351, FIR 4550, HIST 3803, 3811, 3817, HPRM 4400, JDST/UNIV 4511, MGMT 4510, 4810, MKTG 4530, POLS 3320,3506, 4315, 4506, SLS 4165, 4175.

b. Area Studies: Choose 3 courses in at least 2 disciplines

ANTH 3200, 3232, 3242, 4120, CJUS 2110, ENGL 3220, 4442, 4511, 4521, ESCI 1301, 1401, 4307, HIST 3122, 3211, 3212, 3274, 3282, 3291, 3302, 3506, 3815, 4145, 4162, 4213, 4221, 4222, 4272, 4286, 4288, 4292, 4294, 4461, JDST/UNIV 4820, PADM 4401, POLS 1301, 3302, 3306, 3309, 3310, 3340, 4307, UNHP 4250.

3. Foreign Language (6 hours)

In addition to the Bachelor of Arts language requirement, completion of an additional six hours in that same language at the 3000 level or higher.

4. Experiential Activity
Students are required to complete an international or experiential learning experience. This may be fulfilled through participation in a formal education abroad program or through foreign based work, service, or internship activities. A U.S.-based experience of an international nature or prior international experience may be considered. This experience must be approved by the Director.

D. Electives (21-22 hours)

Electives may be chosen to bring the total number of hours to 120.

International Studies Minor

Completion of 18 semester hours, consisting of (a) either POLS 1501, POLS 1301 or UNHP 1102, (b) INTL 4601, (c) one upper division course in a modern foreign language and (d) three upper division courses that count towards the IS major. A maximum of six hours from either study abroad or internship credits may be used towards fulfilling the requirements of the IS minor (subject to approval by the IS director).

Asian Studies Minor

A minimum of 18 semester hours, including CHIN 2010 and 2020, or JAPN 2010 and 2020, 6 semester hours from CHIN 4301, HIST 3291, 3817, 4292, 4294, or PHIL 3721, and 6 semester hours from ECON 4340, ESCI 4307, POLS 4307, or UNIV 4506.

Typical 4-Year International Studies Sequence

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Hours: 120-122

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 120

*Must satisfy University General Education Program Requirement