In a rapidly globalizing world, the demand for college graduates who have a deeper understanding of different regions and cultures of the world is growing. Many employers look favorably on prospective employees with language skills and international knowledge.

The international studies field major is an interdisciplinary degree with courses required in multiple departments. Students have the option to follow an area studies track or a business administration track. Both require students to focus on a particular region of the world, including language courses for that region. The core courses for each track vary, with the area studies track focusing more on historical, political and cultural relations, and the business administration track focusing on international business courses. The international studies degree is a BA degree in Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. There is also an international studies minor available.

There are many career opportunities that can be pursued with an international studies degree including possible employment with federal and state government executive agencies, multinational corporations, law firms, international organizations such as the United Nations, nonprofit organizations and public and private schools. An international studies degree can also prepare students for a course of study in graduate school.

Students interested in pursuing a major or minor in international studies should contact the international studies advisors in the departments of political science or history, or seek additional information on the International Studies website¹.

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Program Requirements

A minimum total of 120 credit hours is required for the Field Major in international studies - area studies track. In addition to meeting the requirements of the WSU General Education Program and the requirements of Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, students must meet the following requirements:

Area Studies Track

The requirements for the area studies track are as follows:

1. Language¹: four course sequence in a world language (ASL does not count). If four courses are not available, students can complete two courses in two world languages. 
2. Area Studies Courses: four courses
3. Core Courses: seven courses

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It is possible to double major in a language and in international studies. 

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Required major courses may also count towards General Education and/or LAS Competencies. Students will need to select additional electives to reach 120 credit hours required for graduation with assistance from an advisor.

Applied Learning

Students in the international studies field major are required to complete an applied learning or research experience to graduate from the program. The requirement can be met by one of the following:

• Travel seminar ( LASI 398);
• Study abroad ( LASI 479; if a student’s coursework for the other requirements includes study abroad, then that student has satisfied the applied learning requirement);
• Internship ( POLS 481N or  HIST 481N);
• Model UN ( POLS 153 or POLS 353); or
• Cooperative education ( LASI 481).