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

Business Administration Track

The requirements for the business administration track are as follows:

1. Language¹: 17 credit hours (four courses)
2. Area Studies Courses: 12 credit hours (four courses)
3. International Business Prerequisites: 18 credit hours (six courses)
4. International Business Core Courses: 15 credit hours (five courses)

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 (POLS 399);
• 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 481, POLS 481N, HIST 481 or HIST 481N);
• Model UN (POLS 153 or POLS 353); or
• Cooperative education (LASI 481).