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International Studies (BA)

International Studies (BA)
Requirements
Sample 4-Year Degree Plan Anthropology, Development & Sustainability Concentration
Sample 4-Year Degree Plan International Relations & Security Concentration

BACHELOR OF ARTS MAJOR IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Major Credits Required: 42-58 Credits

The B.A. degree in International Studies prepares students to take their place as citizens of the world. Through a multi-disciplinary program of study, students develop practical skills and knowledge to analyze a range of contemporary global issues. Students gain a foundation in global studies and international relations, and a deeper knowledge of global issues that draws from courses in anthropology, economics, environmental studies, geography, history, international relations, and political science.

The program of study allows students to develop regional expertise in specific countries or world regions (e.g., China, India, Japan, Africa, Europe, or Latin America) and gain competency in a second language, and students are strongly encouraged to participate in study abroad opportunities. In addition to regional expertise, students select from one of two concentration for a thematic focus:

  1. Anthropology, Development, and Sustainability: which examines the economic, environmental, political, and socio-cultural underpinnings of development and underdevelopment and explores strategies for building sustainable and resilient communities worldwide.

  2. International Relations and Security: which highlights the changing nature of global politics, international relations, and national security affairs.

The interdisciplinary nature of the B.A. in International Studies degree has proven to be successful for students ready to address a range of global challenges, it and provides strong preparation for graduate programs and law schools. It positions students to become employed in a range of public and private sector organizations, including the U.S. Foreign Service/diplomatic corps, USAID, intelligence and foreign policy analysis, or international banking; international organizations like the European Union, World Health Organization, or United Nations; and non-governmental organizations, such as CARE, Doctors without Borders, or Oxfam. Many careers today demand experts with knowledge and skills stretching beyond their own physical and cultural borders to deal with issues in a global context, and the B.A. in International Studies is ideal preparation for those career paths.

To complete the bachelor's degree, students must complete a minimum total of 120 credits with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who major in International Studies will:

  1. Develop competency in various theoretical approaches in the field of global studies and international relations.

  2. Be able to conduct rigorous comparative analysis of global issues in a regional context and within social science disciplines.

  3. Work within conceptual frameworks to analyze the global arena of politics, economics, and social/cultural issues.

  4. Gain proficiency in critical skills in international relations to include an emphasis on research and communication skills, knowledge of various world cultures, and global systems.