Major

Anchored in political science  and history, this interdisciplinary program will provide you with deep insights into the political and historical forces that have shaped the countries and regions you’ll study.

As an international studies major, you will:

• Focus your studies on one region of interest:  Europe, Latin America, Asia or the Middle East.
• Improve your knowledge of the historical, political, economic, socio-cultural, philosophical, ideological, technological and strategic factors that shape relations among nations.
• Enhance your research abilities by finding, evaluating and interpreting relevant primary and secondary sources, and by conducting, analyzing and interpreting original research.
• Learn how to apply your knowledge by presenting a convincing case for a course of action that addresses a significant international issue or challenge.

Hands-On Learning

You’ll broaden your global perspectives by studying a foreign language and taking part in experiential learning opportunities, such as an internship or study-abroad program.

Career Options

Upon successful completion of the international studies program, you’ll be well equipped to further your education at graduate school, as well as pursue a career in international business, government, law, media, education or nonprofit organizations. You might pursue a career as a cultural specialist, director of international programs, foreign correspondent, government policy adviser, journalist, management consultant or political scientist

If you choose to minor in a related field, like economics or political science, you’ll stand out in the job market.

What You’ll Take

This bachelor’s degree program requires a minimum of 124 credits. As part of the overall 124 credit minimum, you’ll take a combination of required and elective courses to satisfy the 38-credit and 10-course-minimum requirement in the international studies major. 

Major Requirements

Core Introductory Courses (complete all three courses)

HIS 1131	World History, 1500 to Present
POL 1500	Comparative Politics
POL 2510	International Politics

Advanced Core Courses (complete three courses) 

ECO 1201 OR POL 3540	An Introduction to Economics  OR International Political Economy
HIS 3330	World History Since 1945
POL 2000W	Political Science Methods

 

Electives

Global Dynamics Courses* (choose one)

COM 4531	Intercultural Communication
ECO 3303	Economic Development
ECO 3306	International Economics
HIS 3380	Science, Technology and Society
HSC 3103	Global Public Health
PHL 3030	Global Justice
POL 3160	United States Foreign Policy
POL 3530	Democracy, Development and Violence
POL 3540	International Political Economy
POL 3541	Cyber Security: The Intersection of Technology and Policy
PSY 3250	Cultural Psychology
RTS 3850	War and Peace: Religious Perspectives
SOC 3330	Race and Ethnic Minorities
WGS 3110	Global Women’s Issues: Gender, Activism and Social Justice

Area Studies* (choose two courses in same geographical area)

Latin America

HIS 3440	Survey of Latin American History: From Pre-Contact to the Present
POL 3521	Latin American Politics
POL 3531	Politics of Developing Nations
SPA 3510	Culture and Civilization of Spain I
SPA 3630	Studies in Popular Culture of Latin America and Spain
SPA 4080	Hispanic Literature in Translation

Europe

FRE 3510	France and Its Civilization I
FRE 3520	France and Its Civilization II
HIS 3378	History of Modern Britain
HIS 3390	Modern European Social History
HIS 3410	Twentieth Century Europe
HIS 3471	From Lenin to Putin: Russia in the Twentieth Century
POL 3522	British Politics
POL 3524	Politics of Russia and the Post-Soviet States
POL 3526	Politics of the European Union
SPA 3510	Culture and Civilization of Spain I
SPA 3630	Studies in Popular Culture of Latin America and Spain

Asia

HIS 3331	Slaves and Spice: A History of the Indian Ocean
POL 3520	Modern China
POL 3523	Japanese Politics

Middle East

HIS 3365	The History of Muslim Communities, 600-1600
HIS 3366	History of the Modern Middle East
POL 3525	Politics of the Middle East

 

* Some global dynamics and areas studies courses may require prerequisites. If you wish to use one of these courses to fulfill a major requirement in international studies, you are responsible for either taking the prerequisite(s) or obtaining a waiver from the professor teaching the course. 

Senior Capstone Course

In your senior year, you must also complete an integrative seminar or directed study. This includes writing a major research paper.

Additional Requirements

• Language Requirement : You are required to have modern foreign language proficiency through the second semester of intermediate level.
• Experiential Learning : You are required to participate in a program- approved study abroad experience, a Washington semester or a relevant internship experience. 
• Related Minors : We strongly encourage you to minor in a related discipline, such as economics, sociology, art history, communication or business. These disciplines will give you additional knowledge and help you in your individual career goals. We also encourage you to minor in language or cultural studies to develop your understanding of culture’s influential role in human behavior. Coursework in related fields will help you better understand how individuals and societies relate across national boundaries.