NEW! Fall 2008 Course Offerings

See a comprehensive list of regularly offered courses AND new or Special Topics courses approved by International Studies faculty advisors as appropriate substitutes for Concentration Area requirements.

About the Major

The International Studies Major is an Option of the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. (It is housed administratively within the Department of World Languages and Cultures.) It is a unique, faculty-designed major with four required components: core courses, area concentration, residency abroad, and language proficiency. This program provides a flexible and balanced combination of classroom instruction and direct contact with the regions and cultures of interest.

The International Studies Major prepares students for futures in international commerce and communications, NGOs, and diplomacy. It also provides a basis for graduate work or further scholarship in diverse international fields. For a detailed description of the requirements for the major, including the "Meaningful Project" (normally completed as part of the residency abroad), see "Structure of the Major."

Advising

Faculty advisors play a larger role in International Studies than in many other disciplines. Since the major allows for a large degree of flexibility, you should meet early with your advisor to build coherence into your course of study, begin planning your residency abroad and meaningful project, discuss your language requirement, and avoid delays in graduation. When you declare your major and concentration, you will be referred to an appropriate advisor.

  • You and/or your advisor can download the International Studies Degree Planning / Contract form for purposes of mapping out your degree or filing for graduation.
  • You will also want to become acquainted with the Study Abroad Office (SH 130), which provides information and advising about study abroad options and financial aid for study abroad.
  • The Advising Center (SBS 295) can help with more general advising questions not related to the INTL major, particularly those concerning General Education.