Curriculum
A student talking to Dr. Blake Scott during the Majors-Minors Fair about the Department of International Studies.
Global Issues. Real-World Experience. Future-Facing Education.
The International Studies major offers a dynamic and creative path for students who want to understand—and shape—the world. In this interdisciplinary program, you will explore the complex political, economic, cultural, and environmental forces that impact our planet, both historically and today.
What You’ll Learn
As an International Studies major, you will:
- Develop a global perspective rooted in critical thinking and cultural understanding
- Gain expertise in world regions and transnational issues
- Build language proficiency and intercultural communication skills
- Learn research methods to study global phenomena
- Enhance your knowledge through study abroad and international experiences
Concentrations
Currently, Students can concentrate in one of five areas for the major:
Double Major
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Why Double Major?
- Prepare for careers that demand cultural fluency and critical thinking
- Combine complementary disciplines to focus your interests (e.g., INTL + Political Science for foreign policy; INTL + Environmental Studies for climate solutions)
- Stand out to employers and graduate schools with a multifaceted academic profile
- Bridge and merge different fields in ways that reflect the complexity of the modern world
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How It Works
Because International Studies is interdisciplinary, many of our courses overlap with other majors. Students pursuing a double major may share up to 9 credit hours between International Studies and their second major, provided those courses fit within their INTL concentration requirements.
Popular combinations include:
- Political Science
- Languages (Spanish, French, German, and more)
- Anthropology or Sociology
- Economics
- History
- Environmental and Sustainability Studies
- Public Health
- Religious Studies, English, Art History, and beyond
Even if your second major seems unrelated at first glance, our globally connected curriculum makes surprising pairings not only possible—but powerful.
Talk with your academic advisor early to explore the best path forward. Your education should reflect your interests, your goals, and the world you want to engage. Double majoring in International Studies can help you do just that.
Are you a current student? Visit the Hub!
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Why It Matters
No single discipline can fully explain the global challenges we face today. That is why our curriculum draws from a wide range of fields—including Anthropology, Political Science, Economics, History, Environmental Studies, Languages, and more. This multidimensional approach prepares you to see connections, solve problems, and lead in an increasingly interconnected world.
Independent Study and Research
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Follow Your Curiosity. Create Your Own Path.
International Studies students are encouraged to go beyond the classroom and design their own learning experiences through independent study or research. Whether you are passionate about migration, global health, international law, or regional politics, independent work lets you explore the questions that matter most to you—with the support of a faculty mentor.
You will take a lead in shaping your education:
- Identify a global issue or topic that excites you
- Develop a research plan or independent study proposal
- Work with a faculty member who shares your interests and is willing to supervise your work
Independent study courses require approval from your faculty supervisor and the Department Chair, so early planning is essential. Once approved, you will enroll in the course individually and chart a semester (or more) of focused, personalized study.
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Want to Take It Further? Apply for Research Funding!
Independent research projects may be eligible for competitive undergraduate research grants. These opportunities provide funding for academic year or summer research, as well as travel to present your work at conferences:
- Academic Year Research Award (AYRA)
- Summer Undergraduate Research with Faculty (SURF)
- Major Academic Year Support (MAYS)
- Research Presentation Grants (RPG)
Explore these opportunities through the and speak with your faculty advisor early in the planning process.
Your global education should reflect your passions. Independent studies give you the tools—and the space —to make it happen.
Bachelor’s Essay
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Deepen Your Expertise. Drive Your Own Research.
The Bachelor’s Essay is a two-semester, 6-credit independent research project designed for motivated and high-achieving International Studies majors ready to take their scholarship to the next level. This is your opportunity to dive deep into a global issue you care about—and make a contribution of your own.
Working closely with a faculty advisor, you will design, research, and write an original Bachelor’s Essay on an international or transnational topic. You may pursue an interdisciplinary project through International Studies (INTL 499A/B), or—if your topic is rooted in a specific discipline—earn credit within that department while maintaining a strong international focus.
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What to Expect
- A year-long, student-driven research and writing experience
- One-on-one mentorship from an International Studies faculty member
- A chance to explore a region, issue, or theme that excites you
- Strong preparation for graduate school, fellowships, or research-based careers
International Studies Minor
Broaden Your World. Amplify Your Major.
The International Studies minor is another way to globalize your education—no matter your major. This flexible, interdisciplinary program offers a structured course of study that helps you better understand the international forces shaping today’s world.
Whether you are majoring in Biology or Business, or any other field, adding a minor in International Studies enhances your degree with the global knowledge and cultural awareness that employers and graduate schools increasingly value.
This minor is ideal for students who:
- Want to complement their primary major with global relevance (but do not have the time or credit hours available to major in International Studies)
- Are considering careers with international ties
- Plan to study abroad or work in multicultural environments
- Are curious about how the world works—and how they can be part of shaping it
No matter where your primary academic interests lie, the International Studies minor adds valuable context, depth, and perspective to your undergraduate education. It equips you with the global awareness that today’s employers and communities need.
Take your major further. Think beyond borders and any one field of study.
Are you a current student? Visit the Hub!
You're Future Starts Here!
In the 21st century, global awareness isn’t optional—it’s essential. No matter what career path you choose, understanding international dynamics, foreign cultures, and global systems will prepare you for the future. International Studies majors are well-positioned to become the next generation of globally engaged professionals, problem-solvers, and community leaders.
Ready to see the world differently—and make a difference in it? Start with International Studies.