College Catalog: 2011-2012

The International Studies program seeks to prepare students for the complex, challenging, and dynamic interdependent world of the 21st century.  As we enter this “global village,” the acquisition of new skills, additional knowledge and wisdom will be necessary for effective citizenship and career aspirations.  The International Studies program is designed to meet this challenge.

The program focuses on the political, economic, and cultural interdependencies and their effects on people in the emerging global system.  Interdisciplinary issues of war and peace, economic and political development, and cross-cultural communication are examined, as are global concerns of population, environment, and human rights.  International Studies students become knowledgeable about another world culture, proficient in another language, and participate in an exciting and rewarding international credit-bearing experiential program.  An extensive array of study abroad and international cooperative-education options are available, as well as internship and service learning placements.  Students may consult their advisor or the International Education Office in the Roukema Center for International Education (ASB 123) to find out more about Study Abroad opportunities.  Resources are also available on the web.

Majors are required to fill an experiential learning requirement (ideally a semester-long study abroad, international cooperative education, internship or service learning).  Students can enrich and broaden their academic program through participation in The Model United Nations Club, the International Student Organization, and other college organizations and clubs.

A degree in International Studies provides an excellent basis for a wide range of careers in business, government, and education, as well as for admission to graduate and professional schools which are increasingly seeking “globally literate” individuals.  Graduates of this program with a combination of foreign language skills and a strong background in international affairs will be increasingly well positioned for these types of positions as the “globalization” of business, government, and education accelerates in the future.

The International Studies faculty is a highly diverse, expert, and active group of professors from a variety of fields and with extensive international experience.

The International Studies major is offered by the School of American and International Studies and leads to a B.A. degree.

A minor is available.

1. Students are required to take 10 courses (40 credits) plus International Experience to complete this major.
2. Transferstudents who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers only apply to General Education Requirements NOT School Core or Major Requirements.
3. Double counting between General Education, School Core, and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
4. Writing Intensive Requirement: Three writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: First Year Seminar, Critical Reading and Writing (formerly College English), and Readings in Humanities.

Note: A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

1. Students are required to take 5 courses (20 credits) to complete this minor.
2. At least 1/2 of the courses fulfilling a minor must be distinct from the student’s major. That is, three of the five courses required for a minor cannot be used towards fulfillment of major requirements. A school core does not need to be completed for a minor. Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.

The International Studies minor seeks to prepare students for the complex, challenging, and dynamic interdependent world of the 21st century. As we enter this “global village,” the acquisition of new skills, additional knowledge and wisdom will be necessary for effective citizenship and career aspirations. The International Studies minor is designed to meet this challenge.

The program focuses on the political, economic, and cultural interdependencies and their effects on people in the emerging global system. Interdisciplinary issues of war and peace, economic and political development, and cross-cultural communication are examined, as are global concerns of population, environment, and human rights. International Studies students become knowledgeable about another world culture, and become proficient in another language.

A minor will complement Political Science, International Business, Spanish Language Studies, Communication Arts, and a variety of other majors.

General Education Requirements
Four Year Plan
Graduation Requirements
School of American and International Studies Website
Faculty Profiles