Please visit https://www.ramapo.edu/hgs/convening-group-international-studies/ to learn more about the major and minor. 

The International Studies program seeks to prepare students for the complex, challenging,  dynamic and 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 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 options are available, as well as internship, co-op, and service-learning placements.  Students may consult their advisor or the International Education Office in the Roukema Center for International Education to find out more about study abroad opportunities.

Majors are required to complete an experiential learning requirement (ideally a semester-long study abroad, international cooperative education, internship or service-learning experience).  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 having acquired a combination of foreign language skills and a strong background in international affairs; will be increasingly well- equipped for a wide variety of positions as the “globalization” of business, government, and education accelerates in the future.

The International Studies faculty is a 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 Humanities and Global Studies and leads to a B.A. degree.

A minor is available.

Goal 1: To graduate students knowledgeable about the world.

Outcome 1: Students will demonstrate knowledge of current international issues.

Outcome 2: Students will demonstrate global geographic literacy.

Outcome 3: Students will demonstrate familiarity with scholarly approaches from more than one discipline in international studies as they apply to the study of the world’s cultures, politics, and globalization.

Outcome 4: Students will demonstrate expertise in one or more regions of the world.

Goal 2: To graduate students with skills and experiences that help them excel in the world.

Outcome 5: Students will have first-hand experiences of other cultures and international workplaces through participation in study abroad programs, international cooperative education, and internship programs.

Outcome 6: Students will demonstrate ability to write in a persuasive and scholarly manner.

1. Students are required to successfully complete 12 courses (i.e; 48 credits) plus an international experience (e.g., study abroad,
   co-op or internship) to complete this major.
2. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers do not apply to 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 (five courses):  Two Writing Intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: Critical Reading and Writing II and Studies in Arts and Humanities; the other three courses are taken in the major. Within the International Studies majors must complete four courses  in the Global Issues category. They are also required to take EITHER Comparative Politics or International Politics, both of which are Writing Intensive. Students are responsible for ensuring that one additional course they take within their International Studies is also Writing Intensive.
5. Note that the requirement to take either Comparative Politics is distinct from the Global Issues requirement, as International Studies majors must complete four courses in the Global Issues category. Majors who choose to take both the Comparative Politics and the International Politics courses may count one of them toward fulfilling the Global Issues requirement.
6. Not all courses are offered each semester.  Please click here for the current Schedule of classes for semester course offerings located under “Current Students” on our webpage.
7. The Career Pathways Program requirements must be completed prior to graduation. Visit the Cahill Career Center.

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES MAJOR

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

1. Students are required to take 5 courses (i.e., 20 credits) to complete this minor.
2. Courses fulfilling the requirements for the primary or second major may count towards the requirements of the minor, but may not exceed one-half of the credits required in the minor. 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 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, History, International Business, Spanish Language Studies, Communication Arts, and a variety of other majors.

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES MINOR

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