Program Coordinator: Ryan Salzman, Department of Political Science, Criminal Justice and Organizational Leadership
International relations are shaped by the forces of culture, ideology, identity, geography, history, religion, social relations, and economics. International studies is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on understanding these dynamic transnational factors and issues that influence relations between actors in the world system. The international studies major requires completing 12 hours of foundational coursework, 18 hours of additional core course (across 5 categories plus a required cumulative course), and 12 hours of electives that can include internships or a research practicum. Students are encouraged to take classes from a variety of pre-fixes to become more versed in international studies from a broad perspective.
Students must also complete 12 hours in a foreign language.
Only courses with a grade of C- or better may count toward an international studies major, minor, or area of focus. Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in their degree coursework to qualify for graduation. Students are encouraged to complete study-abroad courses and internships toward the international studies major. Topics courses and independent study credit hours may fulfill secondary course requirements. Contact the international studies coordinator prior to enrolling in any of these options to verify whether the credit hours qualify, and if so, how much they will apply toward completing the major degree program requirements.
The Office of Education Abroad (University Center 330) can help with scholarship applications to offset expenses, including university scholarships, as well as a “beyond the classroom” scholarship toward study abroad, sponsored by the sociology department, for which all majors are eligible.
Special graduation requirements: Students majoring or minoring in any of the programs offered by the Department of Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Organizational Leadership must earn at least a C- in each course counted as part of their program.
Four-Year Plan: Click here to view the Four-Year Plan for this specific program. To find out more about Four-Year Plans, visit the Policies and Procedures page.
♦ Indicates prerequisite.
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