he Bachelor of Arts in International Studies is an interdisciplinary degree program designed to prepare students for the multicultural global village in which we live. In a modern world of increasing interdependence and rapid change, the need is critical. Knowledge of the world broadens the mind, challenges prior biases and limitations, and fosters an appreciation of diverse societies and cultures.

The interdisciplinary degree consists of five concentration areas: Africana Studies; Communication; International Business; International Relations; and Foreign Language. Students in each concentration will follow General Education (35-41 hours) and Core Requirements (36 hours) and will be required to participate in a Study Abroad experience. 

Students who fulfill the requirements of the International Relations, International Business, or Africana Studies concentration areas will also earn a minor in either Spanish or French, as these concentrations require a minimum 15 credit hours of one of the two aforementioned languages. Students in the Foreign Language concentration will be required to take additional classes in one of the following areas. This will result in a minor in one of the selected areas: 

Accounting 18 hours

Finance 18 hours

Management 18 hours

Marketing 15 hours

Political Science 15 hours

Spanish or French 15 hours

Link to the publication of WV State University International Studies Partner in Colombia, South America: Revista Encuentros de la Universidad Autonoma del Caribe https://www.uac.edu.co/revistas-cientificas/revista-encuentros.html

Graduates of the International Studies program will be able to:

• Demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to the traditions, values, aspirations and concerns of people throughout the world.
• Demonstrate competency in a world language (Spanish or French) that will broaden communication capabilities and offer insight into other cultures attainable only through the study of a language.
• Provide a foundation for careers in government, non-governmental organizations, and businesses with international interests and programs.

The demand for the skills acquired in an International Studies degree is increasing in the private sector and  in government. Job opportunities include international, government and non-government organizations, foreign trade, diplomacy, international law, marketing, foreign affairs, defense, intelligence, foreign aid, humanitarian services, politics, education, language services and journalism.