Program Spotlight: International Studies
10/11/2018
A traditional major focusing on one concentration area is a good career choice, but it is not enough to satisfy the ever increasing needs in the postmodern world to broaden perspectives and understand several interconnected disciplines. Central to the acquisition of these broad perspectives are foreign languages and global competence.
That is why we have designed a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. This is an interdisciplinary degree program to prepare students for the multicultural world in which we live. Professionals who want to succeed in this modern world of increasing interdependence and rapid change, desperately need global competence and foreign languages. Knowledge of the world broadens the mind, challenges prior biases and limitations, and fosters an appreciation of diverse societies and cultures.
This interdisciplinary degree consists of six concentration areas: Africana Studies; Communication; International Business; International Relations; Spanish, and French.
Students in each concentration will earn a minor in either Spanish or French (15 credit hours) in addition to following a more traditional major (33-36 credit hours), General Education (35-41 hours), and will also be required to participate in an Experience Abroad. In turn, students in the Spanish or French major will earn a traditional minor in one of the other concentrations [See above].
The demand for the skills acquired in an International Studies degree is increasing in the private sector, non-profit organizations, and government. Job opportunities include international organizations either governmental or non-governmental, foreign trade, diplomacy, international law, marketing, foreign affairs, defense, intelligence, foreign aid, humanitarian services, politics, education, language services, and journalism.
The change in demographics in the United States finds a country with a population that is increasingly international and multilingual. This is especially evident in the larger cities and in the dynamic economic and research hubs of the country. The development of social media, websites and streaming services; the importation of consumer goods that adapt to the needs and desires of the stateside global community, they have all vastly changed the job market. Students with a background in International Studies will be better positioned to be part of these trends.
For more information, visit the International Studies web page by clicking
here.