Program Description

As an interdisciplinary program based on strong intellectual links among liberal arts fields, the International Affairs program prepares students to become effectively involved in an age of increasing global interdependence. The program is designed to stimulate awareness of cultural diversity and to foster understanding of the forces, institutions, and policies shaping the early 21st century world. The required courses also promote the development of the basic skills in communication, research, and analysis that will be demanded for leadership in any profession.

Beyond fulfilling the 27 credits of required courses for the major, each student must take 18 credits in one of the following five concentrations: Area & Cultural Studies, International Relations, International Business & Economics, Conflict Management & Diplomacy, and Global Migration - Immigrant Communities.

Students in all five tracks are encouraged to elect internationally oriented courses offered as part of the Foundation for Leadership Curriculum and to take advantage of courses scheduled on a cycled basis by the contributing departments. The program chair and other program faculty can help in the selection of courses. All international studies majors are strongly urged to arrange internships and to consider study abroad opportunities.

This major is offered in both the Weekday and Weekend College programs; the minor is offered only to Weekday College students.