Major
	International Studies (BA) from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Minor
	International Studies
Four-year Graduation Plan
	Yes
Honors
	Yes
Links
	Web Site Courses General Catalog

International studies goes beyond studying diplomacy and relations between states. It combines theories about global processes with in-depth examination of world regions and related themes. It also involves examination of history, politics, economics, expressive arts, culture, beliefs, social systems, and other aspects of life that distinguish each of the world's regions.

• Why Choose International Studies at Iowa?
• Students
• Course Work
• Activities
• Study Abroad
• Careers
• Scholarships

Why Choose International Studies at Iowa?
The international studies major lets you design and shape your academic plan according to your individual interests. International studies students choose a geographic or thematic emphasis and take classes from a wide range of departments in the humanities and social sciences to fulfill degree requirements. These areas include art and art history, anthropology, business, economics, journalism, political science, and history.

International studies also may complement majors in other departments. The combination of international studies courses and focused thematic or regional courses gives you a global understanding and empowers you to apply your knowledge in a specific context.

All international studies students at Iowa receive personalized, one-on-one advising from the Academic Advising Center staff during their first year and from International Programs throughout their college experience. International studies students have quality time with faculty, too. A faculty mentor who shares your interests will be available to discuss issues in your field and work with you on your senior project.

Students
International studies majors are informed, career-oriented, well- traveled, and involved individuals. They are able to:

• Communicate thoughts and ideas in a language or culture other than their own.
• Think beyond their immediate surroundings.
• Critically examine current and historic global events.
• Make important decisions that will affect them and people around the world.

Course Work
Students majoring in international studies earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. The BA requires a minimum of 120 semester hours (s.h.) of credit, including 39 s.h. for the major. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, helping students prepare for life and work in the international arena.

Language proficiency is vital for encountering and participating in diverse societies and cultures, so international studies majors must complete study of a second language beyond what is required by the General Education Program's World Languages requirement.

While study abroad is not required, it is strongly encouraged. Academic credit earned while studying abroad may be applied to the international studies major.

Your course work for the major will begin with an orientation course, which prepares you to fully engage in your interdisciplinary program of study, plus a foundation course and two core courses, which introduce you to the major issues in international studies and the varied methods used to examine them.

You’ll do substantial course work in a geographic or thematic emphasis, which you'll choose from the areas below (or you may develop one in consultation with a faculty mentor).

Geographic emphasis areas:

• African studies
• Caribbean studies
• East Asian studies
• European studies
• Latin American studies
• Middle East and Muslim world studies
• Russian, East European, and Eurasian studies
• South Asian studies

• Development
• Global artistic tradition and change
• Global health studies
• Global resources and the environment
• Human rights
• International business
• International communication and information
• International politics and international relations
• Postcolonial and diasporic studies
• War, peace, and security

You'll also take international studies electives outside your emphasis area in order to gain comparative perspectives on your area.

A senior project completes the major. The project involves independent study under a faculty member's supervision. You'll do research for the project and then write a research paper or complete a creative work that focuses on a topic related to your geographic or thematic emphasis area.

See International Studies in the UI General Catalog to learn more about the major and for information about graduating with honors or earning a minor in international studies.

Activities
International studies students have many ways to get involved, on and off campus. You may choose to share your international experiences with Iowa schoolchildren in the International Classroom Journey program, be a Global Buddy to a new international student, brush up your language skills at one of the many language department conversation hours, or volunteer with a community organization devoted to international understanding, such as the Iowa United Nations Association, Iowa City Foreign Relations Council, or the Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities.

The University hosts a variety of activities related to international studies, including lectures, plays, films, international writer-in-residence programs, and group discussions.

International studies students also are invited to apply to live in the Global Village Living-Learning Community in the UI residence halls.

Study Abroad
International Studies majors are encouraged to study or intern abroad. Each international studies student is eligible to apply for the many resources available through the Office for Study Abroad, where staff can help you plan an experience that fits your interests and academic goals. They'll also guide you in applying for study abroad funding. Learn more about study abroad opportunities and scholarships at the Office for Study Abroad web site.

Careers
International studies students graduate with many marketable skills. When you tell a potential employer that you have completed this major, you are letting them know that you have language and cross-cultural communication skills, are not afraid to try new things and adapt to different environments, are willing to accept a challenge, and are aware of the larger world around you.

International experience is a powerful asset for a successful career. International studies offers preparation for employment in organizations such as the Peace Corps, U.S. Foreign Service, and multinational corporations and in areas such as overseas teaching. Many students go on to pursue graduate or professional study.

Scholarships
Consult multiple sources for scholarship information, including the Office of Admissions, the Office of Student Financial Aid, and departmental web sites.