• Welcome
• Programs
• Academic Resources
  • Academic Planning Guide
  • Honors
  • Degree Completion Programs
  • Internship
  • Off Campus & Online
  • Research
  • Study Abroad
  • Information Technologies & Services
• Academic Services
  • Academic Success
  • Athlete Support
  • Disability Services
  • Learning Center
  • MLK Program
  • Placement Testing
  • Undeclared Students
• Accreditation
• Advising
• Catalogs
• Colleges
• Courses
• Provost
• Registrar
• Contact Us

International Studies Minor

International studies is designed to promote global awareness and to prepare students for an ever-changing interdependent world.

What is the International Studies Program?

The International Studies Program educates students about an increasingly complex international environment. The academic components of the program include an International Studies Minor and four different Area Studies Certificates. The minor and certificates use an interdisciplinary approach to help students understand other countries and cultures, and the forces of globalization. The International Studies Program also sponsors educational events to bring global perspectives to the campus community.

What is the international studies minor?

The International Studies Minor (21 credit hours) enhances understanding of global issues and the various countries and cultures of the world. Students who minor in International Studies gain awareness of cultural differences that can hinder understanding in personal relations and international affairs. Minors also learn how global linkages in the world’s economy, politics, media, culture, and natural environment can bring benefits, but also increase international tensions.

The minor uses an interdisciplinary approach. Over 70 courses that fulfill program requirements are offered in the departments of Economics, English, Geography, History, Management & Marketing, Modern Languages, Political Science, Sociology/Anthropology and others. Study abroad and foreign language learning are not required for the minor, but are highly encouraged because they enhance the ability of college graduates to understand foreign cultures, function effectively in other countries, and find international jobs.

What are the Area Studies Certificates?

Areas Studies Certificates (12 credit hours each) are offered in the fields of African & Middle Eastern Studies, Asian Studies, European Studies, and Latin American Studies. A certificate allows a student to demonstrate specialized knowledge of a world region. Like the minor, the certificates use an interdisciplinary approach. Many departments offer courses that fulfill certificate requirements.

What kinds of career choices can I expect?

The International Studies Minor and Area Studies Certificates help students to prepare for a variety of careers. As we move to a more interdependent world, the need for professionals who understand international affairs is growing. The minor and certificates enhance employment opportunities in business, education, geography, government, information systems, international agencies, journalism, law, modern languages, public service, science, and other fields.

The goal of the International Studies Program is to prepare students for an increasingly globalized world by encouraging knowledge and understanding of other societies and cultures. Since the world’s economic, political, and cultural environment is interconnected, this minor is appropriate for many career choices in the U.S. and abroad.

What is the curriculum?

Students must complete 6 credit hours by taking the following two required courses

• INT200    Introduction to International Studies
• INT300    International Studies Seminar

Students must complete 6 credit hours by taking two of the following four core courses:

• GEO101 World Geography (General Education Category D)
• PLS141   Introduction to International Politics (General Education Category D)
• ANT220   Anthropology for International Studies
• MGT370 International Business

Students select 9 credit hours of electives from a list of approved International Studies courses.

What is the curriculum of the certificates?

Students must complete the following required introductory course:

• INT200    Introduction to International Studies

Students select 9 credit hours of electives from a list of approved courses in African & Middle Eastern Studies, Asian Studies, European Studies, or Latin American Studies.

Can minor and certificate students study abroad or serve on internships?

Relevant courses taken while studying abroad may be used to satisfy minor and certificate requirements. In the past, our students have studied in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Spain and many other countries. More than 5,000 study abroad programs are available in almost every country around the globe. The world is open to students who want to broaden their horizons.

Students also have the option of completing an internship in the U.S. or overseas. The university’s proximity to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City provides many opportunities for internships with the U.S. government, multinational businesses, and international agencies.

What educational events does the International Studies Program arrange?

Each academic year the International Studies Program sponsors a theme on a particular world region or global issue. Past themes include Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Oceania, and globalization. The program organizes campus-wide events, featuring speakers and an annual film festival, that provide opportunities for the university community to explore the theme. Speakers have come from other universities, the U.S. and foreign governments, international organizations, and the news media. Each year’s theme also serves as the topic of the International Studies Seminar (INT 300). As part of their regular course work, seminar students attend and discuss the talks and films.

Who can take the International Studies Minor and Area Studies Certificates?

Any undergraduate student can declare the minor or a certificate. The minor can be combined with one or more certificates, but double-counting of courses is not allowed.