International Studies with a concentration in Peace Studies, BA

During the last few decades, companies and government agencies have increased their search for employees who understand world issues. A Bachelor of Arts with a major in international studies and a concentration in peace studies prepares you to work in conflict resolution.

This major is designed to prepare students for jobs in the public and private sectors, where globalization is increasing dramatically, or to enter a graduate degree program.

Degree requirements

Hours required and general/college requirements

A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree as specified in the “General University Requirements ” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Arts and Sciences requirements.

Major requirements

Majors need 42 hours from the list of approved courses below, including:

Peace Studies concentration, 36 hours

Twelve of the 36 hours must be advanced-level courses.

PSCI 3500 - Introduction to Peace Studies (3 hours)

Determinants of violence, 6 hours

Conflict management, 6 hours

Issues of justice, 6 hours

Additional courses, 6 hours

Selected from approved courses in the three sub-areas listed above.

Regional choice, 9 hours

Students should select one region of the world relevant to their concentration and take 9 hours in that region. See “Regional choice” under the concentration in Regional Studies .

Note

* May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

Some courses (e.g., INST 4850 and INST 4900 ) may be repeated for credit as topics vary and if the subject is appropriate.

Other course requirements

6 upper-division hours in a foreign language of the student’s choice. International students who attended high school in a non-native English speaking country and have been exempted from the College of Arts and Sciences foreign language requirement can substitute 6 hours of advanced English writing courses with prior approval of the International Studies director or academic advisor.
Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of Study Abroad opportunities. Students are also encouraged to do an internship related to their area of concentration; only 3 hours will apply towards the major.

Minor

Optional.

Electives

Hours required for electives may vary based on course selection and the University Core Curriculum requirements. Electives may be required to satisfy the advanced hour requirement (42) and/or the minimum total hours required for the degree. For specific information see an academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Other requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in international studies, a student must have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the time of graduation.