International Studies with a concentration in Regional Studies, BA

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During the last 20 years, companies and government agencies have increased their search for employees who understand world issues to meet the challenges of working with many countries. A Bachelor of Arts with a major in international studies and a concentration in regional studies makes you a valuable asset to any organization working in your chosen region.

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:

Regional Studies concentration, 36 hours

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

World survey, 9 hours

Regional choice, 18 hours

Select two regions from the following four regions of the world and take 9 hours in each.

Europe

Latin America

Asia

Africa and the Middle East

Additional area of concentration, 9 hours

Select 9 hours from a second area of concentration:

Foreign language for Regional Studies students

In their choice of a foreign language to satisfy degree requirements, students who select Regional Studies as their area of concentration may choose a language that complements their primary area of concentration. For example, students who choose Asian studies as their area of concentration may select either Chinese or Japanese; students who choose Latin America may select Spanish; students who choose European Studies may choose German, French, Italian, Spanish or Russian; students who choose Africa and the Middle East may select Arabic or French.

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 in the 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.