Together with the University Studies Program (USP) and College of Arts and Sciences requirements, IS majors choose interdisciplinary coursework focused around a central theme, geographical area and language. The major culminates in a capstone project. Students can choose either a B.A. or B.S. degree. For a complete description of the International Studies major curriculum visit the UK Bulletin. Current UK students should consult APEX (located in myUK) to identify degree progress. 

The major includes two options:

• TAC Option (Thematic and Area Concentration)
• FLIE Option (Foreign Language and International Economics)

The TAC Option (Thematic and Area Concentration)

Students select coursework in one world thematic concentration and one world area concentration:

Thematic Concentrations: Culture & the Arts Global Environment Human Rights & Social Movements International Commerce International Development International Relations

Area Concentrations: Africa & the Middle East East, South & Southeast Asia Europe Latin America Russia & Eurasia

Students in the TAC option must meet proficiency requirements in a foreign language of their choosing. UK offers courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish.

The FLIE Option (Foreign Language International Economics)

Tailored for students interested in international economics, the FLIE option combines foreign language and world area study with an in-depth understanding of economics. Students complete a core set of Economics and advanced language courses. Students may choose any of the following languages and world area of study: French, German, Japanese, Russian or Spanish.

Summary of TAC and FLIE Options:

TAC Thematic & Area Concentration Option Complete: Pathway Courses (2 courses) Language Competency (2 courses above the 202 level in one language OR a combination of two languages at the 201 and 102 level respectively) Thematic Concentration (12-15 credit hours) Area Concentration (12-15 credit hours) Capstone Senior Project (3 credit hours)

FLIE Foreign Language & International Economics Option Complete: Economics Core Requirement (7 courses) Upper division international economics courses (6 - 9 credit hours) Advanced Language Core Requirement (21-26 credit hours depending on the language selected) Capstone Senior Project (3 credit hours)