The field of International Studies developed through the belief that the current world order requires its citizens to be globally aware and knowledgeable, culturally sensitive, and methodologically skilled to live and work in international and multicultural settings.
 

A graduate with a B.A. or B.S. in International Studies is expected to master:

• Multidisciplinary knowledge about broad global processes and at least one theme of global significance;
• In-depth theoretical and factual knowledge of a particular region of the world;
• Intermediate to advanced level proficiency in at least one foreign language.

Through the Senior Capstone Course (INT 495) a graduate with a B.A. or B.S. in International Studies is expected to master the following intellectual and methodological skills:

• Experience and initial competency in formulating a research or investigative question;
• The ability to synthesize large and diverse quantities of information about a global topic and a world region;
• The ability to evaluate the validity and reliability of information;
• Mastery of more than one disciplinary approach employed to study international issues;
• The ability to form assumptions from study;
• Critical thinking and analytical skills;
• Proficiency in effective written communication;
• Competence in using facts, ideas and arguments to formulate and deliver persuasive arguments.

In addition, a graduate with a B.A. or B.S. in International Studies achieves:

• Exposure to the common humanity and uniqueness of all cultures;
• An awareness of and sensitivity toward stereotypes and ethnocentrism;
• An understanding of the foreign cultural practices, beliefs and social systems of one’s world area of study;
• A heightened and more critical awareness of one’s own culture;
• Recognition of language barriers and cultural communication characteristics.