International Studies, B.A.

Saint Louis University (Globally Recruit)

Saint Louis University's undergraduate degree in international studies is offered through the College of Arts and Science's political science department. The program provides students the opportunity to focus both on a specific region of the world as well as a specific topic or theme, including arts and culture, environment and health, economics and development, or war and peace.

Additional program highlights include:

A wide variety of courses will fulfill program requirements, from economics, political science and sociology to art history, philosophy and theology.
As part of a degree program, students will demonstrate proficiency in a modern language and complete a capstone experience.
Students also have the opportunity to study abroad and participate in international internships.

Curriculum Overview

The international studies major requires 36 credits, and the curriculum includes the following requirements:

Students must demonstrate proficiency in a second language and complete required courses in international politics, international economics and cultural anthropology.

Beyond required courses, students will declare a regional focus (Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East) and complete nine credits of coursework in that area as well as a thematic focus (arts and culture, environment and health, economics and development, or war and peace) and complete nine credits of coursework related to that topic. A list of applicable courses will be published before each semester.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to analyze cultural, economic, political and social aspects of contemporary international issues.
Graduates will be able to describe how culture and national identity affect a person’s perspectives.
Graduates will be able to apply a variety of methodologies to answer empirical questions about international phenomena.
Graduates will be able to assess analytical arguments.
Graduates will be able to assemble evidence from reliable sources to support their arguments.
Graduates will be able to estimate the global or transnational impact of local actions.
Graduates will be able to apply their knowledge of international phenomena to engage effectively as global citizens.

Careers

An undergraduate degree in international studies prepares students for a global career and can make students more attractive to future employers. Some examples of fields where a degree in international studies can be beneficial include:

Foreign service and diplomacy
Private business and consulting in finance, technology, energy, etc.
NGO's and nonprofits
International organizations and law
Public health
Migration
Education, academia and research
Environment and climate change
National defense and intelligence