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Top to bottom: Pittaya Paladroi-Shane, CIS world languages coordinator and associate professor, looks on as Fulbright Language Teaching Assistants Praiya Chinnachat from Thailand, Mohd “Dean” Azman from Malaysia, and Hardi Wijakesuma from Indonesia perform with shadow puppets.
International Studies Major
Regional concentrations in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, or Middle East/North Africa

International Studies Major (B.A.)

International Studies is a globally focused interdisciplinary program that draws courses from different disciplines in the humanities, arts, social sciences, and physical sciences.

Students select one regional concentration as an areas of specialization — Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America or Middle East/North Africa — plus a transregional theme.

Advanced language study and a study abroad experience are required.

Choose a Region You Want to Study

PLUS choose a study abroad program in your region for at least 4 weeks!

  • Africa


  • Asia


  • Europe


  • Latin America


  • Middle East/North Africa


Choose a Transregional Theme that Crosses Regions

  • Global Communication


    Take the core course Communication Among Cultures. Then explore courses like Environmental Communication, Global Citizen Journalism, Global Media Politics, and Media and the Muslim World.

  • International Development and Global Commerce


    Take the core course Globalization and the Developing World. Then explore courses like Economics of Poverty, International Trade, Urban Geography, International Marketing, and Global Humanitarianism.

  • Health and Development


    Take the core course Introduction to Global Health. Then explore courses like Medical Anthropology, Comparative Health Systems, Global Health Research and Service, and Global Health and Development.

  • Arts, Culture and Society


    Take the core course Introduction to World History Since 1750. Then explore courses like Origins of Food Production, Soccer and World History, International Law, and Crimes Against Humanity.

  • Global Sustainability and Environmental Literacy


    Take the core course Plants and the Global Environment. Then explore courses like Economics of the Environment, Geography of Hunger and Food Security, and the Politics of Sustainability.

  • Security Studies


    Take the core course International Peace. Then explore courses that cover topics like the World Wars, Churchill and Gandi, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the Cold War, Cybersecurity, and Terrorism.

Careers and Graduate School Opportunities

The interdisciplinary nature of the International Studies major is applicable to a wide variety of professions.

International Studies graduates will possess the skills and knowledge to find meaningful post-baccalaureate opportunities in a variety of fields, including government, education, non-profits, business, and more.

Through their language training and study abroad experience, graduates will be well-positioned to participate effectively in today’s globalized and diverse workplace.

Courses & Curriculum

Foreign Language and Study Abroad Requirement

The International Studies program requires completion of three years (six semesters) or equivalent of a foreign language. This can consist of three years in the same language, or two years in one language with an additional year in another language.

Additionally, students are required to study abroad for at least four weeks in a location which overlaps with their regional concentration.

Browse our programs at the Office of Global Opportunities

Core Courses

There are five core courses in the program:

  • ANTH 1010 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Credit Hours: 3
  • GEOG 2400 - Environmental Geography Credit Hours: 3
  • INST 1010 - Understanding the World Credit Hours: 3
  • INST 4960 - Global Problems, Local Solutions Credit Hours: 3
  • POLS 2500 - International Relations Credit Hours: 3

Regional and Thematic Concentrations

Full Graduation Requirements and Courses in the Official Academic Catalog

View extensive lists of core and elective courses offered in each regional and thematic area in the catalog.

Contact Us for More Information

Dr. Joshua Hill
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Center for International Studies
Associate Professor of Chinese History
hillj6@ohio.edu
Schedule a Meeting

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