Courses & Focus Areas

The Culture & Identity focus allows students to explore how culture affects human interaction, language, and the arts. Students who choose this focus may work as an international educator promoting cross cultural educational programs or supporting international students in the U.S. They may also work to promote the arts of other cultures through local and international associations or may consult businesses, government, or organizations about the importance of cultural competence.

Coursework from the Development & Sustainability focus identifies issues related to global population growth, migration, economic development, global climate change, and sustainability. International development attempts to find economic, political, and social solutions to alleviate poverty in developing nations. Students who choose this focus may be interested in working for an international humanitarian organization or development agencies like USAID. Organizations and agencies vary in focus including health, social justice, environment, political participation, and micro finance.

The European Studies focus allows students to analyze European art, literature, history, and politics to gain a deeper understanding of the region. Through this study, students will expand their insight into current issues Europe is facing.  Students who choose this focus may pursue work within European politics, business, education, or other industries, and bring their regional insight into those fields.

The Foreign Relations & Security focus concentrates on the relationship between nations during times of peace and conflict. Courses in this focus include topics such as terrorism, security policies, globalization, and international law. Foreign Service is an obvious career path for students who choose Foreign Relations and Security but students may also be interested in working for a variety of government agencies. Students may also pursue careers in peace and conflict resolution, law, think tanks or policy centers, or international security organizations.

The Global Health focus allows students to study international public health issues. Students who choose to focus on health may pursue a career as a public health official either domestically or abroad.  Public health officials can educate communities on local health concerns, research infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, or advocate for clean water and the removal of environmental toxins.  Students who choose this focus may continue on to medical school or may pursue degrees in public health, nursing, pharmacy, or other health related fields.

One of the pivotal events of the 21st century was the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document is the global standard for all nations and impacts international and domestic policy to this day. This focus area draws on multiple perspectives to discuss and address the moral, political, and conceptual aspects of human rights, alongside studies of specific human rights issues such as immigration, equality, and access to education. Students who select this focus area may be interested in pursuing a career in law, non-profits, government work, research, advocacy, refugee assistance, and much more.

Coursework from the Trade & Commerce focus allows students to investigate how business is conducted in other countries and to study the interconnectedness of world economies. In an age of globalization, doing business often means doing business abroad.  To do so effectively, students must be able to effectively communicate and market products across borders. Students who choose this focus may be interested in working within a realm of international business or with a federal agency that focuses on international economic development.

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in International Studies must complete 6 credits of culture electives from the below approved list of courses. All courses are taught in English. Through these courses, students will explore various cultural expressions and identity through the study of literature, film, communication, language, and folklore.