School of Social Sciences and International Studies

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

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Why Choose International Studies?

Tiera Honaker, International Studies Major

Still unsure of a major and career path? Consider International Studies (IS). 

During your study of how cultural, historical, political, and economic forces affect international relations, you will gain a greater understanding of yourself and others. The major fosters civic engagement and social responsibility and promotes learning and scholarship while serving the community at the local, state, national, and international levels by preparing you to be an informed global citizen.

A degree in international studies has helped our graduates land jobs with the U.S. government, with international organizations such as the United Nations, and with nongovernmental organizations like Doctors Without Borders, just to name a few.

The international studies major offers a varied curriculum and provides you with the opportunity to tailor a program of study that is international in content and tailored to your interests. This multidisciplinary program of study consists of:

  • At least two years (or equivalent) of a foreign language
  • A choice of five core courses from seven disciplines in the arts, humanities, and social sciences
  • A choice of concentrations based on your academic interests and career goals:
    • International Diplomacy and Peace Studies
    • African Studies
    • Asian Studies
    • European Studies
    • Latin American Studies
    • Middle Eastern Studies
    • Comparative Cultures
    • International Economic Affairs
    • Global Gender Studies
    • Research Intelligence Analyst

Students graduating with the B.A. in international studies will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the value of diversity and multicultural competence in today's global environment.
  • Communicate effectively in writing.
  • Use critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate global political, economic, or social issues.

Exit interviews with graduating seniors and alumni surveys indicate very high levels of satisfaction with the major. Most of the courses for the IS major are small (between 15 and 30 students) and many are taught seminar style, featuring discussion, collaboration, and research papers. Respondents say they appreciated the diversity of courses to choose from and gave high scores to their professors’ teaching. In a recent survey, every respondent agreed the coursework they took for their IS degree not only provided them with marketable, transferable skills, it enhanced their ability to understand world affairs and their understanding of other cultures. In exit interviews, 100 percent expressed satisfaction with the program overall and 100 percent reported that they felt prepared to obtain acceptance to a graduate or professional school.

Careers

If you are interested in careers in government, international organizations, business, teaching, or journalism you should contact the director of the international studies (IS) major. 

Wright State grads with the IS degree are working in the private and public sector, in governmental and non-governmental organizations or using their B.A. in liberal arts as the foundation for law and other graduate degrees. They have found work as foreign service officers for the U.S. Department of State; as community educators in the Peace Corps and in AmeriCorps, as research analysts at the United Nations Population Fund, in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) and in other agencies at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. They have worked to promote human rights worldwide through the British charity Oxfam, at the United Nations, and with Médecins Sans Frontières; leading anti-human trafficking campaigns; assisting refugees for Catholic Relief Services; and working as Congressional staffers…just to name a few.

For more on careers in IS, visit:

Real-World Experience

Internships

Students with a GPA of 3.0 or better may receive credit hours for internships. For opportunities in the Dayton area, contact Laura Luehrmann, Ph.D. for details.

Students selected for the prestigious Washington Center Internship program live in Washington, D.C., for a semester and gain valuable experience in their choice of governmental or non-governmental officeswhile earning a semester’s worth of credit. Learn more by going to The Washington Center website. Wayne Stark from Wright State's Career Center has coached many of our students through the application process. Contact Wayne Stark for more information.

U.S. Department of State Summer Student Internship Program

This program offers U.S. citizen undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to participate in 10-week paid internships that provide intensive educational and professional experience within the environment of America's principal foreign affairs agency.

The paid internships are available at many of the more than 265 U.S. embassies, consulates and missions to international organizations around the world, as well as at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., and other locations throughout the U.S. You can gain first-hand, hands-on experience, and learn the realities of working in, and with, foreign and civil service professionals at the forefront of America's diplomatic efforts.

For more information, visit the following website:

Study Abroad

Wright State offers a world of opportunities. Strike out on your own to study abroad for a semester (or more) or travel with a Wright State professor and a small group of your classmates for a few weeks.

Check out upcoming study abroad options on the University Center for International Education (UCIE) website.

We also offer semester and year-long study abroad programs in over 60 countries! For more information or to make an advising appointment, please stop by the UCIE (E344 Student Union) or email at askucie@wright.edu.

Model United Nations

Built around a three-credit-hour seminar in political science, PLS 4860/6860, Wright State’s Model UN Team emphasizes diplomacy, teamwork, problem-solving, public speaking, technical writing, and researching. Students participate in regional and international simulations, winning top awards at the National Model United Nations Conference in New York City each spring. Visit the Model UN webpage to learn more.

Success Stories

Kathryn Chaney weaves together her passion for travel, work experiences and two degrees from Wright State to thrive at the Defense Institute of Security Cooperation Studies.

Academics and Curriculum

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in international studies consists of three parts: three years of study of one foreign language; the major core courses, which include introductory work in art history, economics, geography, history, political science, religion and women's studies; and work in a specialized concentration. 

The concentrations in the international studies major provide six options: International Diplomacy and Peace Studies; Area Studies in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East; Comparative Cultures; International Economic Affairs; Global Gender Studies; and Research/Intelligence Analyst.  

  • The International Diplomacy and Peace Studies concentration is recommended for students interested in working in the public sector, (e.g., the foreign service, international governmental or nongovernmental organizations, or for those planning to pursue graduate work in international affairs or international law). It includes courses in political science, communication, and history.
  • The Area Studies concentrations provide preparation for the careers mentioned in Diplomacy and Peace Studies, yet offers the opportunity to develop a specialization in a regional area of study (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East). They include classes in anthropology, history, humanities, and political science.
  • The Comparative Cultures concentration is recommended for students who wish to focus their program of study on the arts and humanities. This track offers preparation for a variety of careers (e.g., with international governmental and nongovernmental organizations promoting cultural exchanges, as well as graduate work). It includes courses from anthropology, classics, English, history, humanities, philosophy, and religion.
  • The International Economics concentration is recommended for majors planning to work in the private or public sector (e.g., for an international organization promoting economic development or as a public information officer for a multinational corporation). It focuses on global economic concerns, with supporting coursework in history, political science, and sociology.
  • The Global Gender Studies concentration enables students to analyze and critique patterns of inequalities based on gender as well as race, class, sexuality, and nationality within and across cultures, nations, political systems, and economic structures. It prepares majors for careers in international governmental and nongovernmental organizations concerned with women’s advancement, human rights, conflict resolution, and sustainable development. 
  • The Research Intelligence Analyst concentration combines coursework in research methods, ethics, and a variety of disciplines to assist those interested in international affairs to work in data analysis.

View the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies program information, degree requirements, and graduation planning strategy in the Academic Catalog.

Courses

The international studies program fosters life-long learning by providing you with the tools of language, critical thinking and analysis. The major prepares you to assume your role as an effective and informed global citizen while laying the groundwork for promoting international understanding.

Admission

If you haven’t yet applied to Wright State, complete the admission application and list international studies as your intended major.

If you are a current student and wish to change majors, go to the WINGS Express major/minor change request form and change your major. If you are an undecided/exploratory student, talk to your advisor about switching your major to international studies.

Advising

You will have two advisors available to help you throughout your academic experience:

  • An academic advisor within University Academic Advising (937-775-2601)
  • A faculty advisor who also teaches in the program (378 Allyn, 937-775-2942, or SoSSIS@wright.edu)

IS faculty advisors can provide help with:

  • Selection of concentration (and a career path)
  • Selection of courses
  • Selection of a graduate or professional school, applying for admission and scholarships, etc.

When you have been accepted into the undergraduate program as an international studies major or minor, you will receive a welcome letter informing you of your advisor and the contact information.

Whether you are a transfer student from another college or university, changing majors at Wright State, or adding a minor, you should meet your advisor as soon as possible to learn your degree requirements and to acquaint yourself with the educational opportunities available to international studies students.

Opportunities

Certificates

As an IS major, you may use electives to acquire one of these resume-bolstering certifications.

Student Associations and Honor Societies

Listed below are just a few of your choices at Wright State:

  • The student club, International Cultural Exchange, provides American and international students an opportunity to network and learn from each other.
  • Wright State’s French Club sponsors the twice-a-month "café français," a "soirée française" at a local French restaurant, and screenings of French films. In addition, the French Club helps organize the annual French Immersion Day in November.
  • Practice your Spanish and learn more about Spanish-speaking cultures in Wright State’s Spanish Club.
  • Wright State’s German Club is a gathering of students of German and other German-speaking individuals. Get together with classmates, faculty and others for an informal conversation in German.

Opportunities in Dayton

The Dayton Council on World Affairs (DCOWA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to promote informed opinion and decision-making concerning international issues.”  DCOWA offers a variety of events each year, engaging the community on a diversity of world issues.

 


Take the Next Step

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