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Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

The world as we know it is becoming more complex every day. International studies at the University of St. Thomas provides you with knowledge and skills from political science, economics and history to tackle the biggest issues affecting our world today.

Why Study International Studies at St. Thomas?

International studies is interdisciplinary by utilizing skills and knowledge from economics, history, political science and foreign languages to address complex problems in the world. As part of our program, you will develop your own area of expertise through courses, research, internships and study abroad in consultation with the program director. Our graduates have geared their studies to pursue careers in academia, government agencies, international business and law.

See the World From a New Perspective

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Internships and Research

    • Course Requirements

    You will establish knowledge and skills needed for expertise in the field by completing core coursework in political science, economics, history and geography. You will choose a concentration in either political science, economics or history, and also take advanced electives in the other two areas to round out your knowledge of all three disciplines. In addition, you will complete advanced foreign language courses related to your interests. It culminates with a research capstone experience focusing on a topic of your choosing.

    Four-Year Plan

    We recommend for students to start with the core courses in political science, economics, history and geography while they work on their foreign language requirements immediately. You use these courses to determine your desired area of concentration. International studies is a flexible program, so we recommend connecting with the program director to develop a four-year plan.

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

    Internships and Research

    We have students who have interned with the Department of State, Department of Defense, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ state government, political campaigns, legislative offices in ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ and Washington, D.C., the American Refugee Council and more. In addition to the their research capstone course, students have conducted research on topics such as national identity in Ukraine and France.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    You will establish knowledge and skills needed for expertise in the field by completing core coursework in political science, economics, history and geography. You will choose a concentration in either political science, economics or history, and also take advanced electives in the other two areas to round out your knowledge of all three disciplines. In addition, you will complete advanced foreign language courses related to your interests. It culminates with a research capstone experience focusing on a topic of your choosing.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    We recommend for students to start with the core courses in political science, economics, history and geography while they work on their foreign language requirements immediately. You use these courses to determine your desired area of concentration. International studies is a flexible program, so we recommend connecting with the program director to develop a four-year plan.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

    Internships and Research

    Internships and Research

    We have students who have interned with the Department of State, Department of Defense, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ state government, political campaigns, legislative offices in ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ and Washington, D.C., the American Refugee Council and more. In addition to the their research capstone course, students have conducted research on topics such as national identity in Ukraine and France.

    World Travelers

    Our faculty, students and alumni are traveling the world, applying their knowledge and skills to address complex issues.
    Valerie Brukhis poses for portrait.

    Valerie Brukhis ‘17

    Valerie is currently in Tel Aviv, Israel on a Fulbright Scholarship pursuing a master’s degree in security and diplomacy studies. Her interest in the degree stems from her 2016 summer internship with the German Marshall Fund in Washington, D.C., where she worked with a team analyzing Russian cyberwarfare strategies. Her international studies and political science majors, along with her fluency in Russian and Ukrainian, have given her expertise to thrive in this field of study and work.
    A ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ lectures during a the political science class.

    Dr. Renee Buhr

    Dr. Buhr conducted research in Bordeaux, France in 2016 focusing on the French presidential campaigns and elections throughout the year. Since then, she has worked on additional research projects examining the narratives presidential candidates create about gender equality and religious freedom, as well what is means to be “truly French.” She brings this experience with French politics and national identity to her courses at St. Thomas.
    A student splits wood during a summer program.

    Cierra Slattengren ‘19

    Cierra graduated with an international studies major with a concentration in political science. She joined the Peace Corps as an Education Volunteer in Ethiopia from 2019 until 2021. She received this highly competitive position because she engaged in volunteer work, studied abroad and VISION trips throughout her undergraduate career.
    An individual in a suit poses in front of the White House.

    Career Paths

    We give you the tools you need to succeed in a variety of careers and industries. Here are some possible paths for you after graduation:
    • Education
    • Legislative aide
    • International business
    • Human rights organizations
    • Political or economic analyst
    • Immigration, refugee, civil rights or international law

    Scholarships

    There a number of national scholarships for you to compete for once you are a student at St. Thomas.

    Fulbright Scholarship

    You are able to pursue two programs—one focusing on research, and the other for teaching English abroad. St. Thomas offers extensive support for students pursuing this opportunity, and has had three semi-finalists and one winner in recent years.

    Critical Language Scholarship

    The Critical Language Scholarship is funded by the State Department and provides intensive language training in critical languages over the summer.

    Boren Scholarship and Fellowship

    Students pursuing this scholarship for undergraduate and graduate study receive funding to pursue intensive language study in critical languages needed by the United States government.

    Faculty With Real Experience

    Suzanne Wisniewski headshot.

    Dr. Suzanne Wisniewski

    Dr. Wisniewski’s research centers on the economics of education, nutrition and poverty in less developed countries.

    Renee Buhr headshot.

    Dr. Renee Buhr

    Dr. Buhr brings her experience with French politics and national identity to her courses in the international studies curriculum.

    Prepared for the Future

    You have access to individualized mentoring inside and outside of the classroom, as well as a vast alumni network.

    Individualized

    You will received individualized mentoring and advising from the program director who has extensive experience in the field.

    Interdisciplinary

    We offer interdisciplinary coursework with faculty experts in political science, history and economics that cover many regions of the world.

    Energetic

    St. Thomas alumni are excited to connect with you. We have an energetic alumni network in Washington, D.C. and the Midwest.

    Vast Knowledge. Versatile Skills.

    The interdisciplinary nature of our program will develop your knowledge and skills in various fields.
    A student sits on a cliff overlooking a beautiful countryside.

    See the World

    International studies students have a number of opportunities to study abroad. For example, Dr. Renee Buhr is co-teaching a new study abroad course with Dr. Monica Hartmann about the political and economic impacts of Brexit on Northern Ireland.
    Blue fabric with a white emblem of a globe.

    Gain Practical Skills

    Many of our students join our Model UN team. The team will represent Spain at the American Model UN Conference in Chicago this year.
    Person in Washington holding a folder

    Put Your Knowledge to Work

    Our students have participated in internships with the Department of State, Department of Defense and more.
    International Studies program video image.

    The Global Stage

    International studies at St. Thomas prepares students for their careers by utilizing knowledge and skills from economics, history, political science and foreign languages. Students graduate with a versatile skill set that helps them address the complexities of our modern society.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.

    Related Majors and Minors

    International studies pairs with a range of majors and minors at the University of St. Thomas.

    Majors

    Minors