International Studies
Critically examine the complexities of international studies
The international studies degree program is interdisciplinary, with a curriculum that focuses on historical and contemporary dimensions of complex global issues. You’ll develop skills in research and analysis, cultivate a critical awareness of the relationships of power and inequality, and how to question conventional wisdom.
As you work towards your international studies degree, you’ll develop your critical reading, writing, research and problem-solving skills and become able to identify problems and develop solutions to local, regional and international challenges.
In addition to a variety of combined degree programs, we offer a combined bachelor’s + master’s degree program in international studies, which allows you to complete a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree in international studies in as few as five years.
We also offer the 3+3 BA/JD Program, which allows high-achieving first-year undergraduate international studies degree students to be admitted simultaneously to the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (LAS) and the College of Law (LAW). You’ll complete your first three years in LAS and your final three years in LAW.?
You’re also encouraged to develop proficiency in a second language through two years of intensive language study, as well as participate in a study abroad program where your second language is spoken.
Classes
Coursework
- Evolution of the Modern Nation State
- International Conflict Cooperation
- International Movements in the 20th and 21st Centuries
- Cultural Analysis
- International Political Economy
- Identities and Boundaries
- Principles of Micro/Macroeconomics
- Geopolitics
Resources
Career Options
Common Career Areas
- Public policy
- International business
- Immigration work
- Education
- Foreign service
- Humanitarian relief
- Journalism
- Social services
- Law
- Human rights
- Lobbying
89%
of International Studies graduates were employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment after graduation.
Major Requirements
Course Requirements
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| INT 100 | INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL STUDIES (*INT 100 is waived and open electives increased by 4 credits for students with 30+ transfer credits (excluding test credits) | 4-4.5 |
| INT 200 | INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL ECONOMY (prerequisite to INT 205) | 4 |
| INT 201 | NATION STATES, NATIONALISM, AND EMPIRE | 4 |
| INT 202 | THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS | 4 |
| INT 203 | INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENTS AND SOCIAL CHANGE | 4 |
| INT 204 | CULTURAL ANALYSIS | 4 |
| INT 205 | INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY | 4 |
| INT 206 | IDENTITIES AND BOUNDARIES | 4 |
| INT 301 | SENIOR SEMINAR (counts for the LSP Capstone) | 4 |
| Select five courses in an individualized concentration | 20 | |
| Second language proficiency | ||
Individualized Concentration (5 Courses)
All international studies majors are required to complete a twenty-credit individualized concentration designed in consultation with their faculty advisors. This concentration provides students with a depth of knowledge on a particular theme, approach, region, and/or question of some international importance. The concentration is restricted to 300-level INT courses (including cross-listed courses), with the following exceptions:
- Study Abroad: Up to eight credits (two courses) from Study Abroad may be counted toward the concentration, if approved in advance by the student's faculty advisor.
- Double Majors/Minors: Up to eight credits (two courses) in a double major or minor can be applied to the concentration, if approved in advance by the student's faculty advisor.
Second Language Proficiency
Proficiency in a language other than English is required and can be demonstrated through passing grades in college coursework through the intermediate (second-year) level, up to and including 106. Students with second language proficiency in a language taught at DePaul (go.depaul.edu/languages) may complete the language placement test through D2L. To request access, go to Campus Connect > New Student Homepage (select center title bar where is says Student Homepage) > Next Steps > Modern Language Placement Test. You’ll be directed to a new web browser tab and prompted to log into D2L. For languages not taught at DePaul, students may pay a fee to an external language test provider to demonstrate language proficiency in another language. Please visit go.depaul.edu/proficiency for additional instructions.
?Open Electives
Open elective credit is also required to meet the minimum graduation requirement of 192 hours. International Studies majors have 56 open elective credit hours. Courses taken to meet the second language proficiency requirement may count as electives, Honors Program language requirement or learning domain classes in the Liberal Studies Program per the Modern Language Option.
