international studies student at Feast of Nations

International Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Build bridges across cultures, languages and communities with a B.A. in International Studies.

In an increasingly interconnected world, a global perspective is more essential than ever. An International Studies degree from UND gives you the tools for a successful career at the local, national or international level.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120 (major), 28 (minor)

Why earn an international studies major?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

Today's interconnected world calls for professionals with the cultural literacy to build bridges across disciplines and communities. A major or minor in International Studies from UND provides a global perspective and prepares you to be a responsible, successful citizen of the world.

International Studies combines coursework from diverse disciplines and offers a high degree of flexibility in customizing your program in areas of study such as:

  • World and regional geography
  • Human rights
  • World religions
  • International relations
  • Language, literature and culture

With an International Studies major, you'll be equipped to communicate across cultures, develop informed opinions about a diverse world and participate in the global discussion.

International Studies Degree at UND

  • Create a personalized 15-credit specialization.

  • Earn academic credit for an international internship.

  • Study abroad in one of 40-plus countries.

  • Immerse yourself in different cultures through monthly Culture Nights on campus.

  • Network with students, professors and host families around the globe.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized Degree Map software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

What can you do with an international studies degree?

52K

Median annual salary for interpreters and translators

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

24%

Anticipated job growth for interpreters and translators

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

An International Studies degree gives you maximum flexibility in preparing for further study and a wide variety of careers. For example:

  • Service in the Peace Corps or UN
  • Global nonprofit and NGO work
  • International studies or peace studies
  • Diplomacy and global relations
  • U.S. foreign service
  • Teaching, including overseas

An International Studies degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Event Planning
  • Project Management
  • Social Networks
  • Software Development Life Cycle
  • Fundraising
  • Program Evaluations

International Studies Major Alumni

International Studies alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Children's Defense Fund, Inc.
  • Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation
  • Bridgewater Bank
  • Community Involvement Programs, Inc.
  • Peace Corps

International Studies Major Courses

LANG 380. Global Gateways. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the interdisciplinary nature of cultural practices and traditions around the world, this course will explore an understanding of culture as historical, literary, linguistic, visual, and performative. Through reading, writing, and discussion to foster advanced communication, students will be expected to engage and examine intercultural contexts and complexities. Repeatable when topics vary. Repeatable to 6 credits. F,S.

LANG 480. Capstone: Global Connections. 3 Credits.

Open to majors and non-majors. Literature, linguistics and/or culture course organized by genre, movement, topic or period with a focus on promoting complex engagement with the subject through in-depth analytical writing and discussion. Taught in English. Prerequisite: Second semester Junior, or Senior status, or instructor approval. Repeatable to 6 credits. F,S.

ANTH 171. Introduction to Cultural Anthropology. 3 Credits.

Examination of diversity and similarities across contemporary world societies. Topics: fieldwork and ethnographic description; theoretical approaches; communication/human language; interrelationships between environment, technology, social and political organization and worldview; sociocultural change; applied anthropology. Films and case studies illustrate intricacies of culture and how an anthropological perspective provides insights about our own society/culture. F,S.

POLS 321. International Human Rights. 3 Credits.

Examination of factors that contribute to human rights violations and domestic, multilateral and bilateral efforts to combat such violations with emphasis placed on the changing nature of the international system of states.

GEOG 161. World Regional Geography. 3 Credits.

Development of the concept of region with analysis of the relationship of physical and cultural features to the contemporary world situation. F,S.

POLS 220. International Politics. 3 Credits.

An introduction to international politics with emphasis on the international system, the major actors, the struggle for power, and the struggle for order. S.

Leading Through Language

Cheyden Paulson speaks four languages and is the recipient of a prestigious federal scholarship. He's aiming for a career in the U.S. Foreign Service.

Read Cheyden's story

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

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