THE PROGRAM OF STUDY

The International Studies Program provides a curricular option within the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. It offers some courses of its own, but draws most of its curriculum from other departments in the College and throughout the university. This allows for courses covering a wide spectrum of disciplines, such as political science, agricultural economics, foreign languages, geography, history, humanities, human nutrition and foods, philosophy, management, marketing, and religion.

All International Studies students are required to take a common core of courses in the major. They include a year-long introduction that analyzes the history, politics, and economics of the modern world. International Studes also requires two semesters of economics courses, and a two-semester course sequence which examines the history and theory of international relations. All students are required to take a senior seminar which hones students’ analytical skills in writing, research, and oral presentation. Each student is expected to acquire a high level of proficiency in a foreign language. A number of students add a minor or even a second major in a foreign language.

International Studies students choose one among four concentrations or options within their major: (a) world politics and policy; (b) business; (c) environmental affairs; and (d) global development. The World Politics & Policy Option is designed for students interested in journalism, teaching, government service, and law or graduate school. It includes additional history and political science courses beyond those required in the common core. The Business Option includes courses in accounting, finance, management, and marketing, all taught in the R.B. Pamplin College of Business. The Environmental Affairs Option prepares students for work in business or public agencies that deal with the increasingly important issues in the environment. The Global Development Option is designed for students interested in working in the Third World. It includes courses in natural resources and food production in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The link for the minor is listed here. Elective courses offered for International Studies are provided through these links: world politics and policy, environmental affairs, and global development.


INTERNSHIPS AND COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

Students in International Studies may participate in the Cooperative Education Program of the University. This program allows students to alternate between study in Blacksburg and work experience elsewhere. Internships provide work experience on a shorter basis, traditionally during the summer, and may accrue academic credit. You must obtain prior approval to receive credit. to

CHANGE OF MAJOR GPA REQUIREMENT

Change of majors is accepted during course request week in October and March. New majors switching in are required to have a 2.5 gpa or higher. Second majors are required to have a 3.0 gpa or higher. To apply see Jennifer Hanratty in 119 Major Williams during course request week either in the Fall or Spring.

receive credit.