Concentration in International Studies

A Concentration in International Studies within the Politics major allows students to focus their politics studies on issues and topics connected to global and international matters.

The Politics Department has a commitment to teach a Global curriculum. We offer a large selection of courses (first-year lectures to senior seminars) that have an international/global orientation. 

The B.A. with a Concentration in International Studies allows students to dive deeper into global issues, drawing from courses in the areas of Comparative Politics, International Politics and other subfields in order to develop global awareness, critical thinking skills, and to acquire tools to understand change.

We also encourage in students a critical self-consciousness about ethical positions vis-à-vis political and civic life. Our faculty take a research-informed, inclusive and student-centered approach to teaching and learning. 

Concentration Requirements
Requirements effective Fall 2025

100 level requirements (12 credits)

  • POLT 10100  US Politics (4 credits)
  • POLT 14000 through POLT 14900 -  Any one 100 level Political Theory Course (4 credits)
  • POLT 12100 through POLT 12900 - Any one 100 level International course  (4 credits)

300 level requirements (23-24 credits)

  • POLT 30600 US Foreign Policy - 1 course (4 credits)
  • POLT 30100 through POLT 32000 - US Politics - 1 course (4 credits)
  • POLT 34100 through POLT 35000 - Political Theory -1 course (4 credits)
  • POLT 32100 through POLT 34099 - Comparative & International Studies - 2 courses (8 credits)
  • POLT 32100  or POLT 32500 or 32600 or 33000 or 33100 or 33200 or33900 or 34050:34099
    - Comparative & International "place" course - 1 course (4 credits)
  • One of the above can be POLT 38100-38199 - Internship: International Studies (3-4 credits), with permission of advisor

400 level requirements (4 credits)

  • POLT 40100 through 40199 - 1 course (4 credits)

Language requirement

  • Four credits beyond the intermediate level (20200), or, with prior approval of the Chair, the equivalent (for example a non-language course offered in the language as part of a study abroad program)

Please note we will work closely with continuing students to ensure they graduate on time.

A grade of C or better is required in all courses to count towards the major