Schools, Departments & Programs

International Studies

Introduction

Both the B.A. and the B.S. in International Studies (INTL) provide an intellectual foundation that enables students to communicate, collaborate, and work across national, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic boundaries. By incorporating extensive foreign language study and mandating an overseas experience, these degrees foster competencies that students need in order to function successfully in a global environment.

The majors are broadly constructed to allow flexibility as well as depth and breadth of regional and thematic knowledge. Students explore the majors by taking two introductory courses chosen from the following thematic concentrations: Global Health and Environment; Global Development; Human Rights and International Law; International Communication and the Arts; Identity and Conflict; and Diplomacy, Security, Governance. They are also required to complete 300- and 400-level courses that focus directly on their chosen thematic concentration.

Students must choose a regional concentration area with the approval of the departmental advisor. This area can be perceived in one of two ways (students must select one):

  1. An area defined geographically (either broadly defined, such as the Pacific Rim, or with a concentrated focus, such as Egypt or Germany); or
  2. An area defined linguistically, religiously and/or ethnically (such as the Jewish diaspora) outside the United States.

Optimally, the regional concentration chosen will relate to the student's foreign language study.

International Studies is affiliated with the new School of Global and International Studies (SGIS), which prepares students for opportunities in any international field they choose, whether they plan to work in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors. The School has a dual focus that sets it apart. On the one hand, it teaches the languages and histories of strategically important regions of the world. IU has long been a leading university for studying the cultures of communities around the world, and SGIS seeks to maintain and build upon this proud tradition. At the same time, SGIS also examines crucial contemporary issues that transcend borders. Areas of focus include security, trade and development, global governance, and human rights. SGIS prioritizes a pragmatic, nonpartisan understanding of some of the most challenging issues of our times. Perhaps no one exemplifies the approach and impact that SGIS hopes that its alumni will have better than two of its distinguished faculty members, former Representative Lee Hamilton and former Senator Richard Lugar.

SGIS provides its students with unmatched opportunities. Students have the opportunity to study in a state-of-the-art building at the center of campus. The ratio of faculty to undergraduate majors is seven-to-one, and virtually all SGIS faculty teach undergraduates. Over 60 percent of SGIS students study abroad, for which SGIS offers a wide range of scholarships. Finally, SGIS has top-notch academic and career advisors who develop close relationships with the students.

Majors, Minors, and Programs
Contact Information

Department of International Studies
Indiana University
GISB First Floor East
355 North Jordan Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405-1105

(812) 856-1816
intl [at] indiana [dot] edu

www.indiana.edu/~intlweb