Pictured | Christopher Bell | World Language Studies // Latin American Studies | South Bend, Indiana (hometown)
Photo credit | Christopher Bell (Pichincha Volcano, Quito, Ecuador)

Minor in International Studies

International studies is the cross-national interdisciplinary study of contemporary global issues and world regions. It combines the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and professional fields to create an interdisciplinary approach to understanding our increasingly interconnected world.

The minor consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours in at least three different disciplines including the capstone course, and at least Level 2 competency in a world language. The 15 credit hours are distributed as follows:

• INTL-I 490 International Studies Capstone Seminar
• 100- or 200-level core courses with broad international content (3-6 cr.)
• 300-400 level core courses with broad international content (6-9 cr.)

For a listing of core courses, see the International Studies minor brochure. If you wish to earn an International Studies minor, contact the director of international programs.

Certificate in International Studies

The Certificate in International Studies allows students from all disciplines to add international breadth to their program. In an increasingly interdependent world, it is vital to develop expertise in this area. Evidence of focused international study is looked upon as a key distinction by employers in business, government, education, the arts, human services, and other areas, as well as by graduate and professional schools.

The certificate consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours of courses designated as having an international focus, and two semesters of a world language.

Although not required, a study abroad experience is recommended. All study abroad counts toward the certificate, and if it involves another language, it also counts toward the language requirement.

The 21 hours must be distributed as follows:

• 6 credit hours in a world language (or equivalent)
• 15 credit hours must include no more than one 100-level and at least one 400-level course

The 21 credit hours must include courses from three academic units in a program that focuses either on a topic or a geographic area. The courses can also satisfy other liberal arts and sciences requirements.

If you wish to earn a Certificate of International Studies, contact the director of international programs.