Overview
Interdepartmental Undergraduate Secondary Major and Minor, Administered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Through a combination of coursework and study abroad, students who complete a secondary major or minor in International Studies can prepare for careers or advanced study in the international arena, such as foreign service, journalism, advocacy organizations, scientific or research institutions, business, nongovernmental development organizations (NGOs), humanitarian agencies, environmental organizations, human rights organizations, think tanks, international agriculture, and international engineering. Students in International Studies gain an understanding of global issues, learn to communicate across cultures, develop awareness of cultural ideas and attitudes, and are well positioned to become global leaders in their chosen field.
A secondary major and a minor in International Studies are available for undergraduates. The program requirements are structured around a combination of a designated Topical Module and a Geographic Region, both selected by the student. Each student’s program of study is designed to reflect opportunities at Iowa State University as well as the academic, intellectual, and professional interests of the student.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the second major in International Studies, students will be able to:
1. Read, write and speak a language other than their native language at an intermediate level to effectively communicate with people from other cultures.
2. Understand factual knowledge about world economic and political systems, events, cultures, and geography and to critically analyze global issues, especially as they relate to globalization.
3. Understand, interpret, and articulate the major processes, theories, and problems of a selected contemporary global issue within a selected world region to also recognize interconnections between local and global issues and events.
4. Live, study, work, and/or volunteer in a selected world region in order to understand, interpret and articulate major cultural values and issues and to appreciate the impact of one’s own cultural and educational experience on their perception of the world.
Secondary Major
A student seeking a secondary major in International Studies must successfully complete two core courses plus courses in a selected Geographic Region and Topical Module; demonstrate proficiency in a language relevant to the selected geographic region (see below); and participate in a required study, service, or work abroad program (see below).
Requirements for the Secondary Major in International Studies:
- 9 credits of coursework (at least 6 of which are numbered 3000 or above) from one of the following Geographic Regions:
- Africa and the Middle East
- Asia
- Latin America
- Western Europe
- Russia, East Europe and Central Asia
- 9 credits of coursework (at least 6 of which are numbered 3000 or above) from one of the following Topical Modules:
- Global Environmental Issues
- Globalization and Economic Development
- International Issues in Science and Technology
- International Communication
- International Conflict
- Social and Cultural Change
The list of courses approved for credit for the Geographic Regions and Topical Modules is on the International Studies webpage.
- 3 additional credits of coursework selected from either the Geographic Region or Topical Module.
Language Proficiency
- Proficiency in a world language that is relevant to the selected geographic region. This can be achieved by completing the 2020 level (or higher) of the language. Students whose first language is not English must still meet this requirement if their first language is not relevant to their selected geographic region.
Study/Service/Work Abroad Experience
- Study, service, or internship abroad for a minimum of 3 weeks, earning a minimum of 3 credits. The credits must be transferable to Iowa State.
The major must include a minimum of 12 credits not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.
Minor
A student seeking a minor in International Studies must successfully complete two core courses plus courses in a selected Geographical Region and Topical Module; demonstrate proficiency in a language relevant to the selected geographic region (see below); and participate in a required study, service, or work abroad program (see below).
Requirements for the Minor in International Studies:
- 6 credits of coursework (at least 3 of which are numbered 3000 or above) from one of the following Geographic Regions:
- Africa and the Middle East
- Asia
- Latin America
- Western Europe
- Russia, East Europe and Central Asia
- 6 credits of coursework (at least 3 of which are numbered 3000 or above) from one of the following Topical Modules:
- Global Environmental Issues
- Globalization and Economic Development
- International Issues in Science and Technology
- International Communication
- International Conflict
- Social and Cultural Change
- Proficiency in a world language that is relevant to the selected geographic region. This can be achieved by completing the 2020 level (or higher) of the language.
- Study, service, or internship abroad for a minimum of 3 weeks, earning a minimum of 3 credits. The credits must be transferable Iowa State.
The list of courses approved for the Geographic Regions and Topical Modules is on the International Studies webpage.
The minor must include a minimum of 3 credits not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.
The International Studies Undergraduate Minor is an LAS Minor. In addition to University policies governing minors, LAS minors require at least 6 credits in courses numbered 3000 and above, with a grade of C or higher.
Language Proficiency
- Proficiency in a world language that is relevant to the selected geographic region. This can be achieved by completing the 2020 level (or higher) of the language or by passing an approved exam. Students whose first language is not English must still meet this requirement if their first language is not relevant to their selected geographic region.
Study/Service/Work Abroad Experience
- Study, service, or internship abroad for a minimum of 3 weeks, earning a minimum of 3 credits. The credits must be transferable to Iowa State.
