International Studies

"This program gave me the opportunity to explore different areas of study within a global context. I received a new perspective of the world around me which I can now apply to any career I choose to pursue."

• Insight on Studying Abroad : Unfortunately some of our students make it Abroad then realize they cannot register for courses during Early Registration because they never filed a graduation plan. To avoid the same plight, read our Insight on Studying Abroad (pdf). If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact an advisor.

For International Studies or International Business Advising: Go to our Department Calendar link on the left and come to 210 Switzler Hall during one of the scheduled walk in times. Please do not come in the last half hour of the scheduled times or you will run the risk of not being seen. Attn: International Business Students! You must file a graduation plan with Arts and Science by the time you have 55 credit hours but you must be accepted into Business before we can do a graduation plan with our office. So see a Business advisor first! You will find more information on this process in the guidelines for getting a degree in International Business as well as on the International Business page.

The bachelor of arts degree in International Studies is a multi-disciplinary program offered through the College of Arts and Science. The degree offers a broad course of liberal studies with a strong intercultural and international focus. Designed to accommodate pre-professional interests as well as provide a sound foundation for more advanced study at the graduate level, this degree may be especially attractive for students planning to pursue careers in college teaching, international business, trade and diplomacy, international law, development, technical assistance and humanitarian relief and similar fields.

International Business is offered only as a dual degree program leading to the BSBA with an emphasis in International Business. Interested students should contact the Office of Special Degree Programs or the College of Business. See International Business for additional information.

Degree Requirements

See Degree requirements (pdf) and Arts & Science Foundation Requirements.
Also note the following:

Emphasis Areas

In addition to the information about Emphasis Areas in Degree Requirements (pdf), please see the following:

European Studies Course Options (in pdf)
Latin American Studies Course Options (in pdf)
East Asian Studies Course Options (in pdf)
South Asian Studies Course Options (in pdf)
Environmental Studies Course Options (in pdf)
Peace Studies Course Options (in pdf)

Capstone

Generally International Studies students use a course in their focus areas as their Capstone experience. Once you decide upon a course, you must give our office this information prior to the semester you are taking the course. On occasion students may opt to do an individual project more suited to their needs. You will find a list of these options here (pdf). You may not use a course from abroad as your Capstone. The Capstone must be a University of Missouri course. Contact your advisor if you have questions.

Study Abroad Experience

Before students study abroad, they must have completed a graduation plan with the International Studies advisor. If the student hasn't completed 55 hours yet, they still need to do the preliminary graduation plan paperwork. If you reach 55 hours and have not filed a graduation plan with Arts and Science, you risk having a hold put on your registration. If you are overseas and want to participate in Early Registration, you may not be able to if you have not completed the proper paperwork before you leave. Furthermore, if you have questions or concerns about courses and we have nothing in our office on you, we will not be able to help advise you.

Students must study abroad for a minimum of 4 weeks. Prior to their overseas studies participation, students must have completed at least one course related to the country in which they plan to study. Students who are unable to participate in the study abroad program must contact Special Degree Programs Office to discuss alternative requirements.

Additional Requirements

International Studies degree candidates must earn no less than a 2.0 grade point average in their upper level foreign language courses, emphasis area and area support components and are expected to attain the same grade point average requirements expected of all other arts and science candidates. Similarly, International Studies students are bound by other rules and practices of the College of Arts and Science that pertain to admission to degree programs, the awarding of credit and the awarding of degrees.

It is important that students who major in this program maintain regular access to their emails since this is the primary way we communicate with students in our program.