Multidisciplinary Major

Information

The multidisciplinary major in International Studies is offered through the Multidisciplinary Studies Program administered by the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. Visit the course catalog for details.

“The goals of the [Multidisciplinary Studies] program are to foster multidisciplinary study among various schools and departments, enable motivated students to pursue degrees in specialized or new fields, and encourage undergraduates to pursue research interests while working closely with faculty. Honors are awarded to students who earn a 3.5 GPA in approved major courses.”

The multidisciplinary major in International Studies offers courses from a range of disciplines focusing on social, cultural, economic and political areas of international importance in our increasingly globalized society. Majors are encouraged to study available modern language offerings and take advantage of study abroad opportunities. Transfer courses from study abroad programs may be used to satisfy requirements for the major, but must be approved by the Director of the International Studies program. Additional courses beyond those listed may be approved by the Director of International Studies if they contribute significantly to the student’s understanding of and appreciation for international studies.

The International Studies major is an “individual concentration” within the Multidisciplinary Studies Program. The individual concentration is “designed for the student (1) who has clear interests and objectives that overlap schools, departments, degrees, or concentrations; (2) whose interests and objectives cannot reasonably be met through existing majors, minors, and electives; and, (3) whose program is not fashioned in order to bypass a requirement of an existing program.” To declare an International Studies major, a student must have completed 30 s.h. with a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.

This 30 s.h. concentration within the Multidisciplinary Major builds on the undergraduate minor in International Studies, by adding a focus area for 12 s.h. Students may choose to focus within a particular region (e.g., Asian or Latin American Studies), or they may choose an area of substance (e.g., Global Health or International Security Studies) The concentration in International Studies brings together courses from a range of disciplines focusing on social, cultural, economic and political areas of international importance in our increasingly globalized society. Majors are encouraged to study available modern language offerings and take advantage of study abroad opportunities.

For more information contact the Director of the International Studies Undergraduate programs.

Requirements

Minimum degree requirement is 120 s.h. of credit as follows:

General Education curriculum requirements (See Section 4, Foundations Curriculum Requirements for all Baccalaureate Degree Programs) – 40 s.h.

Major in Multidisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in International Studies – 30 s.h.

• INTL 1000 Introduction to International Studies – 3 s.h.
• INTL 4500 Upper Level Seminar OR GLST 4500 Upper Level Seminar – 3 s.h.

Choose at least three from the following, maximum of one from any discipline – 9 s.h.

Research Methodology and/or internationally-focused coursework – 6 s.h.

Internationally-Focused Electives – 15 s.h.

Students must complete 15 s.h. from a choice of electives that will form a focus area. Electives must be drawn from at least two disciplines. Students are to consult with the program director to determine their focus area within the electives. The following serve as potential focus area options for students to consider:

Students must also choose a Minor to complete their program.