International Studies, B.A.
Aims of the Program
This interdisciplinary program is administered by the Department of Political Science and is designed for:
- Those who hope to qualify for recruitment by the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Information Agency, the U.S. Department of Commerce, other U.S. Government agencies engaged in international operations, or agencies of the United Nations or other international organizations. Preparation for the Peace Corps should include an international studies major, a skills major, and proficiency in a foreign language. The International Studies program provides a strong background for students who expect to obtain the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in international relations offered by the Graduate School of Baylor University.
- Those who contemplate missionary service. This program is designed to introduce the prospective missionary to cross-cultural political, economic, and social relations.
- Those who anticipate business assignments abroad or domestic positions in international trade and finance. The program affords preparation for such careers by providing emphasis on international and comparative economics, and it provides an excellent background for students who plan to obtain the Master of International Management (M.I.M.) degree offered by the Graduate School of Baylor University.
- Those who are preparing for careers in public relations or mass communications. This undergraduate program is especially appropriate for students who intend to undertake graduate study for Baylor’s Master of International Journalism (M.I.J.) degree.
- Those who wish to prepare for staff work with international foundations.
- Those who plan teaching careers in international education (overseas teaching or domestic teaching of international affairs).
- Those who expect to become officers in the United States Air Force, Army, Navy, or Marine Corps.
- Those who anticipate careers with the Central Intelligence Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency, or other intelligence organizations of the U.S. Government.
- Those who do not plan an international career but seek a liberal arts education.
Information on Requirements for a Major in International Studies
- All specific and group requirements for the bachelor of arts degree.
- Requirements for the major: Thirty semester hours, fifteen of which must be at “3000” or “4000” level. The thirty hours in the major will include:
- Six hours of core courses.
- Nine hours of Regional Studies courses.
- Nine hours of Global Issues and Institutions courses.
- Six hours of additional courses from the courses listed for the major.
- There are two versions of the major:
- General version of the major requires one additional semester of modern language at “3000” or “4000” level beyond University requirements.
- Intensive version of the major requires two additional semesters of modern language at the “3000” to “4000” level beyond University requirements and study abroad or internship related to international affairs.
- Those students who plan to attend graduate school should enroll in at least two undergraduate economic courses ECO 2306 Principles of Microeconomics and ECO 2307 Principles of Macroeconomics. It is recommended that students enroll in PSC 4365 International Political Economics.
Requirements for a Major in International Studies
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Thirty semester hours including the following: | ||
Required Courses | ||
PSC 3304 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
PSC 3315 | Fundamentals of International Politics | 3 |
Regional Studies | ||
Nine semester hours from Regional Studies. Hours may be taken from one region or from multiple regions from the following: | 9 | |
Global Issues and Institutions | ||
Nine semester hours from Global Issues and Institutions. Hours may be taken from one section or from multiple sections from the following: | 9 | |
Six additional hours from any of the courses listed in the regions and sections above; may include a Readings Course or Special Topics Course with consent of Director | 6 | |
Subtotal | 30 | |
Required Courses in Other Fields | ||
Select one version: | 3-6 | |
General Version 1 | ||
Three hours of advanced (3000 or 4000 level) modern foreign language course. | ||
Intensive Version 1 | ||
Study Abroad or Internship related to international affairs and six hours of advanced (3000 or 4000 level) modern foreign language courses. | ||
Total Hours | 33-36 |
- 1
The language selected must be offered as a major or minor at Baylor; only courses that will apply on the major or minor will count here. Courses taught in English will not apply here. To prepare to meet the advanced language requirement for the International Studies major, students should plan to take a modern foreign language for the basic B.A. degree language requirement. Courses may not count both here and in the International Studies major.