International Studies Major

Oaxaca street
Oaxaca, Mexico

The cross-disciplinary program in International Studies provides opportunities for students to develop skills in and an understanding of global events and issues of relevance to all people. The International Studies major and minor are designed for students who wish to acquire a secondary credential to prepare for work or advanced study in a broad range of fields in the international arena, including foreign service, journalism, advocacy organizations, education, scientific or research institutions, NGOs, humanitarian agencies, environmental organizations, and global business or engineering.

The International Studies major is a secondary major that can be pursued only in combination with a student's primary academic major.  A primary major in any of the university's seven colleges may be combined advantageously with an international studies secondary major as is evidenced by the programmatic learning goals.

International Studies Program Brochure 2009-2011 (PDF)

Requirements for the secondary major in International Studies:

A student seeking a secondary major in International Studies must successfully complete a minimum of 27 semester credits in courses approved for use in the International Studies program. These include:

Core courses:
Each student must complete two required core courses:  International Studies 235 "Introduction to International Studies" (3 cr.) and International Studies 430 "Seminar in International Studies" (3 cr.). 

Topical Modules
Each student must select a Topical Module in which to concentrate. A minimum of 9 crs. (at least 6 of which are numbered 300 or above) must be chosen from one of the following topical areas:

  • Global Environmental Issues
  • Globalization and Economic Development
  • International Issues in Science and Technology
  • International Communication
  • International Conflict
  • Social and Cultural Change

View course list document (PDF)

Geographic Regional Studies Components

Each student must also select a Geographic Area in which to concentrate.  A minimum of 9 crs. (at least 6 of which are numbered 300 or above) must be chosen from one of the following geographic areas:

  • Africa & Middle East
  • Asia
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Russia, East Europe & Central Asia

View course list document (PDF)

Fulfillment of World Language Proficiency 

Students must demonstrate proficiency in a single appropriate world language equivalent to two years of university-level language study.  This requirement can be met in a variety of ways:

  • Completion of a appropriate world language course numbered 202 or higher.
  • Completion of an exam for credit at the 202 level of higher. These exams are available from the Department of World Languages and Cultures or Testing Services. Exams in languages other than those taught at Iowa State are available upon request. All exams for credit require payment of a fee.
  • Students whose first language is not English fulfill the world language proficiency requirement by passing English 105 with a grade of "C" or better.

NOTE:  The major must include a minimum of 12 credits not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement

Study Abroad

Students majoring in International Studies are required to participate in a study and/or work abroad programs. Students may petition to use up to 9 credits in the major earned in study abroad and/or international internship programs to substitute for courses within the Topical Module, Geographic Regional Studies Component, and/or Language Proficiency Requirements.

Requirements for the minor in International Studies: 

A student seeking a minor in International Studies must successfully complete a minimum of 18 semester credits in courses approved for use in the International Studies program, including:

Core courses (6 cr.): 

International Studies 235 "Introduction to International Studies" (3 cr.) and International Studies 430 "Seminar in International Studies"  (3 cr.). 

Topical Modules:  a minimum of 6 crs. (at least 3 of which are numbered 300 or above) must be chosen from one of the following topical areas:

  • Global Environmental Issues
  • Globalization and Economic Development
  • International Issues in Science and Technology
  • International Communication
  • International Conflict
  • Social and Cultural Change

View course list document (PDF)

Geographic Regional Studies: a minimum of 6 crs. (at least 3 of which are numbered 300 or above) must be chosen from one of the following geographic areas:

  • Africa & Middle East
  • Asia
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Russia, East Europe & Central Asia

View course list document (PDF)

Fulfillment of World Language Proficiency

Students must demonstrate proficiency in a single appropriate world language equivalent to two years of university-level language study.  This requirement can be met in a variety of ways (see above).

Study Abroad

Students minoring in International Studies are strongly encouraged to participate in study and/or work abroad programs. Students may petition to use up to 6 credits in the minor earned in study abroad and/or international internship programs to substitute for courses within the Topical Module, Geographic Regional Studies Component, and/or Language Proficiency Requirements.

NOTE:  The minor must include a minimum of 6 credits not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.

Students enrolled under the 2005-2007 or 2007-2009 ISU catalogs should review the specific major or minor requirements as indicated in those catalogs.

For more information on requirements for the International Studies major or minor, please contact:

Director, International Studies Program
Chad Gasta
3102 Pearson Hall, 294-0918
gasta@iastate.edu

Academic Advisor
Roger Bertelsen
102 Catt Hall, 294-4831
rogerb@iastate.edu

International Studies Advisory Committee
2010-2012

Roger Bertelsen, Adviser (Liberal Arts & Sciences Student Academic Services)
Chad M. Gasta, Director (World Languages and Cultures)
Charlie Dobbs (History)
Nancy Guthrie (LAS Study Abroad and the Study Abroad Center)
Abdi Kusow (Sociology)
Olga Mesropova (World Languages and Cultures)
Steve Rodermel (Genetics/Development & Cell Biology)
Robert Urbatsch (Political Science)
Tom Waldemer (World Languages and Cultures)

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