The International Studies program provides opportunities for students to develop skills and understanding about international events and problems, and global issues. The program is designed for students who wish to prepare for work or advanced study in the international arena, such as in 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, engineering, and other fields.

A secondary major and a minor in International Studies are available for undergraduates. 

Advisory Committee: Steffen W. Schmidt, chair, Chad Gasta, Hsain Iliahiane, Kathy Leonard, Robert Mazur, Olga Mesropova, Jeff Schroeder

Director, LAS International Programs
Steffen Schmidt
549 Ross Hall, 294-3825
sws@iastate.edu

Program Coordinator
Dana Schumacher
557 Ross Hall, 294-6198
dschumac@iastate.edu

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

The program requirements for the 2005-07 catalog involve a combination of designated Topical Module and a Geographic Regional Studies Component. Each student's program of study is designed to reflect programmatic opportunities at Iowa State University and the academic, intellectual, and professional interests of the student.

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, including:

IntSt 235
IntSt 430

21 credits in courses approved for the International Studies program, with a minimum of 9 credits (at least 6 of which are numbered 300 or above) in a designated Topical Module (SEE BELOW) and a minimum of 9 credits (at least 6 of which are numbered 300 or above) in a Geographic Regional Studies Component (SEE BELOW).

Fulfillment of Language Proficiency (see below)

The major must include a minimum of 9 credits not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.  

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:

IntSt 235
IntSt 430

12 credits in courses approved for the International Studies program, with a minimum of 6 credits (at least 3 of which are numbered 300 or above) in a designated Topical Module (SEE BELOW) and a minimum of 6 credits (at least 3 of which are numbered 300 or above) in a Geographic Regional Studies Component (SEE BELOW).

Fulfillment of Language Proficiency (see below)

The minor must include a minimum of 9 credits not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.

Outcomes Assessment for International Studies

Students with a major or minor in International Studies fulfill the Language Proficiency requirement through one of the following options:

Completion of two years of university-level language instruction in a single, appropriate foreign language, as demonstrated by a foreign language course numbered 202 or higher. Students whose first language is other than English fulfill Language Proficiency with English 105 at a grade of "C" or better.

Passing an examination given by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures or otherwise certifying proficiency equivalent to two years of college instruction. Students proficient in languages not offered at ISU may petition for special consideration.

Intensive study abroad experience that includes in-the-field-use of a language other than English (Individual prior approval required for this option. The experience must be equivalent to two years of a language).

Do You Have Today's Hottest Skill?
Bilingual Job Candidates Are in Demand
Article
 

International Studies students are strongly encouraged to participate in study and/or work abroad programs. Students may petition to use up to 9 credits in the major (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.

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

Click here to review the classes.
Old requirements for 2003-05 catalog
Old requirements for 2005-07 catalog