LAS Int'l Studies Major/ Minor

International Studies

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
Dawn Bratsch-Prince
213 Catt Hall, 294-0709
deprince@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

Program Requirements 2007-09 (expires Summer 2013)

The program requirements for the 2007-09 catalog involve a combination of core courses, a designated Topical Module, a Geographic Regional Studies Component, and language proficiency. 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.

Secondary Major

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 12 credits not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.

Minor Requirements

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

Outcomes Assessment for International Studies

Language Proficiency

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 world language, as demonstrated by a world 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 World Languages & Cultures or Testing Services, or otherwise certifying proficiency equivalent to two years of college instruction. Exams in languages other than those taught at Iowa State are available upon request. All exams for credit require payment of a fee.
Intensive study abroad experience that includes in-the-field-use of a language other than English (Individual prior approval of committee required for this option. The experience must be equivalent to two years of a language).

Study Abroad

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.