Coordinator: Sharon R. Murphy, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science
The International
Studies major is an interdisciplinary program leading to a B.A. degree. It is designed to educate students in the
theoretical, substantive and ethical dimensions of both the methods through which
nations interact and the problems that affect the world as a single unit. It also seeks to develop in each student a
recognition and understanding of cultures outside of the United States. The INS program helps to prepare students to
enter careers in government, the foreign diplomatic service, intelligence
agencies, international business, journalism, international law, or
international service organizations. It
is also an excellent preparation for graduate school in more specialized areas.
At least 12 credit hours of instruction in a foreign language at or
above the advanced level ensure that INS majors will be able to read
and speak a foreign language. INS majors who pursue certification
in Inclusive Education must begin foreign language at the 201 level.
Though it is not a
requirement of the INS major, students are strongly encouraged to study abroad,
taking advantage of the opportunity to examine another society by personal
observation and experience.
INS majors have the option of pursuing the Education
Department’s Inclusive Education Initial Quadruple Certification. Students are required to have a 2.7 GPA
before beginning student teaching.