International Studies
Paul Grebinger, Department Chairperson
www.rit.edu/cla/sociology/internationalstudies
The bachelor of science in international studies is a degree program that highlights interdisciplinary approaches for understanding global processes, such as the impact of globalization on local communities, regions, and environments and how people in different parts of the world can promote equitable and sustainable development in the future. The program seeks to educate a new generation of global citizens who will acquire the expertise to assess and analyze salient issues such as flexible capitalism, consumer culture, economic opportunities, international migration, social change, political violence, and terrorism. The BS in international studies prepares graduates for careers that demand an understanding of the social, economic, political, and environmental issues that are central to globalization.
Curriculum
The international studies program allows students to choose a specialization that is organized in either a region or a function. The regional fields are East Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The two functional tracks are international business, and science, technology, and society.
It is expected that students with a regional specialization will study a language that corresponds to a language in that region: for example Chinese or Japanese in the East Asia track; Portuguese or Spanish in the Latin American track; or French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, or Spanish in the European track.
Accelerated dual degree options
In cooperation with the E. Philip Saunders College of Business, the international business track offers an accelerated BS/MBA option that permits qualified students to obtain a BS degree in four years and an MBA degree after one additional year of study. Similarly, in cooperation with the public policy program, we offer an accelerated BS/MS option that allows qualified students to obtain a BS degree in four years and the MS degree in public policy after one additional year of study.
International experience
The program requires students to participate in an international experience. Such experiences include, but are not limited to, approved study abroad programs, cooperative education in foreign countries, internships in foreign countries, employment in international organizations, or employment in the international division of U.S. firms with foreign operations.
Career opportunities
Graduates with a BS degree in international studies are prepared for a range of careers in the private, governmental, and nonprofit sectors. There is increased demand by companies with foreign operations in Africa, the Middle East, East Asia, Latin America, and Europe for graduates who are competent to interact with people from different cultures and societies, comprehend science and technology policy issues, are cognizant of the international dimensions of business operations, and are able to communicate in the languages commonly spoken in these three important regions of the world. In addition, the international studies program prepares students for graduate study in public and international affairs, business, law, and social science studies.
International studies, BS degree, typical course sequence |
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| Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | ||
First Year |
Liberal Arts* | 12 |
| Mathematics and Science Requirement** | 8 | |
| Language Requirement | 12 | |
| Introduction to International Studies 0524-210 | 4 | |
| Introduction
to International Relations
0513-214 |
4 | |
| Modern U.S. Foreign Relations 0507-441 | 4 | |
| Cultures in Globalization 0510-440 | 4 | |
| First-Year Enrichment 1105-051, 052 | 2 | |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
Second Year |
International Trade and Finance 0511-454 | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Mathematics and Science Requirement** | 8 | |
| Data Analysis I and II 1016-319, 320 | 10 | |
| Language Requirement | 12 | |
| Web Foundations 4002-200 | 4 | |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
Third Year |
International Studies Track | 8 |
| Language Requirement | 12 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Mathematics and Science Requirement** | 4 | |
| Open Electives | 8 | |
| International Experience | 0 | |
Fourth Year |
International Studies Track | 8 |
| Capstone Seminar 0524-501 | 4 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 16 | |
| Open Electives | 12 | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 182-184 | |
* Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information. ** Please see Mathematics and Science General Education Curriculum. † Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. |
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