International and Global Studies Bachelor of Science Degree

RIT’s International and Global Studies Program

The international and global studies major includes a broad and fascinating range of perspectives, including those drawn from anthropology, economics, performing arts and visual culture, history, international business, linguistics, global works of literature, modern languages and culture studies, philosophy, political science, public policy, and sociology. 

The international and global studies curriculum equips you with the tools to analyze globalization in a holistic, humanistic, and systematic way and to understand the consequences of global issues such as human rights and ethnic conflict, global health, the environment, economic justice, violence and terrorism, and the predicaments of democracy and civil society.

The major offers the flexibility to focus your studies on areas of special interest to you and your career goals. You will complete the required core concentration in globalization, and you’ll choose one of the following field specializations:

• African studies
• Asian studies
• European studies
• Gender studies
• Global justice, peace, and conflict studies
• Indigenous studies
• International business
• Latina American studies
• Middle Eastern studies
• Sustainable futures

International Experience or Study Abroad

Study abroad or other international experiences are integrated into the international and global studies curriculum as well. With the support of your advisor, you will be encouraged to study abroad or pursue an internship or a co-op in the selected world region. Students in the major have lived and studied in Japan, Australia, Senegal, France, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Costa Rica, and at RIT's global campuses in Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. 

Your advisors can also help you seek a domestic co-op position with a government agency or with a U.S. corporation that has international operations. Internships are available with organizations that are engaged with global issues, human rights, or international populations, including refugees and immigrants. A number of students have worked as interns under the supervision of human rights lawyers for the New York State Division of Human Rights in Rochester and for the United Nations Association of Rochester. These experiences enhance employment prospects after graduation.

What Can You Do with an International and Global Studies Degree? 

Because RIT’s degree in international studies provides you with a unique combination of language training, communication skills, education abroad, and a disciplinary focus, you will be prepared to enter the workforce or continue your studies with a graduate degree. Business, global development, human rights, international relations, and public policy are just a handful of the many possible paths you will be prepared to take. 

Career options in government or public service remain strong, and numerous agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Departments of Defense, State, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, offer promising career opportunities for graduates who hold bachelor’s degrees in international and global studies. 

Working within the U.S. government can lead to meaningful contributions to policy debates on issues like poverty, homelessness, social justice, education, foreign policy, and security issues. As a professional in this industry, you can participate in positively shaping our nation's future.

RIT’s Pre-Law Program

Law schools welcome applications from students majoring in a wide range of academic programs. RIT’s pre-law program will help you navigate the admission process for law school, explore Syracuse University’s College of legal careers, and guide you through course selection to ensure you build the skills and competencies required of competitive law school applicants. The program is open to students in all majors who are interested in pursuing a career in law.

Furthering Your Career in International and Global Studies

Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees

Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

• International and Global Studies BS/Science, Technology, and Public Policy MS: The combined accelerated international and global studies BS/science, technology, and public policy MS develops a foundational understanding of international political, social, and economic forces at play to equip the policymakers of tomorrow for making informed and intelligent decisions regarding science, technology, and the public good.
• +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.

3+3 Accelerated BS/JD Programs

RIT has partnered with Syracuse University’s College of Law and University at Buffalo School of Law to offer accelerated 3+3 BS/JD options for highly capable students. These programs provide a fast track to law school where you can earn a bachelor’s degree at RIT and a Juris Doctorate degree at Syracuse University or University at Buffalo in six years. Interested students may apply to the option directly, with successful applicants offered admission to RIT and conditional acceptance into either Syracuse University’s College of Law or University at Buffalo School of Law.

RIT's international and global studies degree is one of the approved majors for the 3+3 option.

Learn more about Accelerated Law 3+3 Programs.

RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs

Whether your goal is to go into early childhood or elementary education, become a secondary education teacher with a content area specialty at the middle or high school level, or work in the higher education or counseling fields, RIT’s partnership programs with local universities provide a guided pathway to a career in teaching. 

These 4+1 or 3+2 programs enable you to earn your bachelor’s degree at RIT and a master’s degree in education at one of our partner universities. As you progress, you’ll benefit from focused academic advising, career exploration opportunities, and resources for research, learning, and skill development.  

RIT’s international and global studies degree is eligible for RIT’s Teaching Partnership Program. 

Learn more about RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs.