The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies is an interdisciplinary degree program that marries a strong liberal arts education with a foundation in transecting international studies theories and a professionally-oriented skillset necessary for success in internationally-related careers. Students receive direct international experience through classroom-based international interactions and by participating in a foreign study program or an internationally related internship in this country.
International Studies students are curious global citizens who want to make their mark on the world. The major program provides them the tools and guidance to focus their interests and accomplish their goals. It prepares CSULB graduates for high demand jobs in fields like international trade and business, non-profits, international development, international affairs, education, and law.
International Studies uses an outcomes-oriented approach to higher education leading students to develop strong analytical and writing skills while teaching students how to integrate a wide variety of disciplinary methods, language competencies, and cross-cultural understandings into the study of global issues.
All International Studies majors are required to develop a program of study in consultation with the program advisor. Majors should choose their foreign language, foreign study or internship experience, and senior seminar research project to reflect this emphasis.
The Dual Major Track
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies can choose to instead enroll in the Dual Major Track. The Dual Major Track synthesizes the goals and outcomes of the International Studies major with the goals and outcomes of a second major. It differs from the standard International Studies major in that it allows students to replace the eighteen units of professional and regional development in the major with professional and regional development from the student’s second major. The student develops an interdisciplinary, international, intercultural knowledge base and skills, critical thinking skills, analytical reasoning skills, writing skills, and oral argument skills through the remaining International Studies coursework and uses the two advanced courses to integrate the two majors through an experiential learning paper and a senior research paper. Though students will overlap 18 units of coursework between the two majors advisor approval is necessary and students must complete both majors within 120 percent of the 120 units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree. Students are advised on strategies for integrating the two majors, language acquisition, and either study abroad or an internship in a timely, efficient, and rewarding manner.
Requirements
A minimum of 48 units in a program approved by the International Studies advisor.
Requirements Not Included in Major
Foreign Language:
Three years of college level study or equivalent proficiency demonstrated in a language appropriate to the program of study and geographic area concentration selected.
