The B.A. in International Studies is a 4-year major built upon the foundations of world history and political science with coursework in areas related to language, culture, and religion. This breadth of coverage will give majors knowledge and skills for a variety of professional settings within an international context. Students are required to add a second major or a minor to this degree program to ensure that they have a broad knowledge-base for many different careers.
Who would be interested in the International Studies Major?
Earning a bachelor’s degree is an excellent option for anyone wishing for a successful career in a professional international context in a number of fields: business, law, relief and disaster work, diplomacy, etc. The major prepares professionals for successful careers in business, education, government (many areas such as the diplomatic corps, economic development, and military service), or in positions within community affairs.
The major is well-suited for students who plan to take advantage of Lander’s Study Abroad Program as well as those that are interested in pursuing a major or minor in a modern language, such as Spanish.
Why is there a need for the International Studies Major?
A changing world of business: Both within South Carolina and beyond it, employment needs for International Studies major grow due to the rising economic development across South Carolina, much of it driven by foreign investment and global trade as the state’s business community continues to be internationalized.
A changing world of politics: Globalization has made more parts of the government at all levels (local, state, and national) affected by international issues, thereby increasing the benefits of academic preparation in international studies.
The continuing world of international relief and development: With natural disasters and human conflicts continuing across the world, there continues to be a need for those who want to serve the poor, the hungry, and the homeless and for those who can do so with an empathetic understanding of diverse cultures, peoples, faiths, and systems of economy and governance.
What kinds of jobs can a major in International Studies major prepare me for?
The state’s global companies include BMW, Volvo, and Michelin as well as the many U.S. multinational corporations that call South Carolina home, such as Fluor and Sonoco. Employees with knowledge of others countries’ culture, history, politics, and economic systems can be of benefit to these organizations. The International Studies major provides the research and critical thinking skills that would allow graduates to be prepared for this kind of workplace.
Within government agencies at local, state, and national levels, international studies is good preparation for a career because globalization now impacts law and law enforcement, tourism and economic development, as well as public health and environmental protection. The International Studies major provides the research and critical thinking skills that would allow graduates to be prepared for this kind of workplace.
International organizations, non-governmental organizations (humanitarian or advocacy), and non-profit organizations are always in short supply of individuals who understand the contextual nature of aid and advocacy. The International Studies major through its coursework and international experiential requirement provides the research and critical thinking skills that would allow graduates to be prepared for this kind of workplace.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.
| GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS1 | CREDIT HOURS |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Core Skills |
|
||
| ENGL 101 | Writing and Inquiry I | 3 | |
| ENGL 102 | Writing and Inquiry II | 3 | |
| MATH 211 |
Introduction to Statistical Methods I |
3 | |
|
B. Humanities and Fine Arts |
6 | ||
| C. Behavioral and Social Perspectives (6 hours selected from 2 different disciplines) |
6 | ||
| D. Scientific and Mathematical Reasoning | |||
| Approved Science/Mathematics | 3 | ||
| Approved Lab Science | 4 | ||
| E. Founding Documents of the United States | |||
| HIST 111 |
United States History to 1877 |
3 | |
| F. World Cultures | 3 | ||
| G. LINK 101 | 1 | ||
| University Requirement | |||
| FALS 101 | 15 FALS-approved events (Temporarily suspended) |
0 |
|
| Total General Education Requirements | 35 | ||
1 For approved courses see the General Education section
| MAJOR PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS | CREDIT HOURS |
|
|---|---|---|
| HIST 121 | World Civilizations to 1600 | 3 |
| HIST 122 | World Civilizations since 1600 | 3 |
| POLS 103 | Introduction to World Politics | 3 |
| INTL 390 | The Politics of Globalization | 3 |
| INTL 499 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| MAJOR PROGRAM ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS | CREDIT HOURS |
|---|---|
| 1 semester studying abroad in a university-approved program | |
| an overseas study tour led by a Lander faculty member | |
| 1 internship focusing on international studies (either HIST 490 or POLS 490) |
|
| “C” or better in a 200-level foreign language | |
| Total Major Program Requirements | 33 |
| Additional Electives | 45 |
| TOTAL FOR BA DEGREE | 120 |