Why pursue international studies? We live in an interdependent world. Daily headlines, national policies, and regional economics are shaped by people all around the globe. World forces affect our academic choices, career opportunities, and shopping lists--even the water we drink and the air we breathe.

As more businesses and organizations expand globally, we as individuals are going global, too, surfing the Web and e-mailing across the seas to pursue our personal and professional goals. Following this trend, international studies provides a context for studying social and natural sciences, business and commerce, the humanities, fine arts, and foreign languages within a global context.

International studies provides an interdisciplinary program designed to give students specialized and general global knowledge, second language skills, and significant international experience. Each student will complete the core courses, select a second language, and study abroad or complete an internship (as approved by the Director of the Center for International Education).

Students must also choose one of the following areas of emphasis within the major:  International Film Studies, Global Journalism, International Media Communication, International Business, and International Human Rights.

Resources

The Center for International Education (CIE)

The Center for International Education promotes international opportunities and activities for the University and wider communities. Along with housing the international studies major and certificate programs, the CIE serves as a resource for Webster faculty, staff, and students by providing information on various international fellowships, grants, internships, and other programs. The CIE also sponsors many programs, including the International Studies Symposium Series. Together with other Webster offices, the Center's activities enhance the international atmosphere at Webster.

Study Abroad

Webster's network of campuses and programs in Europe, Asia, and Latin America allows students ease of mobility and numerous opportunities to study abroad. The Study Abroad Office assists students in their study abroad plans. Additionally, Webster's International Business Internship Exchange Program (in cooperation with the State of Missouri) provides the opportunity for internships in Germany, Ghana, Japan, England, and Mexico, while the Department of International Languages & Cultures offers exchange programs in France and Argentina, as well as various study trips abroad.

International Studies Major

Degree Requirements

• 36 required credit hours
• 27 general education credit hours
• 65 elective credit hours

Program Requirements

1. Foreign language requirement (3 credit hours at or above the 3000 level or competency equivalent)
2. International experience (approved foreign study or international internship)

Required Courses (24 credits total)

Culture and Communication series (one of the following courses):

Science and Technology series (one of the following courses):

And select ONE course from either of the following categories:

International Arts and Fine Art series for an emphasis other than International Human Rights:

International Arts and Fine Art series for the International Human Rights emphasis:

Topics courses approved by the Chairs of the International Studies and International Human Rights Committees

Global Civil Society series for an emphasis other than International Human Rights:

Global Civil Society series for the International Human Rights emphasis:

Areas of Emphasis (12 additional credits)

The remaining credits will be determined by the area of emphasis selected by the student in consultation with their academic advisor.  At least six of the twelve credit hours must be at the 3000 level or above.

International Film Emphasis

Two from the following:

Global Journalism Emphasis

Three from the following:

International Media Communications Emphasis

Three from the following:

International Business Emphasis

International Human Rights Emphasis

12 credit hours from among the following courses:

Individualized Emphasis

Students may develop and area of emphasis of 12 credit hours, of which 6 must be at the 3000 level or above, in conjunction with and as approved by the Director, Center for International Education

Students must file a plan with the Director of the Center for International Education in St. Louis as soon as possible and no later than the start of their senior year.

Up to 12 credit hours may, with approval, apply both to the international studies major and a second or dual major. This option does not apply to a dual major in international studies and international relations.