SIUE Announces Undergraduate Degree in International Studies
The Illinois Board of Higher Education has recently been approved a new undergraduate degree in international studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to begin in fall 2016.
The Bachelor of Arts in international studies, offered by the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), will focus on the complex social, political, economic and cultural interrelations that exist among nations and regions of our increasingly globalized world, according to Sorin Nastasia, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Applied Communication Studies and director of the new international studies program.
“In our increasingly globalized world, knowledge and skills related to international contexts and practices are key across many workplace settings,” Nastasia said. “In the past 10 years, there have been hundreds of thousands of export-related jobs and employment opportunities with foreign firms in the St. Louis metro area and across Illinois. The bachelor’s in international studies will prepare graduates for many positions in diplomacy or with non-profits, governmental organizations and businesses.”
CAS Dean Greg Budzban expressed his excitement for the launch of the international studies program, “There are so many different areas where this degree would be useful.” He also noted the many workplace settings in which students of this program may find employment upon graduation, including foreign service, foreign aid, U.S. government agencies, international intergovernmental organizations or international trade. Budzban said.
The major will offer three concentration areas: international relations and diplomacy; international arts, culture and communication; and international development and sustainability. As part of a program committed to global perspectives, students will be required to complete two levels of foreign language, participate in at least six credit hours of study abroad experience, and complete a senior assignment with an international focus.
“The degree can be customized and tailored to encompass the interests and career goals of each individual,” Nastasia said.
The interdisciplinary program will require students to complete four core courses. Students may also choose from an array of electives offered across academic areas of CAS, including:
- Anthropology
- Applied Communication Studies
- Art and Design
- Economics
- English Language and Literature
- Foreign Languages and Literature
- Geography
- Historical Studies
- International Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Mass Communications
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Theater and Dance
Additional major electives from criminal justice studies, environmental sciences, public administration and policy analysis, social work and sociology are in the process of being added.
An internship with an international focus and an independent project with an international focus are not required, but highly encouraged as major electives.
With the first classes beginning in fall 2016, students may apply to the program by visiting siue.edu/apply. For more information, contact the SIUE Office of Admissions at 618-650-3705 or 800-447-SIUE.
Photo: Sorin Nastasia, PhD, assistant professor in the SIUE Department of Applied Communication Studies and director of the new international studies program.
