The International Studies Program at Iowa offers a multidisciplinary approach to international issues and global connections.
Students in the International Studies Program learn that the complexity of current world conditions requires a multidisciplinary approach to international issues and global connections. They take core international studies courses to learn key concepts and practical skills, and extend their education by choosing from an array of internationally focused courses from the social sciences, humanities, and the arts.
International studies students also are encouraged to develop real-world intercultural skills by studying abroad, engaging locally with international communities, completing internships, participating in service learning, and conducting research. Through academic and co-curricular experiences, students become prepared to positively contribute to the world.
International studies students have quality time with faculty. A faculty mentor who shares your interests will be available to discuss issues in your field and work with you if you choose to complete a senior project or honors thesis.
Graduates also have used their cross-cultural interdisciplinary education to win prestigious awards such as the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship, the Gilman Scholarship, the Princeton in Latin America Fellowship, and the Critical Language Scholarship.
Students interested in this major need to meet the requirements for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Information
Iowa graduates have a 95 percent job/grad school placement rate within six months of graduation. Our Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
The flexible structure of the International Studies Program allows students to personalize the degree to fit a range of academic interests and career goals. International studies graduates find employment in a variety of career sectors such as education, non-profits or non-government organizations, business, government, and translation or interpreting.
Many international studies graduates go on to graduate or professional study in law, public health, urban and regional planning, higher education, global affairs, international development, area studies, and a variety of other graduate programs.
In addition to more than 500 student organizations, Iowa students choose from more than 100 study abroad programs and multiple undergraduate research opportunities.
International studies students have many options to get involved on and off campus. You may choose to be a Global Buddy to a new international student, brush up your language skills at one of the many language department conversation hours, or volunteer or intern with a community organization dedicated to international understanding, such as the Iowa United Nations Association, Iowa City Foreign Relations Council, or Global Ties.
The university hosts a variety of activities related to international studies, including international writer-in-residence programs, lectures, plays, films, and group discussions.
Study Abroad
International studies majors are encouraged to study or intern abroad. International experience is a powerful asset for a successful career in any field.
Students work closely with the international studies academic adviser to ensure that academic credit earned while studying abroad can be applied to the International Studies Program.
Students are eligible to apply for the many resources available through UI Study Abroad, where staff can help you plan an experience that fits your interests and academic goals. They'll also guide you in applying for study abroad funding.
The University of Iowa provides a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students through the Iowa Scholarship Portal. Scholarships are available to first-year, transfer, and currently enrolled students. For additional details on scholarships for your program of study, check directly with the department or college.
The Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Financial Aid are great resources for students seeking scholarships.
Students in international studies develop global perspectives and skills required for life and careers in the 21st century.
The Bachelor of Arts in international studies provides students with core knowledge and skills in this multidisciplinary field, enables them to choose their own coursework to learn about global themes and world cultures, and provides capstone experiences and career-development coursework to help students put their knowledge into practice. Students work closely with an academic advisor to plan their program of study to meet their unique interests and goals.
Language study is key to cross-cultural understanding. International studies students either expand their knowledge in a language beyond the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE Core world languages requirement or choose to study a second world language.
Students may choose to focus their studies with an optional concentration in Global Business and Communications, International Human Rights and Public Service, or International Sustainable Development.
International studies is an ideal complement to a wide range of academic degree programs and many students combine their international studies degree with another area of study such as a world language, business, journalism, anthropology, art, or a health science.
While an international experience is not required for this major, there are many UI resources such as UI Study Abroad and the Pomerantz Career Center that help students connect to global opportunities, both locally and around the world.
See international studies in the UI General Catalog to learn more about the major or minor and graduating with honors.