College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department of Political Science
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- For more information about International Studies, see the Department of Political Science website.
- Following is a sample four-year plan. Please note that student-specific plans may differ.
- Admitted students must meet with an academic advisor. Current students should also meet with an academic advisor and log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Bachelor of Arts Degree
Students desiring a (BA) Bachelor of Arts degree must complete the language proficiency requirements in one of the following ways:
- Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language by successful completion of one course at the 2020-level or higher (or its equivalent) OR
- Demonstration of proficiency in American Sign Language by successful completion of American Sign Language IV (COMD 4920 ) and Socio-Cultural Aspects of Deafness (COMD 4780 ), and by passing an exit interview OR
- Demonstration of proficiency in two foreign languages by successful completion of the 1020 course level in one language and the 2010 course level in the second language (or its equivalent) OR
- Completion of an upper-division (3000-level or higher) foreign language grammar or literature course requiring the 2020 course level (or its equivalent) as a prerequisite. Conversation courses cannot be considered for satisfying this requirement.
For nonnative English-speaking students only, the following options are available:
- Successful completion of the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) program for international students OR
- TOEFL, Michigan, or IELI placement scores high enough to meet the University admission criteria.
Minimum University Requirements
|
| Total Credits |
120 |
|
Grade Point Average (most majors require higher GPA)
|
2.00 GPA |
| Credits of C- or better |
100 |
Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above) |
40 |
| Total USU Credits |
30 |
Upper-division USU Credits |
20 |
| USU Credits within the Major |
10 |
Credits in Minor (if required) |
12 |
| Credits in Major |
see below |
Credits in American Institutions |
3 |
| General Education Requirements |
see link |
University Studies Depth Requirements |
see link |
| NOTES: The highest math requirement for this degree is Quantitative Literacy (QL) course of the student’s choice. |
Admissions Requirements for this Program
|
| New freshmen |
Admitted to USU in Good Standing |
|
Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU |
2.5 USU GPA and a 2.50 Overall GPA
|
Third Year
|
|
Fall Semester
|
Credits
|
General Education Info and Notes:
|
|
Spring Semester
|
Credits
|
General Education Info and Notes:
|
| Area Option Course |
3 |
|
Study Abroad Internship |
15 |
|
| Upper-Division Elective Course |
3 |
|
|
|
|
| Communications Intensive (CI) Course |
3 |
|
|
|
|
| Quantitative Intensive (QI) Course |
3 |
|
|
|
|
| Foreign Language Upper-Division Elective Course |
3 |
|
|
|
|
| TOTAL CREDITS: |
15 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS: |
15 |
|
|
Comments
|
Comments
|
Fourth Year
|
|
Fall Semester
|
Credits
|
General Education Info and Notes:
|
|
Spring Semester
|
Credits
|
General Education Info and Notes:
|
| Area Option Course |
3 |
|
Senior Thesis Course |
3 |
|
| Upper-Division Major Elective Course |
3 |
|
Depth Life and Physical Sciences (DSC) |
3 |
|
| Depth Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA) |
3 |
|
Upper-Division Major Elective Course |
3 |
|
| Upper-Division Elective Course |
3 |
|
Elective Course |
3 |
|
| Upper-Division Elective Course |
3 |
|
Elective Course |
3 |
|
| TOTAL CREDITS: |
15 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS: |
15 |
|
|
Comments
|
Comments
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Overview
Problems of security, development, ethnic conflict, and human rights, as well as problems relating to the environment and natural resources, are increasingly confronted at a global rather than a national level. With its theoretical models and real-world application, the study of international studies is an exciting and highly relevant interdisciplinary major. This program cultivates the development of language and intercultural skills, develops understanding of global problems and circumstances, and expands the student’s capacity to make informed judgments regarding complex international and global issues.
Requirements
In addition to completing the necessary core courses listed below, students must also choose one area option from the four available area options. Through these options, students gain a level of expertise in their chosen area.
Each student must also complete a senior research project (3 credits). This project must fit within the area option chosen by the student. Under the direction of a faculty member, this project may be completed within the context of an existing course or may be completed independently under the guidance of the chosen faculty member.
In addition to the senior research project and the choice of one area option, students must also complete an international experience component. Students may choose a traditional study abroad experience in an accredited program, which must be approved by the international studies advisor. Students may also choose an internship. The internship may be based in a foreign country or the US, must have a clear international focus and must be supervised by the international studies advisor. All internships must be pre-approved by the international studies advisor. Students may count a total of 3 credits earned during an internship toward completion of the major.
Departmental Honors
Students who would like to experience greater academic depth within their major are encouraged to enroll in departmental honors. Through original, independent work, Honors students enjoy the benefits of close supervision and mentoring, as they work one-on-one with faculty in select upper-division departmental courses. Honors students also complete a senior project, which provides another opportunity to collaborate with faculty on a problem that is significant, both personally and in the student’s discipline. Participating in departmental honors enhances students’ chances for obtaining fellowships and admission to graduate school. Minimum GPA requirements for participation in departmental honors vary by department, but usually fall within the range of 3.30-3.50. Students may enter the Honors Program at almost any stage in their academic career, including at the junior (and sometimes senior) level. The campus-wide Honors Program, which is open to all qualified students regardless of major, offers a rich array of cultural and social activities, special classes, and the benefit of Honors early registration. Interested students should contact the Honors Program, LLC Bldg. A, Room 112, (435) 797-2715, honors@usu.edu. Additional information can be found online at: http://honors.usu.edu.
Additional Information
For detailed information about requirements for the International Studies major and minor, see the major requirement sheet, which can be obtained from the Political Science Department.
Students must complete the General Education Requirements .
Students must also complete the University Studies Depth Requirements .
- Complete at least 2 credits in approved 3000-level or above courses from two of the following three categories: Depth Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA) , Depth Life and Physical Sciences (DSC) and Depth Social Sciences (DSS) . Selection of depth areas depends upon the emphasis area of the major. Classes should be selected in consultation with the major advisor. With current area options, the requirement is a DHA and a DSC. Courses taken for the depth categories (DHA) and (DSC) requirement may not also be counted in the major.
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