International Studies - BA

Minimum University Requirements

• Total Credits: 120
• Credits of C- or better: 100
• Total credits taken at USU: 30
• Credits of upper-division courses required for the major taken at USU: 10
• Minimum Grade Point Average (many majors require a higher GPA): 2.0 GPA
• Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above): 40
• Upper-division credits taken at USU: 20
• General Education Requirements    
• University Studies Requirements   
• Undergraduate Degree Requirements     

Admission Requirements For This Program

• New freshmen must be admitted to USU in Good Standing.
• Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU must have a 2.50 USU GPA and a 2.50 Overall GPA.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Requirements

Students desiring a (BA) Bachelor of Arts degree must complete the language proficiency requirements in one of the following ways:    

• 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 that are high enough to meet the University admission criteria.

Note:

• Students may count up to 6 credit hours toward the International Studies major that were also taken in pursuit of another major or minor.

Additional Information

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.

Major Requirements (39 credits minimum)

Minimum GPA for Graduation: 2.5, major courses; 2.0, Career

Minimum Grade Accepted: C- in major requirements (courses may not be taken on a pass/fail basis)

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.

Open Electives

Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Please consult your  Academic Advisor for details.

Total Credits: 120

Suggested Degree Map - International Studies BA

• International Studies BA - 4 Year Degree Map