College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of Political Science

Contact: David Goetze
Location: Main 328D
Phone: (435) 797-1316
FAX: (435) 797-3751
E-mail: david.goetze@usu.edu
WWW: http://politicalscience.usu.edu/

Advising: Political Science Department, Main 320, (435) 797-1306

Degree offered: Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Area Options: World Economy and Development, Peace and Security, Global Environment and Natural Resources, and Peoples and Nations

Admission Requirements for this Major

1. New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.
2. Transfer students from other institutions or from other USU majors need a 2.5 total GPA for admission to this major in good standing.

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 one of the four available 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 must have a clear international focus and must be supervised by the international studies advisor, who must approve proposals for internships. 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, Main 15, (435) 797-2715, honors@usu.edu. Additional information can be found online at: http://www.usu.edu/honors/

Sample Four-year Plan for International Studies Major

A sample semester-by-semester four-year plan for students working toward a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies is available in Department of Political Science.

Students should consult with their advisor to develop a plan of study tailored to their individual needs and interests.

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 :

• For most students, courses taken for the major will fulfill the Communications Intensive (CI) and the Quantitative Intensive (QI) requirement
• Complete at least 2 credits in approved 3000-level or above courses from two of the following three categories: Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA), Life and Physical Sciences (DSC) and Social Sciences (DSS). Selection of depth areas depends upon the emphasis area of the major. Classes should be seleted 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.