International Studies, B.A.

Saint Louis University's undergraduate degree in international studies is offered through the College of Arts and Science's Political Science department. The program offers students the opportunity to focus both on a specific region of the world as well as a specific topic or theme (arts and culture, environment and health, economics and development, war and peace).

A wide variety of courses will fulfill program requirements, from economics, political science and sociology to art history, philosophy and theology.

As part of a degree program, students will demonstrate proficiency in a modern language and complete a capstone experience. Students will also have the opportunity to study abroad and participate in international internships.

Curriculum Overview

The international studies major requires 36 credits, and the curriculum includes the following requirements: students must demonstrate proficiency in a second language as well as complete required courses in international politics, international economics, and cultural anthropology. Beyond required courses, students will declare a regional focus (Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, Middle East) and complete 9 credits of coursework in that area as well as a thematic focus (arts and culture, environment and health, economics and development, war and peace) and complete 9 credits of coursework related to that topic. A list of applicable courses will be published prior to each semester. Students will complete an internship, field research experience, or elective course. Finally, all students must complete a 3-credit capstone seminar which includes a rotating selection of 4000-level seminars.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Although not required, students are encouraged to study and do internships abroad, and the international studies program includes a field research course which enables students to design and complete research projects relevant to their program of study. Students can study abroad at SLU’s Madrid campus or at any of the nearly 40 SLU-affiliated programs on six continents. Students can also gain practical experience in their field through an international internship that complements their major.

Careers

An undergraduate degree in international studies prepares students for a global career and can make students more attractive to future employers. Some examples of fields where a degree in international studies can be beneficial include:

• Foreign service and diplomacy
• Private business and consulting in finance, technology, energy, etc.
• NGO's and non-profits
• International organizations and law
• Public health
• Migration
• Education, academia, and research
• Environment and climate change
• National defense and intelligence

Admission Requirements

Freshman

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. Saint Louis University also accepts the Common App.

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory course work is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file. College admission test scores (ACT or SAT) are used as an additional indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University and are used as qualifiers for certain University scholarship programs. To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, the applicant must be graduating from an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the General Education Development (GED) test.

Begin Your Application

Transfer

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. 

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED. An official high school transcript and official test scores are required only of those students who have attempted fewer than 24 transferable semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit. Those having completed 24 or more of college credit need only submit a transcript from previously attended college(s). In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the office of admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University.

International Applicants

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. 

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at https://finaid.slu.edu.

1. Graduates will be able to analyze cultural, economic, political and social aspects of contemporary international issues.
2. Graduates will be able to describe how culture and national identity affect a person’s perspectives.
3. Graduates will be able to apply a variety of methodologies to answer empirical questions about international phenomena.
4. Graduates will be able to assess analytical arguments.
5. Graduates will be able to assemble evidence from reliable sources to support their arguments.
6. Graduates will be able to estimate the global or transnational impact of local actions.
7. Graduates will be able to apply their knowledge of international phenomena to engage effectively as global citizens.

 International Studies students must complete a minimum total of 36 credits for the major.

Regional Focus 

Thematic Focus

Study Abroad

International Studies majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad.  The program director will work closely with them to locate courses in study abroad programs that will fulfill International Studies requirements.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA in the major.

Bachelor of Arts Core Curriculum Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses [numbered below 1000]).
• Complete either the College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Core Curriculum Requirements
• Complete Major Requirements: minimum 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate, and/or elective credits to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Courses listed under the intensive English program do not count toward graduation requirements.   EAP 1500 College Composition for International Students (3 cr), EAP 1900 Rhetoric & Research Strategies (3 cr) and EAP 2850 Nation, Identity and Literature (3 cr) count toward graduation requirements as equivalents to Department of English courses. In addition to those courses, six credits from EAP/MLNG courses at the 1000 level or higher may count toward graduation requirements
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s) and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate, or related elective credits.
• Complete Dept/Program specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.