Every undergraduate major at SLU can accommodate some type of study abroad experience.
Saint Louis University's oldest academic unit offers degrees in more than 30 academic areas.
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 including arts and culture, environment and health, economics and development, or 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.
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, or the Middle East) and complete nine credits of coursework in that area as well as a thematic focus (arts and culture, environment and health, economics and development, or war and peace) and complete nine 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.
Although not required, students are encouraged to study and complete internships abroad, and the international studies program includes a field research course that 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.
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:
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.
To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, the applicant must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. Beginning with the 2021-22 academic year, undergraduate applicants will not be required to submit standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) in order to be considered for admission. Applicants will be evaluated equally, with or without submitted test scores.
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.
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:
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, 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://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.
International Studies students must complete a minimum total of 36 credits for the major.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Requirements | ||
College core requirements | 57-66 | |
For additional information about core courses | ||
Foreign Language | 3 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
Oral and Written Proficiency in Chinese II | ||
Society, Nation & the Arts in Pre-Revolutionary France | ||
Oral Communication in Italian II | ||
In Conversation with the Hispanic World | ||
Fluency in German | ||
Fluency in Russian | ||
International Politics | 3 | |
Introduction to International Politics | ||
International Economics | 3 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
Politics of Developing World | ||
Introduction to International Political Economy | ||
Economies of Latin America | ||
Political Economy European Union | ||
International Trade | ||
Exchange Rates and Global Economics | ||
Economic Development | ||
Cultural Anthropology | 3 | |
Cultural Anthropology | ||
Regional Focus | 9 | |
Three classes covering a single region of the world. Ideally, these will match the student's language focus. Courses that meet this requirement either (1) focus on multiple countries in the region or (2) focus on a single country broadly across time. Some sample courses that fulfill regional requirements are listed below. | ||
Thematic Focus | 9 | |
Three classes pertaining to a single theme. Thematic foci and sample courses are described below. Courses in this category focus on contemporary implications of the phenomena being studied. | ||
Internship, field research, elective course | 3 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
Internship in International Studies | ||
ISTD 4970 | International Field Research | |
Any course with an ISTD attribute or ISTD subject code | ||
Capstone Seminar | 3 | |
A rotating selection of seminars designated ISTD 4960-4969. | ||
The capstone seminars take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of an international phenomenon or area. Students complete research projects and examine the contributions of various approaches. | ||
General Electives | 18-27 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Asia (attribute International Studies-Asia) | ||
Literature of the Postcolonial World | ||
Contemporary Postcolonial Literature and Culture | ||
China and Japan Since 1600 | ||
Asian Business | ||
The Politics of Asia | ||
East Asian Political Economy | ||
Arts of Hinduism and Buddhism | ||
Intuition, Spontaneity, and Flow: Daoism in Comparative Context | ||
Africa (attribute International Studies-Africa) | ||
Art in Africa Art in Africa Art in Africa | ||
Art of the African Diaspora | ||
Literature of the African Diaspora | ||
Women and Global Issues | ||
Postcolonialism and Violence, Issues of Representation in Francophone Culture, Literature and Film | ||
Introduction to African Politics | ||
International Relations of Africa | ||
Europe (attribute International Studies-Europe) | ||
European Drama | ||
British Literary Traditions to 1800 | ||
British Literary Traditions after 1800 | ||
Eastern European Literature | ||
Literature and Film of World War II | ||
French and International Relations: Global Simulation | ||
Exoticism in French Literature | ||
German Culture Studies II | ||
Twentieth Century Europe: Era of World Wars, 1914-1945 | ||
Russia to 1905 | ||
Russia Since 1905 | ||
The British Empire | ||
Madonnas, Witches, Rebels: Women and Gender in Italy | ||
Italy Beyond Borders: Social Justice in Modern Italian Culture | ||
Global Italy: Migration and Multiculturalism | ||
Soviet and Post Soviet Politics | ||
Political Development in Contemporary Spain | ||
Russian Political Culture | ||
The European Union: Politics and Political Economy | ||
Soviet Agents/Spies on Screen: Filming Espionage in the East and West | ||
Russia From Peter to Putin: Imperial, Soviet, and Post-Soviet Culture | ||
The Russian Orthodox | ||
Spanish Culture & Civilization | ||
Latin America (attribute International Studies-Latin America) | ||
Colonial Latin America | ||
Latin American Business | ||
Introduction to Latin American Studies | ||
Introduction to Latin American Politics | ||
Latin American-U.S. Relations | ||
Short Stories: History, Histories. Deciphering Latin-American Societies and Cultures | ||
Early Latin American Novel | ||
The African Experience in Spanish America | ||
Cultural Stereotypes: Latin Am | ||
Strangers in a Familiar Land: Displacements in Latin America | ||
Christ and Color: Liberation Theology | ||
Middle East (attribute International Studies-Mid East) | ||
Art of Jerusalem and Three Faiths: Past and Present | ||
Islamic Art and Society | ||
Excavating Culture of 3 Faiths | ||
Crossroads of the World: The Middle East and North Africa Through History | ||
Middle Eastern Business | ||
Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | ||
Jerusalem: Three Faiths, One City | ||
Islam: Religion & Culture | ||
Christians In Middle East |
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Arts and Culture in an Age of Globalization (attribute International Studies-Arts) | ||
Ideas move rapidly across boundaries. This information takes a variety of forms – words, images, sounds – and moves across a variety of media. Participating in this great cultural exchange requires students to transcend disciplinary boundaries – bringing together art and politics, music and religion, language and history – in order to understand the creation and global diffusion of shared meaning across time. | ||
Global Masterpieces in Art | ||
Art in Africa Art in Africa Art in Africa | ||
Art of the African Diaspora | ||
Art of Jerusalem and Three Faiths: Past and Present | ||
Islamic Art and Society | ||
Excavating Culture of 3 Faiths | ||
Modern Art in Spain and France | ||
Americans Abroad | ||
World Literary Traditions I | ||
World Literary Traditions III | ||
Literature of the Postcolonial World | ||
Literature of the African Diaspora | ||
Major Post-Colonial Writers | ||
Topics in 20th/21st Century British, Irish, & Postcolonial Literature & Culture | ||
French and Francophone Media : Qu’est-ce qui se passe ? | ||
Women and Global Issues | ||
Postcolonialism and Violence, Issues of Representation in Francophone Culture, Literature and Film | ||
Exoticism in French Literature | ||
World Music | ||
Art, Media, & Power in Post-Soviet Russia | ||
History of the Spanish Language | ||
Language and Linguistics | ||
Counter Hegemony Discourses in Latin America | ||
Religions of the World | ||
Global & Transnational Feminism | ||
Global Health and the Environment (attribute International Studies-Health) | ||
Many of the most critical contemporary issues – from climate change, to pandemics, to sustainable development – transcend national boundaries, and solutions must also transcend boundaries. Addressing these issues requires students to understand the scientific facts, the ways societies adapt to those realities, and the political process through which change could occur. | ||
Global Mental Health | ||
Ecological Issues and Society | ||
Diversity of Life | ||
Introduction to Ecology and Evolution | ||
Ethnobotany | ||
Introduction to Environmental Science | ||
Climate Change | ||
Water-Our Precious Resource | ||
Sustainable Energy | ||
Fundamentals of Climate Systems | ||
History of Nature in America | ||
Environmental and Ecological Ethics | ||
Global Health Politics and Policy | ||
Introduction to Global Health | ||
Contemporary Issues in Global Health | ||
World Geography | ||
Health Inequalities in the U.S. | ||
Spanish for the Health Professions | ||
Global Economy and Economic Development (attribute International Studies-Economy) | ||
Trade links people and places that are very distant and sometimes different from each other. While global markets can be a force for progress and rising living standard, they can also be a source of conflict and forced homogenization, as some prosper at the expense of others. To participate effectively in this global economy, students need to understand its past, present, and potential from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. | ||
Urban Issues: Poverty and Unemployment | ||
International Trade | ||
Exchange Rates and Global Economics | ||
Economic Development | ||
French and International Relations: Global Simulation | ||
Women and Global Issues | ||
Geopolitics of World Business | ||
Cultural Differences in International Business | ||
International e-Business | ||
International Business Strategies | ||
Global Immersion in International Business | ||
International Business Internship | ||
Introduction to Latin American Studies | ||
Politics of Developing World | ||
The Politics of Asia | ||
Introduction to Latin American Politics | ||
Introduction to International Political Economy | ||
East Asian Political Economy | ||
Problems of Globalization | ||
The Structure of Poverty: Globally and Locally | ||
The European Union: Politics and Political Economy | ||
Global Health Politics and Policy | ||
Immigration | ||
Business & Prof Spanish | ||
War and Peace in the Contemporary World (attribute International Studies-War) | ||
International conflict leaves untold human suffering in its wake, including refugees unable to return home, damaged social and political institutions, and environmental devastation. Understanding the roots and forms of conflict and the mechanisms that allow people to live together without violence enables students to work toward a more peaceful and just world. | ||
Literature and Film of World War II | ||
War in Literature | ||
French and International Relations: Global Simulation | ||
Postcolonialism and Violence, Issues of Representation in Francophone Culture, Literature and Film | ||
World in Conflict Since 1945 | ||
Migrants and Borders on Screen: The Cinema of Migration in Mediterranean Europe | ||
Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | ||
International Terrorism | ||
Theory and Practice of Human Rights | ||
International Organization and the Management of World Problems | ||
International Security and Conflict Resolution | ||
International Law | ||
International Relations of Africa | ||
Latin American-U.S. Relations | ||
International Relations: Theory and Practice | ||
The European Union: Politics and Political Economy | ||
War, Peace, and Politics | ||
Theories of World Politics | ||
Immigration | ||
Counter Hegemony Discourses in Latin America |
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.
Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA in the major.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Components and Credits | ||
Foundations of Discourse | 3 | |
Diversity in the U.S. | 3 | |
Global Citizenship | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 0-9 | |
Fine Arts | 3 | |
Literature | 6 | |
Mathematics | 3 | |
Natural Science | 6 | |
Philosophy | 9 | |
Social Science | 6 | |
Theology | 9 | |
World History | 6 | |
Total Credits | 57-66 |
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.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
POLS 1600 | Introduction to International Politics | 3 |
Foreign Language Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
ANTH 2200 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
Foreign Language Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
International Economics Course | 3 | |
Foreign Language Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
Area of the World Course | 3 | |
Foreign Language Course | 3 | |
International Studies Theme Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
Area of the World Course | 3 | |
Foreign Language Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
Area of the World Course | 3 | |
Foreign Language Course | 3 | |
International Studies Theme Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
ISTD 4910 | Internship in International Studies | 3 |
International Studies Theme Course | 3 | |
A&S Core Course or Elective | 3 | |
A&S Core Course or Elective | 3 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
ISTD 4961 | Capstone: Globalization | 3 |
A&S Core Course or Elective | 3 | |
A&S Core Course or Elective | 3 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
Students can complete all or part of the international studies degree in Madrid, Spain.
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