International Studies

Undergraduate | Bachelor of Arts
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts
Overview
Develop a deep understanding the major political, social and economic issues of our time with Xavier University's Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Studies.
As an International Studies major, you'll discover new worldviews, assess global trends and emerge as an informed, ethically aware citizen. This interdisciplinary program lets you explore economics, political science, history and international relations while focusing on specific regions like Latin America, Africa, Asia or Europe, and their unique languages, histories and economies.
Curriculum

Fall

  • Intro to Comparative Politics............ 3cr.
  • Composition 101............ 3cr.
  • Second Language I............ 3cr.
  • Ethics (Phil 100)............ 3cr.
  • First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
  • CORE 101: GOA Co-Curriculum Program I............ 0cr.

Spring

  • International Relations (Poli 277)............ 3cr.
  • Mathematical Perspective............ 3cr.
  • Second Language II............ 3cr.
  • Theology 111............ 3cr.
  • Lit. & Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
  • CORE 102: GOA Co-Curriculum Program II............ 0cr.

Fall

  • Microeconomics............ 3cr.
  • US Foreign Policy............ 3cr.
  • Second Language............ 3cr.
  • Scientific Perspective............ 3cr.
  • Concentration Elective 1............ 3cr.

Spring

  • Macroeconomics............ 3cr.
  • Quantitative Elective............ 3cr.
  • Second Language............ 3cr.
  • Historical Perspective............ 3cr.
  • International Political Economy............ 3cr.

Fall

  • Concentration Elective 2............ 3cr.
  • Second Language............ 3cr.
  • Natural Science + Lab Elective............ 3cr.
  • Philosophical Perspective............ 3cr.
  • Creative Perspective............ 3cr.

Spring

  • Concentration Elective 3............ 3cr.
  • Second Language............ 3cr.
  • Theological Perspective............ 3cr.
  • E/RS Elective............ 3cr.
  • Humanities Elective............ 3cr.

Fall

  • International Seminar............ 3cr.
  • Concentration Elective 4............ 3cr.
  • Diversity Curriculum Requirement............ 3cr.
  • Writing-Intensive Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.

Spring

  • Concentration Elective 5............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • Oral Communications Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
Outcomes
98% of Xavier students, including those in the international studies major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2023). 

Exciting Career Paths

  • Government & Diplomacy: Foreign Service, Government Affairs Associate & Staffer, District Executive, Field Director
  • International Business & Economics: Economic Analysis, International Business, Market Researcher
  • Non-Profit & Cultural Organizations: Field Organizer, Immersion Program Coordinator, Patron Services Associate
  • Further Study: International Law
Sample Courses

International Trade & Business Environment (ECON 300)

This course delves into the intricacies of international trade and finance, examining the behavior of multinational enterprises and assessing the influence of the global economy on conventional business strategies.

International Relations (POLI 277)

This course covers the theoretical foundations of international relations, exploring concepts such as nationalism, imperialism, disarmament, arms control, diplomacy and collective security.

International Political Economy (POLI 372)

This course explores the interplay between markets and political dynamics, addressing topics beyond the scope of economics alone. It analyzes how global economic activities impact national interests, the effectiveness of international regimes, and the distribution of wealth and economic activities worldwide. Additionally, it examines both formal and informal institutions that shape development, well-being, conflict, cooperation and rivalry on the international stage.

U.S. Foreign Policy (POLI 374)

A survey of American foreign policy since World War II with special emphasis on contemporary issues.

Culture & Society (SOCI 180)

This course offers a comparative examination of human values, norms, and behaviors across different cultures. It explores contemporary American society alongside remote and prehistoric cultures through an anthropological lens.

Clubs

Citizens of the World

Diversity is the cornerstone of the Citizens of the World Club. Students in this club meet and organize events that showcase the many different cultures represented at Xavier. It's also a great way for international students and American students to get to know each other and experience new cultures, languages and customs.

Business Leaders for Tomorrow

Members explore business processes firsthand by networking with and learning from various business leaders in Cincinnati and beyond. Events from past years have included trips to Silicon Valley and Chicago, job shadowing days and guest lecturers.

98%
Student Success Rate
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio

Program Features

Immersive global experiences

Gain invaluable firsthand knowledge through study abroad programs. Experience different cultures, learn new languages and apply your classroom knowledge in an international context.

Gain real-world expertise

All International Studies majors complete an internship at an international business, government agency or NGO, ensuring you gain the professional development and hands-on experience vital for post-graduation success.

Strong local-to-global connections

Leverage Xavier's strong ties within Cincinnati, an increasingly international city with numerous multinational corporations and diverse communities.

Education for the greater good

At Xavier, the international studies major integrates a global perspective with Jesuit values, preparing you to ethically engage complex world issues and advocate for justice.

Alumni Spotlight
Alfredo Mercedes (International Studies, '20)

Alfredo is dedicated to fostering innovation and relationships in the defense technology secto. Read about how his time at Xavier shaped him, both personally and professionally.

Immersive Learning
The trip of a lifetime

Xavier students participated in excursions across both Portugal and Spain to deepen their faith and live out their beliefs in new ways.

International Studies Program at Xavier University

International Studies is an interdisciplinary major. Students concentrate on particular regions of the globe—Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe—and study their languages, history, political structures and economies. Students also study abroad in order to gain a deeper understanding of cultures all over the world. Internships in international businesses, governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations allow students to develop professionally with hands-on experience. International Studies is an ideal major for students who seek challenges in the classroom and who are interested in the larger world around them.

Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."