International Studies

Undergraduate | Bachelor of Arts
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts
Overview
Inspired by our Jesuit tradition, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Studies program prepares you to become an informed, ethically aware citizen who can thrive in today’s global society.
By integrating courses in language, history, political science and economics, you'll learn to assess international issues and develop critical thinking skills. Choose from four concentrations—Global Environment and Sustainability, Global Cultures and Societies, International Politics, Development and Economy, and Population and Migration—and complete a study abroad experience or an international internship to gain real-world experience.
Curriculum

Fall

  • POLI 120: Comparative Government and Politics or POLI 277: International Relations............ 3cr.
  • PHIL 100............ 3cr.
  • Second Language I............ 3cr.
  • Composition 101............ 3cr.
  • CORE100: First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
  • CORE 101: GOA Co-Curriculum Program I............ 0cr.

Spring

  • INST 100: Introduction to International Studies............ 3cr.
  • MATH 116/MATH 156............ 3cr.
  • Second Language II............ 3cr.
  • THEO 111............ 3cr.
  • ECON 200............ 3cr.
  • CORE 102: GOA Co-Curriculum Program II............ 0cr.

Fall

  • ECON 300 or POLI 372............ 3cr.
  • ECON 201............ 3cr.
  • Historical Perspectives............ 3cr.
  • Second Language III............ 3cr.
  • Scientific Perspectives............ 3cr.

Spring

  • ENGL 205/SPAN 205/FRENCH 205/GERM 205............ 3cr.
  • Creative Perspectives............ 3cr.
  • Quantitative Reasoning Flag............ 3cr.
  • Second Language IV............ 3cr.
  • INST 201............ 3cr.

Fall

  • Concentration Elective I............ 3cr.
  • Concentration Elective I............ 3cr.
  • Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
  • Second Language V............ 3cr.
  • Natural Science + Lab Elective............ 3cr.

Spring

  • Concentration Elective III............ 3cr.
  • Concentration Elective IV............ 3cr.
  • Second Language VI............ 3cr.
  • E/RS Elective............ 3cr.
  • Oral Communications Elective............ 3cr.

Fall

  • Concentration Elective V............ 3cr.
  • Concentration Elective VI............ 3cr.
  • Solidarity and Kinship Flag............ 3cr.
  • Writing Intensive Flag............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.

Spring

  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • CORE 499............ 0cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • General 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 participate in a study abroad program or complete an internship at an international business, government agency or NGO, ensuring you the hands-on experience vital for success after graduation.

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."