International Studies
Program Details
International studies is about understanding the major political, social and economic issues of our time. As a student in the international studies major, you’ll discover new world views, learn to assess international trends and emerge from the program as an informed and ethically aware citizen.
The international studies major is interdisciplinary, so you’ll be taking courses in a variety of fields including economics, political science, history, international relations and more. You’ll also get to focus your studies on particular regions of the globe— Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe—and explore their languages, history, political structures and economies.
Program Concentrations
Global Culture and Societies; Global Environment and Sustainability; International Politics, Development and Economy; Population and Migration
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the International Studies major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
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.
Sample Courses
Sample courses within the international studies curriculum:
- 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.
Career Outcomes
99% of Xavier students, including those in the international studies major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022). Explore Xavier's Career Outcomes Dashboard to view career outcomes by major.
Career Opportunities: Students in the international studies major graduate prepared to work in international offices and agencies, cultural institutions and domestic and foreign companies. Several avenues of business and government offer employment opportunities for international affairs majors, including: Economic Analysis, Foreign Service, Government Agencies, International Business and International Law. Job titles include Field Organizer, District Executive, Field Director, Government Affairs Associate & Staffer, Immersion Program Coordinator, Market Researcher and Patron Services Associate.
More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshop series on interviewing and resume writing techniques and maintaining an educational, vocational and employer information resource center. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for positions in business and industry.
Student 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.
When we seek something more, we become something greater.
Find more information about how you can become a Musketeer.
Request InformationAll for One
Expand Your Horizons While Studying Abroad
As an international studies major, you'll have multiple opportunities to study abroad, gaining firsthand experience in global issues and preparing you for a global career. Xavier offers over 30 international programs in countries including France, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Japan, The Netherlands, Ireland, Greece, England, Germany, and more.
Gain Expertise in a Curriculum Focused on Real-World Learning
All students in the international studies major complete an internship at an international business, governmental agency or non-governmental organization, so you’ll gain the professional development and hands-on experience needed to succeed after graduation.
Kickstart Your Career in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio is home to a thriving international business community with companies like Procter & Gamble and Kroger headquartered in the area. Here, you’ll have opportunities to leverage these local connections to secure valuable internships and networking experiences.
Graduate With Honors
Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
International Studies Major 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."