Bachelor of Arts - International Studies

This undergraduate program is designed to equip students with the interdisciplinary approach, critical thinking skills, and international perspectives necessary to address real-world challenges. Students can expect to be challenged by a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum founded in critical social theory and international political economy. Undergraduate students are required to take seven core classes that, taken together, explore and problematize notions of culture, migration, conflict, governance, popular movements, and identities and boundaries. In the process, students acquire critical reading, writing, research, and problem-solving skills tailored to contemporary local, regional, and international challenges.

The BA program is unique for its interdisciplinary approach to international studies and commitment to placing the themes of power and inequality at the heart of the academic inquiry. Unlike conventional programs that focus on international security and the economy, the program addresses the economy in conjunction with the political and social. Moreover, undergraduates are encouraged to develop second-language proficiency through two years of intensive language study, and we encourage study abroad in a country where the second language is spoken. Students learn to think in more international and interdisciplinary contexts, to value social and cultural complexity, and to question conventional wisdom. As a result, the students often engage in activism and social justice work in Chicago, nationally, and internationally.

Students in the INT Department pursue internship opportunities to gain job experience, investigate career possibilities, earn academic credit, and round out their concentrations. We work with the University Internship Program to help students find or create an internship that suits their particular interests. Our students have worked at local and international non-profit organizations, consulates, government offices, international businesses, and cultural institutions, including RefugeeOne, the Council for American-Islamic Relations, the Puerto Rican Cultural Institute, and the European Community Commission’s Office in Brussels, which offers a unique research internship.

All International Studies majors are encouraged, but not required, to participate in study abroad programs. Study abroad challenges students to develop cultural competency, expand their education through diverse intellectual perspectives, and engage with local and global challenges. DePaul University sponsors study abroad opportunities with a range of course offerings, including intensive language-learning classes, cultural and historical studies, public service, and business. Some INT students pursue study abroad programs outside of DePaul that match their particular interests. 

The combination of language training with rigorous preparation in interdisciplinary social sciences and political economy opens doors to careers in nonprofits and community organizations, international non-governmental organizations, international diplomatic entities, international law, international commerce, and cross-cultural communications.