Program Description

UW-Parkside provides both a major and minor in International Studies. Drawing on courses from departments throughout the University, the major (36 credits; minor, 18 credits) is a broad, interdisciplinary program with a flexible curriculum that emphasizes the development of knowledge and analytical approaches needed to understand the contemporary global system.

International Studies provides excellent training for persons interested in careers with private and governmental organizations that operate in a global context, as well as for individuals interested in law or graduate school. It is an especially appropriate double major or minor for business students, language majors, and majors in economics, political science, history, sociology-anthropology and the fine arts.

Major in International Studies

Students who enrolled in the CIS major before 2005 should click here for information about the old program requirements.

Students majoring in international studies must complete a total of 42 credits of which 15 credits are introductory or prerequisite courses.

1. Introductory Courses (15 credits)
Introductory courses are required of all majors. These courses provide students with the introductory background knowledge for the wide range of disciplinary perspectives that comprise the International Studies Program. In some cases, these courses are required for upper-level work in a discipline that is related to international studies. In many cases, these courses fulfill university general education requirements.

2. Core Courses (12 credits)
These courses provide the broad comparative and global perspective and theoretical background essential to
a major in international studies.

3. Elective Options (12 credits)
Elective options allow a student to focus on an area of interest within the broad scope of international studies. The courses in the option should be selected in consultation with the student's faculty adviser from the International Studies Program.

4. Senior Seminar (3 Credits)
The Senior Seminar is a capstone course in which students are expected to integrate their studies, especially from their selected option, and to carry out original research as the basis for a research paper. The Senior Seminar is required of all majors and minors in international studies.

For the full description of the International Studies Major, please see the University Catalog (PDF).

Minor in International Studies

The international studies minor consists of 18 credit hours. The following courses are required:
INTS 100 Introduction to International Studies 3 cr
Nine credits of core courses from at least three of the groups I-V above
One 3-credit option/elective course from any option of the student’s choice.
INTS 495 Senior Seminar in International Studies 3 cr

Global Skills Certificate

The 13-credit certificate in global skills is designed to assist students to understand and appreciate the impact of international affairs on their daily lives. Students completing the certificate will be expected to value different cultures and political/economic systems,
as well as become familiar with the numerous international connections that exist between countries through trade, diplomacy, international organziations and communication technology. For information on the requirements for the Global Skills Certificate please see the University Catalog (PDF).

Asian Studies Minor and Certificate

The Asian studies minor consists of 9 credits of core and 9 credits of elective classes. The Asian studies certificate consists of INTS/HIST 103 Introduction to Asia, and 9 credits of any combination of core and elective courses in the Asian studies minor. The certificate is open to degree and non-degree students. For more information on the Asian Studies minor and certificate, please see the University Catalog (PDF).