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. All students in the international studies major are required to 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.
Concentrations
Global Culture and Societies; Global Environment and Sustainability; International Politics, Development and Economy; Population and Migration
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
Xavier is known for providing an education that's both challenging and personal. Here are some courses that are part of the international studies major at Xavier:
Comparative Govt and Politics (POLI 120) -Introduction to and comparison of political systems in several national settings.
International Relations (POLI 277) -The theory of international relations, nationalism, imperialism, disarmament and arms control, diplomacy, collective security.
International Relations (POLI 390) -Senior comprehensive paper based on research methods and survey of the scholarly literature in the field.
International Political Economy (POLI 372) -Internation political economy examines the interactions of markets and political forces. It focuses on areas for which the study of economics alone is insufficient, such as the effect of global economic activity on national interests, the durability and success of international regimes, and the international distribution of wealth and economic activities. It includes attention to the formal and informal institutions that direct development, well-being, conflict, cooperation, and rivalry.
Student Clubs
The following clubs are popular choices for students in the international studies major.
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.
International Business Association
The mission of the Xavier International Business Association is to foster an international perspective in students of business, to help develop an understanding of commerce in a global setting, and to encourage intercultural engagement in all members. We aim to interact with the community around us in a positive way to both better our neighbors and learn ourselves.
Career 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 2021).
International Studies majors graduate from Xavier 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
Career Opportunities: Field Organizer, District Executive, Field Director, Government Affairs Associate & Staffer, Immersion Program Coordinator, Market Researcher, Patron Services Associate
Take the Next Step
Study Abroad Options for International Studies Majors
You can learn a lot on campus, but not everything. There’s a world out there, and we’ll help you to explore it. Xavier offers 30+ international programs in countries like France, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Japan, The Netherlands, Ireland, Greece, England, Germany and Costa Rica.
Cincinnati: A City of Opportunity for International Studies Majors
Cincinnati, Ohio is ranked the #1 Best City for College Graduates (smartasset.com) and the #15 Best Place to Start a Career (WalletHub). It's home to some of the largest companies in the world. Students in the international studies major take advantage of for-credit internships and employment opportunities at multiple Fortune 500 companies, private companies, nonprofit organizations and other businesses.
What is Jesuit Education?
A Xavier education is more than your typical college experience. Drawing on a Jesuit Catholic educational model 400 years in the making, students in the international studies major get the personal attention and support they need to succeed. The result is an education that’s as encouraging as it is challenging, and as enriching as it is demanding.
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."