Students studying abroad in England

International Studies

Students in international studies develop an understanding of the complex interactions of politics, culture, history, and economics that shape global relations.

Overview

Students learn to think across traditional disciplinary boundaries as an approach to addressing the world’s most complex global challenges such as migration, war, health, and the environment.  They gain insight into the processes and institutions that shape global activities and develop the tools necessary to study ongoing events in this complex and rapidly changing world. This major allows students to develop an emphasis in a particular regional or functional area, but within the larger context of international relations. For example, you might concentrate in African studies or developmental studies, or work with faculty on a research project.

Your Major Took You Where?

International Studies majors have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers

  • Americorps Career Building Academy
  • Fulbright U.S. Student Program
  • Teaching Assistant Program in France
  • USA Today
  • U.S. Senate

Postgraduate Study

  • George Washing University (M.A., European & Eurasian studies)
  • Johns Hopkins University (M.A., China studies)
  • Kent State University
  • University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (M.S., accounting)
  • University of Texas (M.A., Middle Eastern/global policy studies)

Curriculum

To understand and address these challenges, the major combines core interdisciplinary courses with four distinct disciplinary tracks. Core courses develop a common body of knowledge through a mix of introductory and specialized courses that span the globe both geographically and thematically: from Canada to India, from trade to human rights, from Google to the W.H.O. The disciplinary tracks – politics, economics, history, and religion – allow students the flexibility to choose an area that best corresponds to their intellectual and professional goals within the broader framework of international studies. We strongly encourage students to study abroad as an essential element of their experience.

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

¿ì²¥µçÓ° students can study abroad or away in one of 20 semester long programs offered in 13 different countries. Semester programs include flagships in England, Mexico and France, and a range of other locations, hosting language immersion, exchange, and partnership programs. Short term courses are available during Summer and ¿ì²¥µçÓ°Term with previous courses in Germany, Italy, Japan, Lake Tahoe, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Tahiti, and Thailand, to name a few.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

¿ì²¥µçÓ° students have had internships at local, state, and federal levels of the government. Many have interned in such places as Washington, D.C. (Supreme Court, foreign embassies, Congress offices, U.S. Department of State, and the Office of Naval Intelligence), or locally, at the Lexington-Fayette Human Rights Commission. Others have secured internships with international organizations such as Amnesty International, Save the Children, and the International Committee for the Red Cross.

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

The international studies program’s commitment to a liberal arts education provides an excellent foundation for students interested in pursing careers in business, journalism, politics, or law in the international arena. The major also assists students in meeting the requirements of leading graduate programs in diplomacy, international relations, business, politics, and public policy.

International Studies

Man with dark hair and beard wearing blue patterned button up standing outside on campus

Jonathon L. Earle

  • Marlene and David Grissom Associate Professor of Social Studies
  • Co-Chair of Uganda Studies Group (African Studies Association)
  • Senior Editor of Oxford Research Encyclopedia of African History
Lady with shoulder length hair wearing floral top standing in front of Old ¿ì²¥µçÓ°

Lori Hartmann

  • Professor of International Studies
  • Co-Chair of African and African American Studies Program
  • Chair of International Studies and Politics Programs
Lady with shoulder length brown hair wearing black short sleeve top standing outside on campus

Kristen A. Kolenz

  • Assistant Professor of International Studies
  • Co-Chair of Gender Studies Program
Robert Schalkoff headshot - man wearing glasses and wearing dark sports jacket with light blue shirt and maroon tie

Robert Schalkoff

  • Director of the Lincoln Scholars Program • Director of Office of Fellowships • Assistant Professor of International Studies

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