Always up to date on world news? Eager to participate on the world stage? Then you should definitely consider a major in International Studies. Engage with political theories, learn about weapons of mass destruction and their effect on international relations and understand how the world market functions in an increasingly global environment. International Studies can offer travel (hello study abroad), indulge your history buff inclinations and have you actually understand what the journalists over at BBC are talking about. Students will be challenged by being asked questions world leaders don’t even have the answers for. And after graduation day, you can find yourself working abroad in an embassy or as a humanitarian aid-worker. You can go on to law school with a goal to practice it at a global scale or even be a political analyst for a number of organizations.
Continue reading to find out if you have what it takes to major in International Studies.
What you’ll be doing
The International Studies major requires classes with a focus on political science, economics, sociology, geography and law. Some schools even require a language, study abroad program or internship requirement to complete the major. Within the major there are different specializations that range from international economics, health and even security. “After I graduate I hope to have a job where I can affect change and help individuals improve their lives,” University of Denver senior Aliza Lee said. “There are many different careers I could head into, but my main focus right now after graduation is looking like the Peace Corps or a job in government work.” With a degree in International Studies, not only can you learn more about the world, but you can also help those living in it.
The classes you’ll take
Once you get past the typical Introduction to International Studies lectures and really branch into your chosen specialty, you will find yourself in classes such as Sustainable Energy, Human Rights and International Law or Current Issues in Human Security. Choosing your specialty will allow you to have a class schedule that excites and engages you in the issues of current global events.
Internships for this major
Internships for international studies offers a wide variety of opportunities to get involved with politics and health organizations. Perhaps you want to intern with a congressional office or a nonprofit medical organization such as Project Smile. Other internships for International Studies majors include the WHO, U.S. Department of State and the American Bar Association. I can ensure that you’ll find something that will spark your interest and get you engaged with the global community.
Career Opportunities
Foreign Service Officer
Become a diplomat that helps create and maintain relationships between countries. This is the definition of ‘being in the room where it happens.’
Political Analyst
Offer insight into political developments, trends, election results and give context to such events. As a political analyst, you’ll get opportunities to work for governments, media outlets and also research institutions
Humanitarian Aid-Worker
Work for an organization that operates on a global scale offering aid, medical assistance and education.
International Lawyer
Study and practice the often complicated nature of international law. Handle issues of international crime or perhaps assist in managing International business negotiations in the private sector.
Intelligence Specialist
Intelligence specialists gather and analyze essential information for the military, navy and security departments. Jack Ryan anyone?
Reviews
“I choose International Studies because I’m interested in security and international affairs and knew I wanted to pursue a career path that centered on defense and intelligence,” said University of Denver senior Rachel Brenner. “While I have definitely taken great classes on security like Nuclear Weapons and International Security, I have also had the opportunity to learn about other issues such as development and gender relations at a global scale.”
“I chose International Studies because I have always been passionate about other languages and cultures and I knew I wanted to work in a field where I could travel and interact with people from other cultures,” said University of Denver sophomore Sierra Paulsen. “My goal for the future is to focus my major on human rights and security… My ultimate career goal is to work for the UN as a human rights attorney.”
“I have really enjoyed most of my classes in INTS, but the two tied for my favorite have been Contemporary U.S. Foreign Policy and Foreign Policy Tradecraft. A large part of why I loved both of these classes were the professors,” said Lee. She continues, “I also liked that what I was learning was directly applicable to news I was hearing and work that I was doing and hoping to do after graduation.”
