Get Ready to Make a Difference in the World
Students will develop a core knowledge of geography, world affairs, economics, cultural paradigms, and politics. They will then specialize with a 21 credit module to prepare for careers in international business, economics, policy-making, or geographic information systems (GIS). Students can further customize their degree through a selection of area studies culture classes that focus on dynamic regions of the world. Finally, students will complete an internship or a study abroad program where they apply the skills and knowledge they learned throughout the program. A senior research capstone class helps students create a project that will launch them into their career.
"The International Studies major has helped expand my knowledge of the world around me, deepened my understanding of how to approach and provide solutions to global issues, and motivated me to do my part and make a difference."
SOFIA R.,
BYU-I GRADUATE
Find out if this degree is right for you!
Watch expert advice on success strategies + career options for this major.
Highlighted Career Paths
Graduates with a degree in International Studies have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.
Business
Workers in international business careers travel around the world, interact with high-level clients, and shape organizational outcomes. This career cuts through complex intercultural issues helps make a lasting impact on global organizations and positions workers for professional advancement.
International; Economics
International economics is concerned with the effects on economic activity from international differences in productive resources. It is also concerned with consumer preferences and the international institutions that affect them. It seeks to explain the patterns and consequences of transactions and interactions between the inhabitants of different countries including trade, investment, and transaction.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
GIS is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. It analyzes spatial location and organizes layers of information into visualizations using maps and 3D scenes. GIS reveals deeper insights into data such as patterns, relationships, and situations which helps users make smarter decisions.
Policy
The International Studies major prepares graduates for a wide range of political science-related careers including diplomacy, foreign service, United Nations, intelligence specialists, political analysts, lobbyists, communication specialists for non-profits. This major also prepares graduates for attending law school.
Getting Started in this degree
If you are interested in International Studies, start with one of the following major-specific courses
Related Majors
The Humanities major is designed for students who want a broad liberal education and excellent preparation for professional schools such as law and medicine, for graduate programs in the humanities and other liberal arts, and for life as parents, citizens, and disciple leaders.
The Spanish Education major leads to a career in teaching Spanish in high school or junior high. Students will build on whatever proficiency they have in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish, adding to these cultural awareness and historical knowledge. Additionally, students will learn how to prepare, implement, and assess learning to ensure their effectiveness in the classroom.