Dec 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalogue 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalogue

International Studies, B.A.


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Dr. Michael Maume, Interim Chair

International Studies is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on social transformation and innovative responses to seemingly intractable global problems. International Studies students learn to:

  • Think across disciplines
  • Move between the the local and the global
  • Be mindful of the realities of human lives at the center of our investigations

One of UNCW's strategic goals is to “Create an educational environment that prepares our students to be global citizens.” Students are prepared to face these global issues and help create a more just and equitable world.

However, preparing students to be competitive in the global workforce is equally as important. Occupations and professions in a variety of settings increasingly emphasize global knowledge, skills and experience.

The International Studies major is designed specifically to meet these goals by offering an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree that provides a distinctive international learning experience for UNCW students. The integrative program curriculum will provide students with:

  • A focus on a particular international theme or geographic area of concentration
  • Exposure to other cultures, people, and places
  • An understanding of one's own culture from international perspectives
  • A deeper appreciation of the global society.

Oral Communication Requirement:


To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.A. degree in International Studies a student must successfully complete INT 490 .

Applied Learning Requirement:


To satisfy the applied learning requirement for the B.A. degree in International Studies a student must successfully complete the international experience requirement.

Requirements for a Major in International Studies for the B.A. degree:


Students must have a “C-” or higher in all core requirements for the major, and an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher in the major.

Social/Cultural Awareness


Total: 18 hours

Language Requirement:


Intermediate Mid proficiency (as per ACTFL guidelines) in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish or other approved language demonstrated by either (1) completion of a 202 course in the chosen language or (2) a proficiency evaluation or placement test. For less commonly taught languages, study abroad and Directed Independent Study courses may count in place of 200-level courses. Students are strongly encouraged to align their choice of language and international experience such that they complement each other.

Total: 6-12 hours


International Experience Requirement:


International experience, as approved by Director (credit may count toward other requirements in the major), including:

Total: 3 hours


Concentration Requirement:


  • 15 hours in a thematic area (Art and Literature, Globalization, or the Environment), or a regional area (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East). 
  • 12 hours at 300 level or above; must include at least two disciplines and must include at least two INT courses. 

Art and Literature Concentration


Globalization Concentration


Environment Concentration


Europe Concentration


Total: 39-48 hours


Additional Information:


Must complete all requirements for the major with an overall  “C” (2.0) or better. In order to study abroad, students must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or better.

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