Why pursue international studies? We live in an interdependent world. Daily headlines, national policies, and regional economics are shaped by people all around the globe. World forces affect our academic choices, career opportunities, and shopping lists--even the water we drink and the air we breathe.

As more businesses and organizations expand globally, we as individuals are going global, too, surfing the Web and e-mailing across the seas to pursue our personal and professional goals. Following this trend, international studies provides a context for studying social and natural sciences, business and commerce, the humanities, fine arts, and foreign languages within a global context.

International studies provides an interdisciplinary program designed to give students specialized and general global knowledge, second language skills, and significant international experience. Each student will complete the core courses, select a second language, and study abroad or complete an internship (as approved by the Director of the Center for International Education).

Students must also choose one of the following areas of emphasis within the major:  Asia, International Film Studies, Europe, Global Journalism, International Media Communications, International Business, International Human Rights, or Latin America.

Resources

The Center for International Education (CIE)

The Center for International Education promotes international opportunities and activities for the University and wider communities. Along with housing the international studies major and certificate programs, the CIE serves as a resource for Webster faculty, staff, and students by providing information on various international fellowships, grants, internships, and other programs. The CIE also sponsors many programs, including the International Studies Symposium Series. Together with other Webster offices, the Center's activities enhance the international atmosphere at Webster.

Study Abroad

Webster's network of campuses and programs in Europe, Asia, and Latin America allows students ease of mobility and numerous opportunities to study abroad. The Study Abroad Office assists students in their study abroad plans. Additionally, Webster's International Business Internship Exchange Program (in cooperation with the State of Missouri) provides the opportunity for internships in Germany, Ghana, Japan, England, and Mexico, while the Department of International Languages & Cultures offers exchange programs in France and Argentina, as well as various study trips abroad.

International Studies Major

Degree Requirements

• 36 required credit hours
• 27 general education credit hours
• 65 elective credit hours

Program Requirements

Required Courses (24 credits total)

Culture and Communication series (one of the following courses):

Science and Technology series (one of the following courses):

For an emphasis in Asia, International Film Studies, Global Journalism, International Media Communications, or International Business, choose one course from either of the following categories:

International Arts and Fine Art:

Global Civil Society

International Arts and Fine Art series for the International Human Rights emphasis:

Global Civil Society:

For an emphasis in Latin America, students must choose one course from either of the following categories:

International Arts and Fine Art

Students must earn 12 credit hours, of which 6 must be at the 3000 level or above in one of the following approved areas of emphasis.

Asia Emphasis

    -Students must attain competency of at least one Asian language at      the 3000 level or above.
    -Students must participate in an approved Webster University study       abroad experience in Asia or in an approved international                    internship in Asia.
    -Students' senior projects in the capstone course (ISTL 4500)                should focus on Asia.

Students must earn 12 credit hours, of which 6 must be at the 3000 level or above, from the following:

International Film Emphasis

Two from the following:

European Emphasis

Required Course:

Two Courses from: International Arts and Fine Arts (with European focus)

Two Courses from: Global Civil Society (with European Focus)

Global Journalism Emphasis

Three from the following:

International Media Communications Emphasis

Three from the following:

International Business Emphasis

International Human Rights Emphasis

12 credit hours from among the following courses:

Latin America Emphasis

Students should complete their international experience in a country relevant to Latin America and show proficiency at the 3000 level or above in a language also relevant to Latin America.

One from the following:

Up to 12 credit hours may, with approval, apply both to the international studies major and a second or dual major. This option does not apply to a dual major in international studies and international relations.