International Studies (Bachelor of Arts)
Department of Political Science and Public Administration

The International Studies Program is integral to Roosevelt’s mission of educating globally conscious and engaged citizens. The interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with international perspectives that are essential to excel in any career today, whether in law, teaching, foreign service, or business. Through coursework in Political Science, History, Economics, and Anthropology students master theoretical perspectives, acquire analytical skills, and gain the empirical expertise necessary for understanding an increasingly complex world. In addition to acquiring knowledge of the history and current workings of the world system, students should gain comprehensive familiarity with at least one foreign country or world region.

International Studies Affiliated Faculty

• Priscilla Archibald, Associate Professor of Spanish, Ph.D., Stanford University

• Bethany Barratt, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Ph.D., University of California at Davis

• Chris Chulos, Assistant Professor of History, Ph.D., University of Chicago

• Christian Erickson, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Ph.D., University of California at Davis

• Ozgur Orhangazi, Assistant Professor of Economics, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst

Major in International Studies leading to a BA degree

Students who major in international studies must complete twelve courses (36 credit hours) in the program with a grade of C or higher. This includes a set of five core courses and seven electives. Electives must be drawn from more than one discipline and at least one must be a course that focuses on a country or region outside of the United States (Group B in list below). In addition, students must demonstrate intermediate level skill in a foreign language, by completing a 200-level course sequence or by passing an examination. At least five courses in international studies must be taken at Roosevelt University.

Core courses:

	ECON 214	Globalization	3
	POS 201	Introduction to International Relations	3
	ANTH 240	Cross-Cultural Anthropology	3
	HIST 306	The World Since 1945
	or HIST 305	Modern Imperialism	3
	POS 306	Political Development and Developing Nations
	or ECON 374	International Political Economy	3

Elective courses:

The seven electives should be drawn from more than one discipline and include courses from both Group A and Group B from the below lists.

A listing of both Group A "International System" and Group B "Area and Region Studies" can be found here.

Individualized Curriculum

Each student should consult the program coordinator before registration each semester to assure that requirements are met and that the electives constitute a coherent program that is tailored to the student’s interests. Students who wish to pursue specialized topics may do so by independent study; however, no independent study may be undertaken until the core sequence has been completed. Each independent study course must have the approval of the program coordinator. Only one independent study course may be taken for credit in the major.

Three year course schedule policy for international studies.

Language Requirement

As noted above, students majoring in International Studies must demonstrate intermediate level skill in a foreign language.  In order to fill this requirement, students may wish to pursue language study at other area institutions. 

Minor in International Studies

The minor in international studies is an effective way for students majoring in other disciplines to bring interdisciplinary international perspectives to their studies. For the minor in international studies, students must complete three of the five core courses and three electives, each with a grade of C or higher. At least three of the six courses must be at the 300 level. At least four courses in the minor must be taken at Roosevelt.

Study Abroad

Students are strongly encouraged to undertake study abroad. Roosevelt’s Office of International Programs will assist students in selecting and applying for Study Abroad programs. The program coordinator will assist in selecting courses once the student has been admitted to a program.

Careers and Internships

International studies majors receive solid preparation for pursuit of graduate studies and employment in many areas, such as law, teaching, foreign service, or business.  Roosevelt’s Office of Career Services assists students in exploring career and employment options.  Students may also deepen their learning and gain valuable work experience through internships with an agency or organization that deals with international issues and populations. Stipulations for internships are the same as for independent study.

Click here for our Career and Internships Resources Page.

Scholarships

Students may apply for a number of scholarships offered by Roosevelt University. Click here for more information.

Advising and Information about the International Studies (IS) Major:

Christian Erickson

Assisstant Professor and Coordinator International Studies

cerickso@roosevelt.edu

312-341-3707

Request Further Information

Request a university catalog, information packet, or application for admission

College of Arts and Sciences | Department of Political Science and Public Administration