Department of Government - BA in International Studies

BA in International Studies

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies at UAB promotes an appreciation of the different values that exist in societies around the globe and an understanding of the diverse institutions and policies that foster a growing interdependence among nations. The major is headed by a director and is jointly administered by the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the School of Arts and Humanities. Interdisciplinary in nature, it draws upon the faculty and courses of various departments and programs including Art History, Anthropology, Economics, English, Foreign Languages, Government, History, Justice Sciences, and Sociology. By integrating courses on area studies and world affairs, the major allows students to gain a broader and more complete understanding of cultures, organizations, and societies outside the United States than any traditional discipline might offer.

The major requires 36 hours from an approved list of courses. The requirements are structured in two tiers. The first includes required courses of all ITS majors. The second incorporates various concentrations, including economics, socio-politics, and cultural literacy. In addition, students are asked to show second-year proficiency in a foreign language and complete an international experience requirement