What you will study
Undergraduate students in the University of Central Missouri’s International Studies
bachelor’s degree program take classes in a variety of disciplines, including anthropology,
geography, political science and sociology. Debate global issues from multiple perspectives
as you take core courses in:
- Culture and Society
- Economic Geography
- Globalization and the Future
- World Politics
From there, specialize your International Studies bachelor’s degree in human development
and the physical environment; international political economy and policy studies;
international relations, peace and justice or global society and culture. Choose one
of five geographic regions to emphasize: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America or the
Middle East.
All UCM students in the International Studies degree program study abroad and learn
a foreign language — if they don’t know one already. Many of our undergraduate students
also complete an internship locally in nearby Kansas City or overseas.
Jobs for International Studies degree program graduates span the globe, and a UCM
degree prepares you to lead wherever your career and life take you.
Unique learning opportunities for International Studies BA students
Gain an awareness of the diversity, complexity and interdependence of the world community.
Our International Studies bachelor’s degree program provides a global perspective
through:
- Study abroad: UCM International Studies majors may choose to study abroad for a semester or more
at a university in Spain, Germany or Japan — among many others. Shorter study tours
allow students to visit and explore cities in Jordan and Israel, Cuba, Peru and Tanzania.
Immerse yourself in a new culture, practice your foreign language skills and take
courses that count toward your major. UCM also has study abroad funding for students
to help pay for some of your travel expenses.
- International students: UCM hosts students studying abroad from countries around the world. International
Studies majors may participate in the English Cafe events organized by the Center for Global Education where they’ll meet and talk to students from India, Japan, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia
and Sweden — to name just a few.
- Model United Nations: Practice your diplomacy skills and participate in conference simulations of United
Nations meetings, where you will work with delegates from other universities to develop
possible solutions to international security, economic and humanitarian issues.
- Internships: As an undergraduate student in UCM’s International Studies degree program, you may
gain real-world experience working as an intern for an international organization
or government program — locally in Kansas City or abroad — for college credit toward
your International Studies bachelor’s degree. International Studies majors have interned
with Water.org, the Department of Homeland Security, the Missouri State Legislature
and the International Relations Council of Kansas City, among others.
What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from UCM?
Jobs for International Studies degree program graduates from UCM are as exciting as
they are diverse. Our alumni work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations,
university administrative and global education offices, as well as international schools
teaching English as a second language.
Discover possible careers in International Studies
An International Studies B.A. prepares you for a variety of rewarding career pathways.
Learn more about career options for International Studies degree program graduates,
as well as potential salaries, using the tool below.
Financial assistance options for UCM’s International Studies degree program
Pursuing an International Studies bachelor’s degree from the University of Central
Missouri is an investment in your future, but we still keep college costs low. Our
tuition rates are competitive with other schools in the Midwest, and we have several
ways to finance your college education.
In addition to university-wide scholarships, students in our bachelor’s degree in
International Studies program may qualify for exclusive scholarships such as:
- Center for Global Education Study Abroad Grant
- Global Vision Study Abroad Scholarship
- Political Science and International Students Scholarship
- The Walt Hicklin Public Service Award
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships with the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Katie K.
B.A. International Studies ’18
“When I think about the International Studies program, I remember courses that challenged
my worldview, changed my perspective and helped me conduct research in topics I’m
passionate about. I studied abroad four times on three continents, and the skills
I gained from my courses under the guidance of amazing, supportive faculty members
equipped me to begin working in Japan after graduation.”
Learn From Global Leaders
UCM International Studies program faculty are experts in their fields
Committed to your success, our faculty support you throughout your studies, helping
you find internships, apply for scholarships or connect with on-campus research opportunities.
Faculty also lead study tours abroad, advise student organizations and publish work
on such topics as immigration and migration, security in the Middle East and sustainable
development and climate change.
Learn More
Join a UCM-sponsored Club
Student activities and organizations for International Studies
Many of our students working toward an International Studies BA are members of student
organizations such as Students for Political Action, a nonpartisan organization focused
on raising awareness of current political issues and increasing civic engagement.
Other popular student organizations include the Modern Languages Club the Animation
Expressions Society and Breakers Alternative Spring Break.
Explore More
Small Classes to Help You Succeed in Our Big World
Program coordinators and faculty are always available
Our bachelor’s degree in International Studies courses rarely have more than 25 students.
That means our program coordinator and faculty mentors can take the time to get to
know you and your goals and interests, then help you find scholarship opportunities,
internships and jobs that fit your career preferences.
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