What you will study
You might be wondering, “What is International Studies?” UCM’s undergraduate program
is flexible and complements any major to prepare you for careers around the globe.
Many students pair the International Studies minor with majors such as Political Science, Criminal Justice and Criminology, Anthropology, Communication Studies and Cybersecurity. Whichever career path you choose to pursue, the International Studies minor will
allow you to recognize and make important connections between various social, political
and economic factors that affect, and are affected by, global events.
Coursework in the International Studies minor begins with an introductory survey course.
From there, you’ll take courses offered at UCM or a university abroad that complement
your major. Choose courses from the following categories to complete the International
Studies minor:
- Content specializations: Human development and the physical environment, international
political economy and policy studies, international relations, peace and justice or
global society and culture
- Geographic specializations: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America or the Middle East.
- Foreign languages: Spanish, German, French or Chinese.
- Study abroad courses: International Studies students may study abroad for a semester,
a summer or a shorter, 2–3 week study tour. All courses taken abroad count towards
the minor.
Unique learning opportunities in international studies
Our International Studies minor offers students the opportunity to take classes that
address the multi-faceted aspects of the global issues facing the world today. This
could include climate change, the need for sustainable development strategies, immigration
and refugees as well as the protection of indigenous and human rights. Hands-on, real-world
learning opportunities include:
- Study abroad: UCM International Studies minors may choose to study for a semester or more at a university
in Spain, Germany or Japan — among many other international destinations. Shorter
study tours allow students to visit and explore cities in Jordan and Israel, Cuba,
Peru and Spain and Tanzania. Immerse yourself in a new culture and take courses that
count toward your minor. Unlike many schools, UCM offers financial support for students
studying abroad to help pay for some of your travel expenses.
- International student interactions: UCM hosts students studying abroad from countries around the world. International
Studies students may participate in the English Cafe events organized by the Center
for Global Education, where they meet and talk to students from India, Japan, Tunisia,
Saudi Arabia and Sweden, to name just a few.
- Small classes: UCM International Studies classes generally don’t exceed 25 students. This allows
you to get to know your classmates and faculty members and build important social
and professional networks.
What can you do with an International Studies minor from UCM?
Are you interested in world events and global issues? Would you like to live and work
abroad? By taking international studies classes and pursuing an International Studies
minor, you’ll have the opportunity to explore career options in international education,
civil service and government and the nonprofit sector.
Discover possible careers in international studies
How does international studies fit with your career aspirations? Explore more about
career options and salary expectations using the interactive tool below.
Financial assistance options for our International Studies program
UCM students have several ways to finance their college education. In addition to university scholarships, International Studies majors and minors
may qualify to apply for the following funding opportunities:
- 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.
Study Alongside Global Leaders
UCM International Studies faculty are experts in their fields
Program faculty support you throughout your studies — whether it’s helping you find
internships, apply for scholarships or conduct original research. Our faculty lead
study tours abroad and serve as advisors for student organizations, while also regularly
publishing books and articles on such topics as immigration and migration, security
in the Middle East and sustainable development practices and climate change.
Meet the Faculty
Get Involved at UCM
More than 200 clubs and organizations on campus
International Studies students often participate in Model United Nations, which hosts
mini-simulations of United Nations meetings to discuss important global issues such
as the Ukrainian refugee crisis, Middle East peace crisis, climate change and cybersecurity
challenges. Other popular student organizations include the Student Organization of
Latinos (SOL), the Animation Expression Society and Fencing.
Explore More
Top-Notch Facilities
Check out our Model U.N. and UCM Mock Trial Team spaces
Immerse yourself in UCM’s state-of-the-art civic engagement classroom. International
Studies minors take classes in this new space designed for our Model U.N. class and
UCM Mock Trial team.
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