International Studies Area of Concentration Degree
The international studies degree concentration is designed for students who envision a career in the international arena and plan to transfer into the upper division of another college or university with the intention of continuing their studies in such areas as international relations or area studies, and subsequently working in this field, be it in government, international organizations, trade, finances, business, or related areas.
This program provides students with a well-rounded introduction to the international aspects of many different disciplines. The curriculum includes the general education foundation and distribution requirements, as well as concentration coursework in foreign language, international politics, the humanities, and social sciences.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Articulate the political, cultural, ideological, historical, religious, and/or philosophical contexts of current global actors, systems, and controversies.
- Explain the historic and contemporary consequences of geographic and linguistic boundaries for cross-cultural dialog and diplomacy.
- Compare the costs and benefits of varying social, economic, and political structures in the context of globalization.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
- International Studies Area of Concentration AA Program Advising Guide (PDF,
) - Find a Program Advisor
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Related careers include political analyst, researcher, foreign service officer, diplomat, consultant, curator, NGO director. Some require a Bachelor’s degree.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- Mathematics Foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)
- Any General Education HIST Course 3 semester hours (HUMD) ††
- POLI 203 - International Relations 3 semester hours (BSSD)
- World Language Elective 3 semester hours %
Second Semester
- English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- Arts Distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD) †
- ECON 202 - Principles of Economics II 3 semester hours (BSSD)
-
OR
- GEOG 130 - Global Geography 3 semester hours (BSSD)
- POLI 211 - Comparative Politics and Governments 3 semester hours
- World Language Elective 3 semester hours %
Third Semester
- Natural Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (NSD)
- Any General Education HIST Course 3 semester hours (GEIR) &
- ECON 201 - Principles of Economics I 3 semester hours
- POLI 270 - Politics in Action 3 semester hours
-
OR
- HONR 275 - Honors Internship 3 semester hours
- 200-Level ENGL Course 3 semester hours
-
OR
-
200-Level World Language Course 3 semester hours %
-
OR
- PHIL 222 - Asian Thought 3 semester hours
Fourth Semester
- Natural Sciences Distribution with Lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)
- COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication 3 semester hours (GEIR)
-
OR
- COMM 112 - Business and Professional Speech Communication 3 semester hours (GEIR)
- POLI 205 - Introduction to Human Rights 3 semester hours
-
OR
- POLI 206 - Political Ideologies 3 semester hours
-
OR
- POLI 230 - Introduction to International Conflict Resolution 3 semester hours
-
OR
- POLI 256 - Politics of the Developing World 3 semester hours
- Electives 5 semester hours **
* ENGL 101/ENGL 011, if needed, for ENGL 102/ENGL 103 or elective. Please consult an advisor and/or transfer institution for assistance with course selection.
† Recommended Arts Distribution courses are:
ARTT 2703 semester hours recommended for the African PathwayARTT 2723 semester hours recommended for the Asian PathwayARTT 2743 semester hours recommended for the Latin American Pathway†† Recommended General Education HIST courses are:
HIST 2653 semester hours recommended for African PathwayHIST 2473 semester hours recommended for Asian PathwayHIST 1483 semester hours recommended for European PathwayHIST 1143 semester hours recommended for Latin American and Middle-east Pathways& Recommended courses are:
HIST 2663 semester hours recommended for African PathwayHIST 2503 semester hours recommended for Asian PathwayHIST 1473 semester hours or HIST 2633 semester hours recommended for European PathwayHIST 2453 semester hours recommended for Latin American Pathway‡ Requirements vary by transfer institution.
Recommended ENGL courses are: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 205, ENGL 208, ENGL 213, ENGL 214
Recommended World Language courses are:
FREN recommended for African PathwayCHIN, JAPN, or KORA recommended for Asian PathwayFREN, GERM, or SPAN recommended for European PathwaySPAN recommended for Latin American Pathway‡‡ Courses recommended as alternates are: ANTH 201 (pre-requisite for SOCY 250), ANTH 256, ECON 202 (if not taken as BSSD), GEOG 101, GEOG 105, GEOG 113, GEOG 130 (if not taken as BSSD), LING 200, PSYC 100/PSYC 102, SOCY 105, SOCY 250.
% Some World Language courses may carry 4 or 5 credits. Recommended World Languages are:
FREN or ARAB recommended for African PathwayCHIN, JAPN, or KORA recommended for Asian PathwayFREN, GERM, ITAL, LATN, RUSS, or SPAN recommended for European PathwaySPAN required for Latin American PathwayARAB required for Middle East Pathway** Additional POLI course if needed to complete 60 credits.
AA and AS programs require one global and cultural perspectives (GCP) General Education course.
This program can be completed either on campus or online.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.