International Studies is an interdisciplinary major with a broad background in international and transnational political, social, economic, commercial, and environmental affairs, together with a comparative study of politics, economics, security, and culture. The goal is to provide students with the necessary tools to understand global processes in their totality and how they are situated and lived in specific regions.
The major provides an integrated program of courses that lays the foundation for professional training in a wide variety of areas. Such a foundation can be invaluable in securing a place in competitive graduate or professional schools, which, in turn, prepare students for government service, or for other careers with an international focus, including those in multinational corporations, international finance, non-governmental organizations, and institutions of teaching and research.
The International Studies major complements numerous majors across campus. Many students choose to double major or enhance their studies with one or more certificates, such as the Global Health certificate or those offered by the area studies centers.
This major is interdisciplinary, offering a wealth of options. Careful planning and consultation with the International Studies advisor is especially important.
Options in the major
Human Rights and Humanitarianism
This named option covers the range of laws, norms, and organizations that address the protection of vulnerable populations and ordinary citizens. This named option covers human rights, as they are codified in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; hence it covers the civil and political rights, from speech, belief, association, and discrimination, to social, economic, and cultural rights, such as the right to education, health, and water, among others. Human Rights and Humanitarianism also encompasses the organizations and institutions that work to protect and advocate for these rights, inclusive of courses on international law, nonprofit management, and non-state actors in global politics as well as those on specialized multilateral organizations that deal with human rights, such as regional organizations and specialized agencies at the United Nations. The named option similarly addresses social movements for change. It addresses the ways in which civilians are protected when thrust into conditions of hardship, including the laws of war, regimes on migration and forced migration, and efforts to address global health disparities.
Global Security
This named option covers traditional and nontraditional forms of insecurity, disorder, and violent conflict as well as efforts to resolve and manage conflict. The thematic categories include forms of war, including interstate and civil war, as well as forms of political violence against civilians, such as terrorism, genocide, riots, and massacres. Global Security also covers nontraditional forms of insecurity, such as climate change, biothreats, pandemics and other infectious diseases, cyberattacks and cybersecurity, and food security. This named option also encompasses a range of ways to manage these forms of insecurity, including peacekeeping, other multilateral efforts to mediate conflict, counterinsurgency, and post-conflict peacebuilding.
Politics and Policy in the Global Economy
This named option offers a multidisciplinary survey of international economic and political institutions and transactions, as well as the policy issues pertaining to international commerce and trade, international finance and monetary relations, international macroeconomic policy coordination, U.S. trade imbalances, aid and development, and related environmental and natural resource problems.
Culture in the Age of Globalization
In this named option, students investigate crosscultural interactions at different levels: local, national, and transnational. Students engage in such issues as cosmopolitanism; international and global flows of images, ideas, and people; questions of identity; changing assumptions of what it means to be indigenous and foreign; globalization and technology; and the impact of globalization on cultures.
Study Abroad
International Studies and studying abroad are a natural combination. While study abroad is not a requirement for the major, all International Studies students are strongly encouraged to pursue a significant international experience during the course of the undergraduate career. Whether through a study abroad program, an internship, or service learning, the experience of studying or working in a foreign culture is invaluable. Many courses taken abroad will count toward the International Studies major. See the International Studies advisor for specific guidelines. More information about study abroad and internships is available through International Academic Programs.
How to Get in
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to Get in | No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, see Advising & Careers. |
| Courses required to get in | Students must be enrolled in or have completed INTL ST 101 prior to declaring the major. |
| GPA requirements to get in | None. |
| Credits required to get in | None. |
| Other | None. |
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. Some courses satisfy more than one L&S degree requirement (visit College of Letters & Science: Requirements for details).
This major can be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
| Communication | Complete both:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Complete both:
|
| Ethnic Studies | one 3+ credit course with the Ethnic Studies designation |
| Language | Complete either:
|
| L&S Breadth: Humanities | Complete 12 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation, which must include at least 6 credits with the Literature designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Social Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Social Science designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Natural Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Natural Science, Biological Science, or Physical Science designations, which must include both:
|
| Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) Coursework | at least 108 credits |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced work | at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | at least 120 credits |
| UW-Madison Experience |
|
| Quality of Work |
|
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their School/College to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements of the Major
Students must declare the major, complete the common requirements, and the requirements for one of these options within the international studies major:
- Culture in the Age of Globalization
- Global Security
- Politics and Policy in the Global Economy
- Human Rights and Humanitarianism
A student may not declare or earn more than one major option. The major requires 45 credits total between Foundational Requirements and Named Option Requirements. 1
Foundational Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| International Foundations | ||
| INTL ST 101 | Introduction to International Studies | 3-4 |
| Economic Foundations (complete one of the following): | 3-8 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Economics-Accelerated Treatment | ||
| Introduction to Agricultural and Applied Economics and Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| The Environment and the Global Economy | ||
| Historical Foundations | 3-4 | |
| A Global History of Now | ||
| Regional Foundations | 6-8 | |
| Complete at least one course from "Global South" lists and take either an additional course from "Global South" list or a course from the "Additional Area Studies" List. | ||
| Global South: | ||
| Africa: An Introductory Survey | ||
| History of Southeast Asia Since 1800 | ||
| Africa, South of the Sahara | ||
| Human Geography of Southeast Asia | ||
| An Introduction to Central Asia: From the Silk Route to Afghanistan | ||
| Introduction to the Modern Middle East | ||
| History of South Asia to the Present | ||
| Modern Latin America | ||
| Introduction to Southeast Asia: Vietnam to the Philippines | ||
| Latin America: An Introduction | ||
| History of Modern China, 1800-1949 | ||
| History of the Peoples Republic of China, 1949 to the Present | ||
| Making of Modern South Asia | ||
| Introduction to the Middle East | ||
| Introduction to East Asian Civilizations | ||
| Additional Area Studies: | ||
| World Regions in Global Context | ||
| Australia: Environment and Society | ||
| Europe and the Modern World 1815 to the Present | ||
| History of Europe Since 1945 | ||
| History of Germany, 1871 to the Present | ||
| History of Russia | ||
| History of Scandinavia Since 1815 | ||
| Russia: An Interdisciplinary Survey | ||
| Eastern Europe: An Interdisciplinary Survey | ||
| Language Foundations (Complete one): | 3-4 | |
| Fifth Semester Arabic | ||
| Fifth Semester Summer Arabic | ||
| Fifth Semester Swahili | ||
| Fifth Semester Chinese | ||
| Fifth Semester Japanese | ||
| Fifth Semester Korean | ||
| Fifth Semester Filipino | ||
| Fifth Semester Hmong | ||
| Fifth Semester Indonesian | ||
| Fifth Semester Thai | ||
| Fifth Semester Vietnamese | ||
| Fifth Semester Hindi | ||
| Fifth Semester Tibetan | ||
| Fifth Semester Persian | ||
| Fifth Semester Urdu | ||
| Fifth Semester Southeast Asian Language | ||
| Fifth Semester Summer Asian Language | ||
| Academic Writing II 1 | ||
| Intermediate Language and Culture | ||
| Literature, Comics, and Film in French | ||
| Advanced Composition and Speaking | ||
| Intermediate German - Speaking and Listening | ||
| Intermediate German-Reading | ||
| Intermediate German-Writing | ||
| Topics in Dutch Literature | ||
| Advanced Composition & Conversation | ||
| Readings in Greek Literature | ||
| Greek Prose Composition | ||
| Hellenistic Greek | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture I | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture II | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry | ||
| Modern Italian Culture | ||
| Advanced Italian Language | ||
| Writing Workshop | ||
| Studies in Italian Literature and Culture I | ||
| Studies in Italian Literature and Culture II | ||
| Features in Italian Literature | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Readings in Latin Literature | ||
| Third Year Conversation and Composition | ||
| Readings in Norwegian Literature | ||
| Readings in Swedish Literature | ||
| Readings in Danish Literature | ||
| Third Year Russian I | ||
| Third Year Polish I | ||
| Russian Language and Culture I | ||
| Intermediate Language Practice with Emphasis on Writing and Grammar | ||
| Advanced Language Practice | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Options in the Major
Each option in the major requires 27 credits. This is in addition to completing the foundational requirements. Students complete the option-specific requirements for Core, Issues, and Elective classes.1
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all INTL ST courses and courses approved for the major
- 2.000 GPA on 15 Upper-Level major credits, taken in residence 2
- 15 credits in the major, taken on the UW–Madison campus
Honors in the Major
Students may declare Honors in the International Studies Major in consultation with the International Studies advisor(s). They must declare prior to enrollment in their Senior Honors Thesis (typically second semester of junior year).
Requirements for Honors in the Major
To earn Honors in the Major in International Studies, students must satisfy both the requirements for the major (above) and the following additional requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a 3.500 GPA in major courses
- Complete 16 upper-level major credits, taken for Honors, with individual grades of B or better in each course 2, 3
- Complete a two-semester Senior Honors Thesis, for a total of 6 credits, or two Senior Seminars, with grades of B or better; choose from:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Honors Thesis (2 courses): | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis-First Semester and Senior Honors Thesis-Second Semester | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Seminar (2 courses): | ||
| Topics in Global Security | ||
| Topics in Politics and Policy in the Global Economy | ||
| Topics in Culture in the Age of Globalization | ||
| Advanced Topics in Human Rights and Humanitarianism | ||
Footnotes
- 1
A maximum four courses from a single SUBJECT may be applied to the 27 credits in the named option of the major. This excludes INTL ST courses and courses cross-listed in INTL ST. For example: A student with five POLI SCI courses that could apply to the major will see only four of those courses applying in the International Studies major. (However, if one of those POLI SCI courses is also cross-listed in INTL ST, that course will not count against the limit, and thus, all five POLI SCI courses will apply in the major.) The degree audit (DARS) enforces this limitation.
Though some courses are identified as acceptable for two or more requirements, a course may meet only one requirement within the major. For example, a course that could count in either Option Core or Option Issues will meet only one of those requirements, based on which requirement needs that course to become satisfied. The degree audit (DARS) determines the best scenario.
- 2
Major courses designated Intermediate and Advanced level are considered upper-level.
- 3
A maximum of two courses and 8 credits from UW–Madison Study Abroad may apply to this requirement.
Learning Outcomes
- (Interdisciplinarity) analyzing contemporary political, economic, security and cultural realities globally from multi-disciplinary perspectives, ideally including humanities, social sciences, humanitarian, and sometimes natural science approaches.
- (Depth of knowledge) mastering at the undergraduate generalist level major issues related to key themes in International Studies (e.g. culture, global security and political economy) by taking 15 credits in one particular theme area.
- (Regional (studies) grounding) understanding the social, political, economic and cultural forces and conditions that have given rise to the unity and diversity of a specific region of the world today.
- (Language knowledge) mastering at the undergraduate generalist level a particular facet of life in one or more region of the world by studying a language to at least the advanced (5th semester) level.
- (Analytical skills) demonstrating the ability to think critically and analytically, the capacity to write clearly and effectively, and the ability to identify and evaluate research methods and outcomes.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| INTL ST 101 | 4 | ECON 101 | 4 |
| World Language | 4 | World Language | 4 |
| Communication A | 3 | Communication B | 4 |
| Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 | Physical Science Breadth | 3 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Declare the IS Major (before 86 credits) | Issues in IS Major | 3 | |
| ECON 102 | 3 | Area Studies in IS Major | 3 |
| World Language | 4 | World Language | 4 |
| Area Studies in IS Major: Global South | 3 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| Biological Science Breadth | 3 | Literature Breadth | 3 |
| INTL ST/HISTORY 146 | 4 | Apply for Summer Internship | |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Recommend Study Abroad | Recommend Study Abroad | ||
| Issues in IS Major | 3 | Elective in IS Major | 3 |
| Issues in IS Major | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 5th Semester World Language | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Science Breadth | 3 | Elective (or I/A level Math, Comp Sci, or Stats for BS) | 3 |
| Literature Breadth | 3 | Apply for Summer Internship | |
| 15 | 12 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Option Core in IS Major | 3 | Option Core in IS Major | 3 |
| Option Core in IS Major | 3 | Elective in IS Major | 3 |
| Science Breadth | 3 | Elective in IS Major | 3 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3 | Humanities Breadth | 3 |
| Elective (Intermediate/Advanced) (or IA level Math, Comp Sci, or Stats for BS) | 3 | Elective (Intermediate/Advanced) | 4 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Advising and Careers
Advising Staff
International Studies students have a wide variety of academic advising and career resources and support. Academic advising is essential to a successful undergraduate experience. For this reason, the International Studies major has professional advisors, a peer advisor, and career advising through L&S SuccessWorks.
We recommend that you meet with your advisor at least once per semester to track progress toward your degree, explore study abroad options, and begin the career exploration process. We offer drop-in advising and scheduled appointments. To learn more about academic advising information, please visit the IS Major website.
Students should also begin the career advising process early. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with both the International Studies career advisor and SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science, and to apply for internship opportunities, both domestically and via the Intern Abroad Program or the Wisconsin in Washington, D.C. Internship Program. The International Studies major also advertises career events across campus that will benefit undergraduate students, hosts career workshops, and has a transition checklist to help students prepare for post-undergraduate life. For more information, please visit our website.
Study Abroad
Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu
As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students
Resources and Scholarships
For information on scholarships and awards through the International Studies major, please visit ismajor.wisc.edu or contact our advisors. Students are also strongly encouraged to contact the Awards Office at the Institute for Regional and International Studies to explore multiple international awards and scholarships.
Undergraduate Research
The international studies major encourages students to become engaged in undergraduate research. There are numerous programs that provide research opportunities for undergraduates at UW–Madison, including: