International Studies (IS) 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 non-traditional 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 non-traditional 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
Students are advised to declare the major as soon as they are enrolled in INTL ST 101 and/or before studying abroad.
To be eligible to declare the International Studies Major, students must be enrolled or working toward the following courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INTL ST 101 | Introduction to International Studies | 3-4 |
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
| Mathematics | Complete two courses of 3+ credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level in MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT subjects. A maximum of one course in each of COMP SCI and STAT subjects counts toward this requirement. |
| Language | Complete the third unit of a language other than English. |
| L&S Breadth | Complete: • 12 credits of Humanities, which must include at least 6 credits of Literature; and • 12 credits of Social Science; and • 12 credits of Natural Science, which must include 6 credits of Biological Science and 6 credits of Physical Science. |
| Liberal Arts and Science Coursework | Complete at least 108 credits. |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework | Complete at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level. |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | Complete at least 120 credits. |
| UW-Madison Experience | Complete both: • 30 credits in residence, overall, and • 30 credits in residence after the 86th credit. |
| Quality of Work | • 2.000 in all coursework at UW–Madison • 2.000 in Intermediate/Advanced level coursework at UW–Madison |
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 | ||
INTL ST 605 | ||
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.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
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 a professional advisor, a peer advisor, and a career advisor.
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 walk-in advising, advising workshops, and scheduled appointments. Students exploring the International Studies major should plan to attend an Intro to the IS Major workshop, watch the Intro to the IS Major video, or meet with a peer advisor. To learn more about academic advising information, please visit the IS Major website.
Students should also begin the career advising process early. The international studies major offers a one-credit career class designed for sophomores or juniors. 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 International Internship Programs or the 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.
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
Wisconsin Experience
Study Abroad
International studies majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad. The International Studies Major website provides information about how to plan your experience abroad.
Internship Abroad
International studies majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad. Please review information on the International Studies Major website and the International Internship Program website about opportunities.
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:
Resources and Scholarships
For information on scholarships and awards through the International Studies major, please see our website 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.