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Look beyond western politics, and embrace the new, the unknown and the surprisingly similar.

The international studies program is an interdisciplinary major, comprised of courses spanning economics, political science, history, sociology, modern languages and religion, and designed to prepare students for work and life in an increasingly interconnected world. As an international studies major you will gain an in-depth understanding of international relations, conflict and change, and a heightened sensitivity to diverse cultures.

A First-Class Experience

Get to know the people and programs that will define your academic journey.

Unique learning opportunities

“A great thing about Emmanuel is the small class sizes…I am fortunate to have professors who believe in me, and I think their assistance made this opportunity possible.” -Megan Novak 2025

Meet the Faculty

Our distinguished faculty publish, exhibit and research. Present, compose and chair. Inspire and collaborate.

The Curriculum

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for a B.A. in International Studies

1. Foundations in Politics, Economics and Culture (five courses):

  • ECON1103 Principles of Macroeconomics (SA) (SS) OR POLSC2413 International Law and Institutions
  • ECON2113/POLSC2409 The Politics of International Economic Relations (SS)
  • POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (SA) (SS)
  • POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations (SA) (SS) 
  • SOC2129 Cultural Geography (SA) (SS)

2. Research Methods (one course):

  • HIST2701 Historical Methods and Research (WI)
  • POLSC2701 Research Methods in Political Science (SS) (WI)
  • SOC2103 Qualitative Methods
  • SOC2104 Quantitative Methods (QR)

3. Language Skills (two courses):

  • Two language courses at the 2000-level or above. Study away or study abroad is strongly recommended.

4. Capstone (one course):

   GLST4100 International Studies Senior Seminar

Electives (seven courses):
 Two courses must be from the 3000-level.

5. History Elective (one course)

  • ART2204 Transcultural Exchange and the Visual Arts (AI-A) (VCI)
  • ART2224 Irish Art (AI-A) (VCI)
  • HIST1108 World History to 1500 (H) (HI) (DM)
  • HIST1109 Modern World History(H) (HI)
  • HIST1111 An Introduction to East Asian History (H) (HI) (DM)
  • HIST1114 Creating the Atlantic World (H) (HI)
  • HIST2104 Age of Atlantic Revolutions, 1763-1820
  • HIST2120 Europe in the Era of World War (H) (HI) (DM)
  • HIST2125 History of Modern Latin America (H) (HI)
  • HIST2140 History of Modern Middle East
  • HIST3412 Immigrant Kitchens: A Glocal and Historical Perspective on Identity, Ethnicity and Foodways (SJ)

6. Theology & Religious Studies Elective (one course)

  • THRS2105 Judaism (R) (RI) (DM)
  • THRS2108 Religion and the Environment: Ethical Explorations (R)
  • THRS2135 World Religions (R) (DM)
  • THRS2201 War, Peace and Religion (R) (RI) (DM) 
  • THRS2202 Hinduism (R) (RI) (DM) 
  • THRS2211 Islam (R) (RI)
  • THRS2212 Buddhism: Beliefs and Practices (R) (DM)
  • THRS2213 Liberation Theology (RCT) (RICT) (SJ)
  • THRS2217 Women in the World Religions (R) (RI)
  • THRS3133 Social Justice and Religious Tradition (RI) (SJ)
  • THRS3201 World Religions in Conflict and Dialogue (RCT) (RICT) (DM) 

7. Thematic Electives (three courses)

  • BIOL1211 Emerging Infectious Diseases (SI) (NS) (SJ) AND
  • BIOL1215 Introduction to Nutrition (SI) (NS) OR
  • PHYS1121 Energy and the Environment (SI-L)
     
  • ECON2203/FINAN2203 An Economic View of the World (SA) (SS)
  • ECON3103/FINAN3103 International Economics and Finance 
  • ECON3115 Economics and the Environment
  • PHYS2410/IDS2410 Sustainability Science (SI-L)
  • POLSC2413 International Law and Institutions
  • POLSC2417 Statecraft and Globalization*
  • POLSC2419 The Geopolitics of Democracy*
  • POLSC2421 Model United Nations
  • POLSC2503 Revolution and Nationalism
  • POLSC2705/SOC2705 Sustainable Development: Paradigms and Policies
  • POLSC3301 Comparative Politics of Developing States
  • POLSC3303 Street Democracy
  • POLSC3403 Human Issues in International Relations 
  • POLSC3405 Negotiating Peace
  • POLSC3407 People and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa
  • SOC3115 The Sociology of Globalization
  • SOC3201 Worlds in Motion: The Causes and Consequences of Migration
  • SOC3205 Crimes Against Humanity
  • THRS3133 Social Justice and Religious Traditions (RI) (SJ)
  • THRS3203 World Religions in Conflict and Dialogue (RCT) (RICT) (DM) 
    *Travel Course

8. Area/Regional Electives: (two courses)
It is recommended that students take two courses in the same region:

Europe

  • ENGL2106 Irish Identities: Literature and Culture (AI-L) (LI)
  • ENGL2417 Literature of the Black Atlantic (AI-L) (LI) (DM)
  • HIST3119 The Individual and Society in European History
  • HIST3404 East Asia Migration and Diaspora in Global Perspective (SJ)
  • LANG2215 Paris: City Lights and its Contrasting Modern French Literature and Culture* (AI-L)
  • LANG2315 Today's Italy: A Journey Through Literature, Cinema and Everyday Life* (AI-L)
  • LANG2418 The Art of Spain 
  • LANG2605 Spain: A Cultural Approach (AI-L)
  • LANG3427 Contemporary Spanish American Women Novelists  (AI-L)
  • LANG3431 Contemporary Spanish Novel
  • POLSC2302 European Politics: From Transition to Integration 
  • POLSC2415  In the Footsteps of Thucydides*
  • POLSC2417 Statecraft and Globalization*
  • POLSC2419 The Geopolitics of Democracy*

Latin America

  • LANG2105 Contemporary Latin American Fiction (AI-L)
  • ENGL2417 Literature of Black Atlantic (AI-L) (LI) (DM)
  • LANG3421 Spanish Caribbean Literature (AI-L)
  • HIST2125 History of Modern Latin America (H)
  • HIST3121 Surviving Columbus: History of Native Americans, 1492 to 1992
  • HIST3225 Utopias, Dystopias and Revolution in Latin American History
  • LANG3411 Latin American Literary Giants (AI-L)
  • POLSC2301 Politics of Race and Ethnicity in Latin America and Caribbean*
  • THRS2013 Liberation Theology (RCT)

Asia

  • HIST1111 An Introduction to East Asian History (H) (HI) (DM)
  • HIST2126 History of Japan since 1600 (H) (DM)
  • HIST2401 Modern China: Continuity and Change (H) (DM)
  • HIST3404 East Asia Migration and Diaspora in Global Perspective (SJ)
  • PHYS2410/IDS2410 Sustainability Science (SI-L)
  • THRS2154 India: Religion, Culture, Justice* (R) (RI) (DM)
  • THRS2202 Hinduism (R) (RI) (DM) 
  • THRS2212 Buddhism: Beliefs and Practice (R) (DM)

Middle East

  • HIST2140 History of Modern Middle East (H) 
  • LANG2664 The Arab World Through Its Literature (AI-L) 
  • POLSC2411 The Contemporary Middle East: Challenges and Promise
  • POLSC3405 Negotiating Peace
  • POLSC3407 People and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa
  • THRS2211 Islam (R) (RI)

Africa

  • HIST1107 African History: Themes (H) (HI)

*Travel Course

At the completion of the International Studies degree, the student will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the broad-based foundation of the major in world history, culture, politics, and economics.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of international relations, conflict and change and a heightened sensitivity to diverse cultures defines international studies.
  • Demonstrate a practical application of concepts and theories of the discipline of international studies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to write clearly and effectively in the field of international studies.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of research methods and the ability to apply them to international research topics.

What can I do with a degree in international studies?

A major in international studies can lead to a variety of career paths in government, nonprofit organizations, international corporations, and more. Here are some potential career options:

  • Diplomacy and foreign service: International studies majors can work in diplomacy and foreign service, including jobs in the United Nations, the State Department, or other government agencies.
  • Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations: International studies majors can work for nonprofit organizations and humanitarian groups to help advance social and political causes, such as human rights, disaster relief, or sustainable development.
  • International business: International studies majors can work for international corporations and businesses, including jobs in marketing, international trade, or global management.
  • Journalism and media: International studies majors can work in journalism or media, reporting on international events and issues, including politics, economics, and culture.
  • Education: International studies majors can work in education, teaching and researching international relations, languages, and cultures.
  • Law: International studies majors can pursue a career in law, including international law, human rights law, or comparative law.

Overall, a major in international studies can open up many exciting career opportunities in various fields, including government, nonprofit organizations, international corporations, media, education, and law.

International studies majors should develop a range of in-demand skills to thrive in various career paths related to global affairs, diplomacy, international business, and non-profit work. Here are some essential skills for international studies majors:

Analytical Skills

  • Critical Thinking: Analyzing complex issues and developing well-informed solutions.
  • Research Skills: Conducting thorough research using various sources and methodologies.
  • Data Analysis: Interpreting quantitative and qualitative data to understand global trends and issues.

Communication Skills

  • Foreign Languages: Proficiency in one or more foreign languages to communicate effectively in diverse settings.
  • Writing Skills: Crafting clear, concise, and persuasive reports, policy briefs, and articles.
  • Oral Communication: Presenting ideas and information clearly and effectively in both formal and informal settings.
  • Cross-Cultural Communication: Understanding and respecting cultural differences to communicate and collaborate effectively across cultures.

Interpersonal Skills

  • Networking: Building and maintaining professional relationships with individuals and organizations in the field.
  • Collaboration: Working effectively in teams, often with people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
  • Negotiation: Mediating and resolving conflicts, and negotiating agreements in international contexts.

Technical Skills

  • Geopolitical Analysis: Understanding global political dynamics, international relations theories, and geopolitical trends.
  • Economic Analysis: Analyzing international economic trends, trade policies, and economic development issues.
  • Policy Analysis: Evaluating and developing policies related to international affairs, human rights, and global security.
  • Technology Proficiency: Utilizing software and tools for data analysis, research, and presentation (e.g., Microsoft Office, GIS software).

Organizational Skills

  • Project Management: Planning, executing, and managing international projects and initiatives.
  • Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently to meet deadlines.
  • Event Planning: Organizing conferences, seminars, and other events related to international studies.

Specialized Knowledge

  • International Law: Understanding international legal frameworks, treaties, and conventions.
  • Global Health: Knowledge of global health issues, policies, and interventions.
  • Human Rights: Understanding human rights principles, international human rights law, and advocacy strategies.
  • Sustainable Development: Knowledge of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and practices in international contexts.

Soft Skills

  • Adaptability: Being flexible and open to change, particularly in dynamic and unpredictable international environments.
  • Problem-Solving: Addressing complex global challenges with innovative and practical solutions.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrating awareness and appreciation of cultural differences and practices.

These skills can significantly enhance the employability and effectiveness of international studies majors in a wide range of careers, including diplomacy, international development, global health, international business, and non-profit work.
Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Along with areas of knowledge and major requirements, you will cultivate essential values in the classroom and complete two courses in each area:

  • Social Justice (SJ): Develop knowledge, skills, values and motivation to participate beneficially in activities of personal and public concern.
  • Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM): Understand the complexity of identity the historical truths of different cultural perspectives to address bias and examine contemporary social issues. 

One hundred percent of Emmanuel students complete an internship as part of the core curriculum. In a city as dynamic as Boston, your options are bound only by the limits of your curiosity.

Students in political science and international relations majors gain experience in government, policy-making and constituent services at all levels, with internships at the City of Boston, the State of Massachusetts, the U.S. Department of Commerce and more. They also intern at advocacy networks and nonprofit organizations such as One Fair Wage, The Borgen Project, Act Blue and the African Bridge Network.

In all majors, the Capstone Experience involves completing a significant piece of work that requires the integration and application of learning from multiple courses.

Students studying political science and international studies explore the intersection of research and practical experience in their senior seminar class, completing a research project on issues that tie into their internship and presenting the analysis in a senior thesis.