International Studies, B.A.

Saint Louis University's undergraduate degree in international studies is offered through the College of Arts and Science's political science department. The program provides students the opportunity to focus both on world regions and a specific topic or theme, including arts and culture, environment and health, economics and development or war and peace.

Additional program highlights include:

• A wide variety of courses will fulfill program requirements, from economics, political science and sociology to art history, philosophy and theology.
• As part of a degree program, students will demonstrate proficiency in a modern language and complete a capstone experience.
• Students also have the opportunity to study abroad and participate in international internships.

Curriculum Overview

The international studies major requires 36 credits, and the curriculum includes the following requirements:

Students must demonstrate proficiency in a second language and complete required courses in international politics, international economics and cultural anthropology.

Beyond required courses, students will study world regions (Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America or the Middle East) and complete nine credits of coursework as well as a thematic focus (arts and culture, environment and health, economics and development or war and peace) and complete nine credits of coursework related to that topic. A list of applicable courses will be published before each semester.

Students will also complete an internship, field research experience or elective course. Finally, all students must complete a 3-credit capstone seminar.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Although not required, students are encouraged to study and complete internships abroad. The international studies program includes a field research course that enables students to design and conduct research projects relevant to their program of study.

Students can study abroad at SLU’s Madrid campus or any of the nearly 40 SLU-affiliated programs on six continents. Students can also gain practical experience in their field through an international internship that complements their major.

Careers

An undergraduate degree in international studies prepares students for a global career and can make students more attractive to future employers. Some examples of fields where a degree in international studies can be beneficial include:

• Foreign service and diplomacy
• Private business and consulting in finance, technology, energy, etc.
• NGOs and nonprofits
• International organizations and law
• Public health
• Migration
• Education, academia and research
• Environment and climate change
• National defense and intelligence

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will be able to analyze cultural, economic, political and social aspects of contemporary international issues.
2. Graduates will be able to describe how culture and national identity affect a person’s perspectives.
3. Graduates will be able to apply a variety of methodologies to answer empirical questions about international phenomena.
4. Graduates will be able to assess analytical arguments.
5. Graduates will be able to assemble evidence from reliable sources to support their arguments.
6. Graduates will be able to estimate the global or transnational impact of local actions.
7. Graduates will be able to apply their knowledge of international phenomena to engage effectively as global citizens.

International studies students must complete a minimum of 36 credits for the major.

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Fluency in a language other than English can substitute for this requirement (as demonstrated via standard language proficiency protocols of the College of Arts and Sciences).  Student's who meet this requirement without taking a class will add one ISTD elective to meet the 36 hour requirement of the major.

World Regions

Thematic Focus

Study Abroad

International studies majors are encouraged to study abroad. The program director will work closely with them to locate courses in study abroad programs that will fulfill international studies requirements.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA in the major.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
• Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
• Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate and/or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate, or related elective credits.
• Complete department-/program-specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Students can complete all or part of the international studies degree at SLU-Madrid.

Learn More

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. 

International Studies, B.A. (STLCC 2+SLU)