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International Studies, BA

International Studies Degree

Study and critically analyze global issues from various cultural, economic, geographic and political perspectives in the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies program at the University of Central Missouri. Climate change, sustainable development practices, human rights and global migration patterns are among the many topics discussed and debated.

Better understand our interconnected world with a degree in International Studies

We need individuals who are difference-makers in the world around us. By pursuing an International Studies degree at UCM, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of globally relevant issues while interacting with students and faculty from different backgrounds and cultures. International Studies students may study abroad at universities in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, where they will experience a new culture, meet new friends and establish lifelong connections.

An International Studies degree program with multiple ways to learn

Undergraduate students in the International Studies program can take all of our courses at our Warrensburg campus, but many online classes are also available. Either way, you can specialize your International Studies bachelor’s degree by choosing a concentration in:

  • Global Society and Culture
  • Human Rights, Peace and Justice
  • International Development, Trade and Diplomacy

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Choose from 3 concentrations

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Some online classes available

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Focus on 1 of 5 geographic regions

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Learn a foreign language

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Study abroad for a semester or more

What you will study

Undergraduate students in the University of Central Missouri’s International Studies bachelor’s degree program take classes in a variety of disciplines, including anthropology, geography, political science and sociology. Debate global issues from multiple perspectives as you take core courses in:

  • Culture and Society
  • Economic Geography
  • Globalization and the Future 
  • World Politics

From there, specialize your International Studies bachelor’s degree in global society and culture; human rights, peace and justice; or international development, trade and diplomacy. Then choose two classes in a range of geographic areas including courses that focus on Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America or the Middle East. 

All UCM students in the International Studies degree program are encouraged to study abroad and learn a foreign language — if they don’t know one already. Many of our undergraduate students also complete an internship locally in nearby Kansas City or overseas. 

Jobs for International Studies degree program graduates span the globe, and a UCM degree prepares you to lead wherever your career and life take you.

 

Unique learning opportunities for International Studies BA students

Gain an awareness of the diversity, complexity and interdependence of the world community. Our International Studies bachelor’s degree program provides a global perspective through:

  • Study abroad: UCM International Studies majors may choose to study abroad for a semester or more at a university in Spain, Germany or Japan — among many others. Shorter study tours allow students to visit and explore cities in Jordan and Israel, Cuba, Peru and Tanzania. Immerse yourself in a new culture, practice your foreign language skills and take courses that count toward your major. UCM also has study abroad funding for students to help pay for some of your travel expenses. 
  • International students: UCM hosts students studying abroad from countries around the world. International Studies majors may participate in the English Cafe events organized by the Center for Global Education where they’ll meet and talk to students from India, Japan, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and Sweden — to name just a few.
  • Model United Nations: Practice your diplomacy skills and participate in conference simulations of United Nations meetings, where you will work with delegates from other universities to develop possible solutions to international security, economic and humanitarian issues. 
  • Internships: As an undergraduate student in UCM’s International Studies degree program, you may gain real-world experience working as an intern for an international organization or government program — locally in Kansas City or abroad — for college credit toward your International Studies bachelor’s degree. International Studies majors have interned with Water.org, the Department of Homeland Security, the Missouri State Legislature and the International Relations Council of Kansas City, among others.

 

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from UCM?

Jobs for International Studies degree program graduates from UCM are as exciting as they are diverse. Our alumni work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, university administrative and global education offices, as well as international schools teaching English as a second language.

Discover possible careers in International Studies

An International Studies B.A. prepares you for a variety of rewarding career pathways. Learn more about career options for International Studies degree program graduates, as well as potential salaries, using the tool below.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for UCM’s International Studies degree program

Pursuing an International Studies bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Missouri is an investment in your future, but we still keep college costs low. Our tuition rates are competitive with other schools in the Midwest, and we have several ways to finance your college education

In addition to university-wide scholarships, students in our bachelor’s degree in International Studies program may qualify for exclusive scholarships such as:

  • Center for Global Education Study Abroad Grant
  • Global Vision Study Abroad Scholarship
  • Political Science and International Students Scholarship
  • Sawyer-Stevenson Scholarship

You can learn more about program-specific scholarships with the .

 

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Take your degree further.

Expertise in specialty areas is important in our ever-changing global workforce. Enhance your bachelor’s degree in International Studies with the following graduate programs at UCM:

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Make yourself more marketable.

Get the most from your undergraduate education by adding a minor to your International Studies B.A. Some popular options at UCM include:

The UCM International Studies facility

Explore programs in this exciting field of study.

Not sure that a bachelor’s degree in International Studies is right for you? Check out these other undergraduate programs at UCM:

 

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