International Studies

The International Studies major is a secondary major that is offered concurrently with a student’s primary program of study. This program provides students with the opportunity to internationalize their major by combining special requirements to obtain the international studies major with their academic field of study. Students complete course work that integrates a senior project, demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language, and participate in an experience abroad to complete a second major in International Studies.

Courses

In addition to the courses required for the primary major, students seeking the International Studies major are required to take courses that have an international focus. These include a 15-credit core and nine credits of electives that will be chosen with the help of the student's adviser. Work or study abroad experience, as well as an integrative senior project that ties international study to the primary degree also are required.

Languages

Knowledge of a foreign language is an important part of the program. At NDSU students may study French, German, and Spanish. Additional language study is available through the Tri-College University in languages such as Japanese and Chinese. Foreign language proficiency equivalent to completion of two years of college language study is required. This requirement may be met either through appropriate course work or through a testing procedure in the Department of Modern Languages.

Experience Abroad

An important part of the International Studies major is participation in a study, work, or research experience abroad for at least 10 consecutive weeks in duration. The experience abroad must be pre-approved by the International Studies adviser. Assistance with finding an overseas study program is available in the Office of International Programs.

Selective Admission

To be eligible to participate in the International Studies major, students must have declared a primary major and maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.50. Additional information about the International Studies major and curriculum requirements are available through the department of a student’s primary academic major, the college International Studies adviser, or the Department of Modern Languages.