International Studies

International Studies is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on social transformation and innovative responses to seemingly intractable global problems. International Studies students learn to:

• Think across disciplines
• Move between the the local and the global
• Be mindful of the realities of human lives at the center of our investigations

One of UNCW's strategic goals is to "Create an educational environment that prepares our students to be global citizens." Students are prepared to face these global issues and help create a more just and equitable world.

However, preparing students to be competitive in the global workforce is equally as important. Occupations and professions in a variety of settings increasingly emphasize global knowledge, skills and experience.

The International Studies major is designed specifically to meet these goals by offering an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree that provides a distinctive international learning experience for UNCW students. The integrative program curriculum will provide students with:

• A focus on a particular international theme or geographic area of concentration
• Exposure to other cultures, people, and places
• An understanding of one's own culture from international perspectives
• A deeper appreciation of the global society.

B.A. in International Studies

International Studies Minor

Thematic

An international perspective recognizes that many issues cross borders and continents. Therefore, students can concentrate their studies on various global themes:

• Art and Literature
• Globalization
• The Environment
• International Education

Regional

Students may also concentrate their studies on the politics, economics, languages, cultures, literatures of a particular region of the world. The thematic concentrations include:

• Africa
• Asia
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East
• North America (for international students only)

Find Concentration information

Helpful Forms for Current Students

Here is how to declare International Studies as your major or minor. If you have any questions, email, phone, or drop by the International Studies office to talk to the department chair or administrative associate. 

How to Declare a Major